Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a collective of over 1,200 architects, designers, engineers, and planners working across studios in London, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Hong Kong, Melbourne, Riyadh and Dubai.
We are seeking a talented Architectural Designer to join the SOM London Studio with a strong design voice eager to contribute to ambitious, global projects and grow within a highly collaborative, design-driven environment.
At the forefront of transformative architecture, SOM is guided by a shared commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and innovation. Our open studio culture empowers ideas to thrive across architecture, engineering, and urban design.
Your ImpactAs a key contributor within project teams, you will support the development of design ideas from early concept through delivery working closely with senior designers, project leaders, and interdisciplinary collaborators.
You Will:
Contribute to the design process across all project phases, from concept design through documentation and delivery.
Develop design ideas through drawings, models, visualisations, and presentations with a strong focus on quality and clarity.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to resolve design challenges and support coordinated project outcomes.
Participate in design reviews and critiques, contributing thoughtful input and creative problem-solving.
Assist in the preparation of client presentations and design narratives that clearly communicate intent.
Support a collaborative, inclusive, and design-led studio culture.
An architectural designer with 3–7 years of professional experience, ideally on complex or large-scale projects.
Professionally qualified or progressing toward qualification (RIBA Part III or international equivalent).
Strong design sensibility with excellent graphic, conceptual, and technical skills.
Proficient in relevant design and documentation tools (e.g. Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite).
Passionate about sustainable, high-performance architecture and innovation in design.
A clear communicator and engaged collaborator, eager to learn and grow within a global practice.
As part of our international studio network, you’ll collaborate across offices, disciplines, and cultures, engaging with diverse perspectives to deliver design excellence on a global scale.
We don’t just offer a role, we will help you define your own career framework. We will support your growth as a design leader through mentorship, global exposure, and access to the firm's most forward-thinking leadership. At SOM your ambition is matched by opportunity, and your ideas have a platform to influence the built environment at every scale.
Portfolio & CV MandatoryAt 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.
Skills Required
- 3-7 years of professional experience in architecture
- Qualified or progressing toward qualification (RIBA Part III or equivalent)
- Proficient in design and documentation tools
- Strong design, graphic and technical skills
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and has not been reviewed or approved by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is considered solid for the industry, including medical, dental, vision, and access to telehealth services and a One Medical membership. Feedback suggests these offerings add meaningful value to the overall package.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-focused supports such as paid family leave, hybrid/flexible schedules, and subsidized backup child and elder care are highlighted across postings. Feedback suggests these elements help support work–life needs.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Professional growth is supported through reimbursement for licenses/exams and structured in-house development and mentoring. Many view prestige projects and strong learning as part of the total reward.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Insights
What We Do
A global collective of architects, designers, engineers, and planners building a better future. Named No. 1 on Architizer's 2024 list of "Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States," an #Equality100 company by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, and a Woman-forward Workplace finalist by Crain's New York Business in 2023







