Design Architect

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 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 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: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

For more about SOM: www.som.com

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 you for your Resume or CV.