Design Architect

Design Architect

Application Date: 2026-10-10

Location: The Borough, Greater London, GB, SE1 1

Company: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill

Application Deadline: 2027-01-08 11:01:42.907

Position Overview

SOM London is looking for a hands-on Associate Designer with 8+ years' experience to lead design on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design. Design direction at SOM evolves collaboratively; the role is to recognize where it's going, sharpen it, and hold the cadence that keeps teams moving with clarity and consistency. This is a senior studio role built around staying close to the work and leading through the design itself. It is not a Design Management role.

The Role

• Lead and sustain design direction on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design


• Recognise and strengthen emerging design ideas, and help test and communicate them


• Set the cadence across teams with clarity, momentum and consistency


• Lead teams and workstreams while staying hands-on in the design itself


• Build design narratives connecting concept, context, programme, structure, material and experience


• Shape presentations with a strong editorial eye and persuasive visual storytelling


• Translate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural, environmental and material strategies


• Guide senior clients and collaborators through complex design decisions


• Lead interdisciplinary reviews and maintain design quality


• Work closely with clients, consultants and SOM's global studios


• Mentor designers and contribute to studio culture


• Contribute to competitions, pitches and new business


• Help shape the wider creative direction of SOM London

Experience

• At least 8 years leading architectural design


• A clear record of developing concepts for large, complex projects through schematic design


• Experience leading teams, projects or significant design workstreams


• Strong judgement across form, programme, structure, material, environmental performance and context


• Ability to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and presentations


• Experience advising senior clients and guiding interdisciplinary teams


• A record of mentoring designers and contributing positively to studio culture


• Professional registration mandatory

Portfolio Guidance

Should clearly identify your individual contributions and show design leadership through a project's development from concept to schematic design. Final renders or completed project photography alone won't be enough. You'll help shape major international projects, working alongside leading architects and engineers, and contribute to the continued growth of the London studio.

Why SOM London

SOM London is a design-led studio working across disciplines, cultures and project types. We operate in the UK, Europe, India, and the Middle East. The role offers the opportunity to join a thriving studio with a rich culture, shape major projects, work with leading architects and engineers, and build a distinct design voice within a global practice. At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, firm, and community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

For more about SOM: Website details not included in the instructions

Portfolio Submission

Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks for your Resume or CV.

Additional Details

• Location: London


• Type: Full time

#s1-Gen

SOM London is looking for a hands-on Associate Designer with 8+ years' experience to lead design on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design. Design direction at SOM evolves collaboratively, the role is to recognise where it's going, sharpen it, and hold the cadence that keeps teams moving with clarity and consistency. This is a senior studio role built around staying close to the work and leading through the design itself. Its not a Design Management role.The RoleLead and sustain design direction on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic designRecognise and strengthen emerging design ideas, and help test and communicate themSet the cadence across teams with clarity, momentum and consistencyLead teams and workstreams while staying hands-on in the design itselfBuild design narratives connecting concept, context, programme, structure, material and experienceShape presentations with a strong editorial eye and persuasive visual
storytellingTranslate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural, environmental and material strategiesGuide senior clients and collaborators through complex design decisionsLead interdisciplinary reviews and maintain design qualityWork closely with clients, consultants and SOM's global studiosMentor designers and contribute to studio cultureContribute to competitions, pitches and new businessHelp shape the wider creative direction of SOM LondonExperienceAt least 8 years leading architectural designA clear record of developing concepts for large, complex projects through schematic designExperience leading teams, projects or significant design workstreamsStrong judgement across form, programme, structure, material, environmental performance and contextAbility to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and presentationsExperience advising senior clients and guiding interdisciplinary teamsA record of mentoring designers and contributing positively to studio cultureProfessional
registration mandatoryPortfolio Guidance Should clearly identify your individual contributions and show design leadership through a project's development from concept to schematic design. Final renders or completed project photography alone won't be enough. You'll help shape major international projects, working alongside leading architects and engineers, and contribute to the continued growth of the London studio.Why SOM LondonSOM London is a design-led studio working across disciplines, cultures and project types. We are inter-disciplinary and work independently in the UK, Europe, India and the Middle East. The role offers the opportunity to join a thriving studio with a rich culture, shape major projects, working with leading architects and engineers and build a distinct design voice within a global practice. At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and
challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline:For more about SOM: www.som.comPortfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc).Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.SummaryLocation: LondonType: Full time