Senior Design Architect: Lead on Large-Scale Projects Job Birmingham area,England UK,Design & Architecture

Design Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
• London

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 work streams 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 work streams
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.

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