Senior Architectural Designer – Front‑End Design

About the role

SOM London is seeking a hands‑on front‑end designer with at least six years of experience to lead large, complex architectural projects from concept through schematic design. The role blends design authorship with team leadership, requiring strong visual storytelling and the ability to translate ideas into clear spatial, structural and material solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead large‑scale projects from first principles through schematic design.
• Generate, test and communicate compelling architectural concepts.
• Develop clear design narratives that integrate concept, context, programme and experience.
• Produce presentations with strong editorial direction, visual hierarchy and persuasive storytelling.
• Guide interdisciplinary teams, translating design ambition into coherent spatial, structural and material strategies.
• Collaborate closely with clients, consultants and SOM’s global studios.
• Mentor junior designers and foster a culture of design authorship.

Required profile

• Minimum six years of experience leading design, not just project delivery.
• Proven record of originating and developing architectural concepts through schematic design.
• Strong judgement across form, programme, structure, material and context.
• Ability to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and well‑crafted presentations.
• Experience presenting design ideas to senior clients and collaborators.
• Professional registration preferred.

Required skills