At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.
Success at SOM Means
- Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
- Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
- Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
- Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
- Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
- Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.
Position Summary
The Project Architect oversees the development of the design of a project along with the production of construction documentation within the established scope of work, program, and budget objectives. The Project Architect has a project-focused view; and together with the Senior Designer, Technical Designer, and/or Project Manager (where applicable), is the co-leader of the project. Depending on the scale or complexity of the project, the Project Architect may take on some Project Management responsibilities, including acting as the primary point of contact for the owner/client, and the full project team, inclusive of consultants.
Position Responsibilities
- Actively leads the Architectural Project Team in all phases to achieve design, technical, and financial success. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a project level.
- Contributes to the design direction and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects 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. Supports the Technical Architect in the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies and effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
- Manages a collaborative relationship with consultants and knowledge resources to ensure that deliverables are coordinated, integrated, and support the performance goals of the project.
- 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 the production resources and schedules of documentation and presentations. When appropriate, produces presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, specifications, renderings, physical models, and animations. Documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.
- Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.
- Remains committed to working within the established project budgets and schedules.
- Manages time and workload of own work efforts and those of the team to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with interaction and direction from Associate Principals and/or Principals while guiding and teaching less experienced staff. Leads and guides the project team in identifying the appropriate follow-up process to address action items during all project phases.
- 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 with oversight from Associate Principals and/or Principals, 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.
- 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.
- Works with Lead Designer to archive all final and preferred drawings, renderings, and photos for future use.
- Actively participates in local and firm-wide Design and 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.
Minimum 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.
Our 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: Inquire about our approach to flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.
Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development.
Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $100,000 - $130,000.
Our Culture:
Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.
We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.
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 positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, 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.
Top Skills
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
