Design Architect

Position Summary

The Designer will lead design delivery for projects within the established scope of work, program and budget. Working with the Technical Designer, Project Manager and/or Project Architect, the Designer co‑leads the project from concept through design development, producing design deliverables that communicate a clear narrative and conceptual framework to internal and external stakeholders.

• Contribute to design direction and innovation, advancing architectural projects through all phases in alignment with the firm’s goals and scope of work.
• Integrate criteria and input from all disciplines into comprehensive design solutions.
• Maintain quality standards for design and work products for the full internal and external team.
• Understand local parameters, codes and regulations relevant to the project.
• Oversee and lead design, programmatic, contextual and cultural research and analysis.
• Propose and assess materials and finishes for the project.
• Lead design documentation, including drawings, sketches, physical models, renderings and animations for internal and external meetings and milestone deliverables.
• Draft a comprehensive design narrative informing the client and other disciplines about design intent, and contribute to publications and business development initiatives.
• Support the production of technical specifications for the project.
• Communicate design goals to the project team on a regular basis.
• Foster positive relationships with clients and the design community.
• Work within established project budgets, schedules and work plans.
• Assist construction phase services, including periodic site visits, visual mock‑up review, and review of shop drawings for design intent.
• Attend and present in owner/architect design meetings, review and approve meeting minutes, and facilitate weekly internal project team meetings.
• Coordinate with IT, Marketing and Records Management to archive final and preferred drawings, renderings and photos.
• Participate actively in local and firm‑wide Design Review Meetings and contribute to the advancement of activities led by these groups.

• Actively lead a project team, including direct supervision, training and mentoring of team members.
• Engage in talent strategy by reviewing resumes and conducting interviews to identify specialists, leaders and future professionals for the firm.
• Demonstrate leadership in implementing sustainable strategies on all project assignments, and in developing staff knowledge.
• Create and drive new ways of working by contributing to the development of services, standards and procedures that protect the firm from financial and legal risk.

• Professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Licensed Architect (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.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite and Google Workspace.

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life & accident insurance.
• 401(k) matching, pre‑tax spending accounts and employee discount programs.
• Hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.
• Professional development reimbursement for licenses, renewals, exam fees and in‑house career development.
• Compensation range: $95,000 to $120,000, based on experience, qualifications, location and education.

SOM is a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our workforce.

All design and project management applicants must submit a portfolio (10‑20 pages, PDF up to 5MB). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.