Associate - Design Architect

SOM, one of the most influential design firms in the world, is seeking innovative, creative, independent, and critical thinkers who aspire to the highest standards of excellence. Join our collaborative design practice as an Associate, Design Architect for the opportunity to build a strong and thriving career.

Required skills and expertise:

● 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 demonstrable 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.

● Experience of team leadership.
● Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite and Google Workspace.

Position Responsibilities
● Contributes to the design direction and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects through all phases 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 design and work products for the full internal and external team.
● Possesses a working understanding of the local parameters and criteria for the project, including relevant local codes. Oversees and leads the design, programmatic, contextual, and cultural research and analysis required for the project.
● Proposes and assesses materials and finishes for the project.
● Leads design documentation including but not limited to drawings, sketches, physical models, renderings, and animations for regular internal and external meetings and milestone deliverables. Design documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.
● Drafts a comprehensive design narrative for the project that will inform the client and other disciplines about the design intent, as well as contribute to publications and business development initiatives. Supports the production of the technical specifications for the project.
● Communicates the design goals to the project team on a regular basis.
● Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.
● Remains committed to working within the established project budgets, schedules and work plans.
● When applicable, supports the team’s construction phase services scope including making periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and identifying areas needing correction and/or
modification; attending visual mockup review; and assisting the Technical Designer in reviewing shop drawings for design intent.
● Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings. Reviews and approves meeting minutes.
● Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.
● Works with IT, Marketing, and Records Management to archive all final and preferred drawings, renderings, and photos for future use.
● Actively participates in local and firm-wide Design Review 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.

SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.

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 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.