Senior Technical Designer/Senior Technical Architect

SOM•San Francisco, CA

23h•$90,000 - $120,000

About The Position

SOM seeks a Senior Technical Designer/Senior Technical Architect to lead distinct portions of projects with periodic supervision from Project Leadership. The role combines technical design, project coordination, communication, and team leadership, applying advanced knowledge of architectural materials, systems, specifications, codes, details, and construction techniques to develop and document design work across project phases. The position contributes to project planning and delivery, collaborates with consultants and clients, mentors less experienced staff, and supports sustainable strategies and the development of firm standards. Candidates must hold a professional degree in Architecture or a related field, have at least six years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge and skills, and be a licensed Architect with current regional registration. Compensation typically ranges from $90,000 to $120,000, based on experience, qualifications, location, and education. Applicants for design and project management positions must submit a portfolio as one PDF attachment, 10–20 pages and no more than 5 MB, with their resume or CV.

Requirements

Professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
At least 6 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Licensed Architect with current registration in the applicable region.
Strong proficiency in Revit, BIM, and AutoCAD.
Advanced knowledge of architectural building systems, Construction Types I, II, and IV, sustainability, and integrated design.
Advanced knowledge of building codes and the ability to research and apply code requirements in technical construction documents.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and other graphic software.
Proficiency in various types of construction management and related software.
LEED accreditation.

Responsibilities

Lead distinct portions of a project with periodic supervision by Project Leadership, demonstrating initiative, process innovation, problem solving, sound decision-making, and precision.
Produce, coordinate, and/or oversee presentation and contract deliverables, including diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models, and animations.
Communicate effectively and in a timely, appropriate manner with project teams, consultants, and clients through written, oral, and visual means.
Create and innovate with strong conceptual design ability, integrating interdisciplinary criteria to advance portions of large projects or entire small-scale projects.
Collaborate with project, consultant, and client teams by critically and constructively evaluating ideas, and contribute to the studio and office.
Apply knowledge of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details, and construction techniques to enrich design concepts and document projects at all phases.
Proactively check and coordinate project documents, including drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, and specifications, for compliance with technical requirements.
Manage personal workload and the work of others to meet project deadlines and commitments; guide and teach less experienced staff.
Lead by example, mentor and train staff, define team expectations and responsibilities, empower others, and delegate appropriately.
Develop or manage, with team members, a clear and consistent work plan for achieving project budget, deliverables, and schedule.
Participate in internal and external professional development opportunities.
Contribute to sustainable strategies on project assignments and develop staff knowledge of sustainability.
Contribute to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.
Protect SOM from financial and legal risk.