Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Project Architect

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), San Francisco

Save Job

Join to apply for the Project Architect role at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Project Architect role at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global ﬁrm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.
Success at SOM Means

Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the ﬁrm.
Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the ﬁrm.
Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Summary
The Project Architect oversees the development of the design of a project along with the production of construction documentation within the established scope of work, program, and budget objectives. The Project Architect has a project-focused view; and together with the Senior Designer, Technical Designer, and/or Project Manager (where applicable), is the co-leader of the project. Depending on the scale or complexity of the project, the Project Architect may take on some Project Management responsibilities, including acting as the primary point of contact for the owner/client, and the full project team, inclusive of consultants.
Position Responsibilities

Actively leads the Architectural Project Team in all phases to achieve design, technical, and ﬁnancial success. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a project level.
Contributes to the design direction and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects 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 documentation products for the full internal and external team. Supports the Technical Architect in the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of building materials, systems, speciﬁcations, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies and effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
Manages a collaborative relationship with consultants and knowledge resources to ensure that deliverables are coordinated, integrated, and support the performance goals of the project.
Collaborates with the SOM High Performance Design Group in tracking energy, water, and carbon use intensities on a project and provides documentation for AIA 2030 reporting.
Leads the production resources and schedules of documentation and presentations. When appropriate, produces presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, speciﬁcations, renderings, physical models, and animations. Documentation should be consistent with ﬁrm standards for the publication and presentation of work.
Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.
Remains committed to working within the established project budgets and schedules.
Manages time and workload of own work efforts and those of the team to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with interaction and direction from Associate Principals and/or Principals while guiding and teaching less experienced staff. Leads and guides the project team in identifying the appropriate follow-up process to address action items during all project phases.
When required, works with the Digital Design Coordinator to implement the computer management program for the project.
Leads the team’s construction phase services scope with oversight from Associate Principals and/or Principals, including making periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and identifying areas needing correction and/or modiﬁcation; attending visual and performance mockup review; and reviewing shop drawings for design intent.
Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings. Reviews and approves meeting minutes.
Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.
Works with Lead Designer to archive all ﬁnal and preferred drawings, renderings, and photos for future use.
Actively participates in local and ﬁrm-wide Design and Technical 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.

Minimum Qualiﬁcations

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 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.
Demonstrates proﬁciency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace.

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.
Our Benefits
Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development
Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $100,000 to $140,000.
Our Culture
Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.
We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.
For more about SOM: 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.

Seniority level

Seniority level
Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type
Full-time

Job function

Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries
Architecture and Planning, Design Services, and Civil Engineering

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Project Architect” roles.

Oakland, CA $75,000.00-$80,000.00 1 day ago

Oakland, CA $85,100.00-$128,800.00 9 months ago

San Francisco, CA $40.86-$45.67 7 hours ago

San Francisco, CA $40.86-$45.67 2 days ago

San Francisco, CA $97,000.00-$129,200.00 14 hours ago

San Francisco, CA $75,000.00-$85,000.00 3 months ago

San Francisco, CA $68,640.00-$95,160.00 2 weeks ago

San Francisco, CA $115,833.00-$134,791.00 3 weeks ago

San Francisco, CA $100,000.00-$150,000.00 2 days ago

Emeryville, CA $80,000.00-$110,000.00 1 day ago

San Francisco, CA $73,073.00-$120,049.00 9 hours ago