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. Responsibilities 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. Leadership Responsibilities 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. Minimum Qualifications 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. Benefits 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. Equal Opportunity & Diversity SOM is a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our workforce. Portfolio Requirements 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)