Technical Architect

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K matching

Paid family leave

Paid vacation

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is seeking a Technical Designer to drive technical innovation and ensure the quality of architectural projects. This role involves significant leadership throughout all project phases, from design development to construction administration.

The ideal candidate will possess a professional degree in Architecture, have at least 8 years of experience, and be proficient in software tools such as Revit and AutoCAD. The position is located in San Francisco, California.

Benefit offerings include health insurance, 401K matching, paid family leave, and professional development reimbursements.

Qualifications

• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience with relevant skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads technical innovation, integration, and documentation for architectural projects.
• Manages quality control procedures and timely reviews.
• Fosters relationships with clients and design communities.

Skills

Revit

AutoCAD

Rhino

Adobe Suite

Google Workspace

Sustainable strategies

Leadership

Education

Professional degree in Architecture or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Technical Designer is responsible for the technical innovation, integration, documentation, and execution of the architectural and engineering design intent in conformance with the established scope of work, program, and budget objectives. Together with the Senior Designer, Project Manager, and/or Project Architect, the Technical Designer is the day‑to‑day co‑leader of the project in all project phases, with significant responsibilities in the Design Development through Construction Administration phases. The Technical Designer leads code review and analysis, material and systems research, specifications coordination, and construction documentation. They manage quality control procedures and timely reviews through all phases of the project.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the technical resolution and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects through all phases that are consistent with the scope of work and goals of the firm.
• Integrates criteria and input from all disciplines into design solutions.
• Communicates and maintains standards of quality for documentation products for the full internal and external team.
• Leads the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.
• Leads the research, review, and analysis of applicable codes.
• Provides code parameters and restrictions early in the design process.
• Proposes and assesses construction and building systems.
• Where a Project Architect is not present, collaborates with the SOM High Performance Design Group in tracking energy, water, and carbon use intensities on a project and provides documentation for AIA 2030 reporting.
• Leads design and construction documentation including but not limited to vignettes, animations, drawings and specifications.
• Construction documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.
• Develops, coordinates, and reviews the technical specifications for the project.
• Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.
• Remains committed to working within the established project budgets and schedules.
• When required, works with the Digital Design Coordinator to implement the computer management program for the project.
• Leads the team’s construction phase services scope including making periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and identifying areas needing correction and/or modification; attending visual and performance mockup review; and reviewing shop drawings for design intent.
• Participates in the interview and selection process of contractors, where appropriate.
• Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings.
• Reviews and approves meeting minutes.
• Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.
• Actively participates in local and firm-wide Technical Meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of activities led by these groups.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively leads a project team.
• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.
• Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.
• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
• Savings: 401K matching, pre‑tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
• Work/Life Balance: flexibility, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
• Professional Development: reimbursements for licenses, renewals, exam fees, and in‑house career development
• Compensation: $100,000 to $140,000

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.