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. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation. Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact. Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment. Learn more about our commitment to climate action. Working at SOM Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas. Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges. Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups. SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession. Our Benefits Our comprehensive benefits package is built to support many facets of your well-being—your health, your financial future, and your continued professional growth. We offer medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance. We also offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off. We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and offer specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise. Notice to Applicants 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. Learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline here.

more at Som.

16 Jun, 2025

Som

Designer - Structural Engineering

Design

$75k–90k/yr

Chicago, United States of America

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