Senior Technical Designer/Senior Technical Architect

Skidmore Owings & Merrill • San Francisco, CA

7d

About The Position

SOM is seeking a Senior Technical Designer/Senior Technical Architect to lead distinct portions of projects, with periodic supervision from Project Leadership. The role combines conceptual design, technical expertise, project documentation, coordination, and team leadership. The successful candidate applies advanced knowledge of architectural materials, systems, specifications, codes, details, and construction techniques to develop and document design solutions across project phases.

The position requires close collaboration with project teams, consultants, and clients, as well as mentoring and guiding less experienced staff. The role also contributes to sustainable design strategies, staff development, firm standards and procedures, and the protection of SOM from financial and legal risk. Compensation typically ranges from $90,000 to $120,000, based on experience, qualifications, location, and education.

Applicants must submit a portfolio for this design and project management position. It should be one PDF, 10–20 pages, and no larger than 5 MB; applications without work samples will not be reviewed.

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 ability to research and apply them 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 software.
• LEED accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Lead distinct portions of projects with periodic supervision from Project Leadership.
• Demonstrate initiative, process innovation, problem-solving, and sound decision-making, with attention to precision and accuracy.
• Produce, coordinate, and/or oversee presentation and contract deliverables, including diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models, and animations.
• Communicate with project teams, consultants, and clients through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Develop conceptual design and integrate 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.
• Contribute to and participate in the studio and office.
• Apply technical strategies to design concepts and use appropriate tools to design and document work at all project phases.
• Check and coordinate project documents, including drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, and specifications, for compliance with technical requirements.
• Manage own workload and that of others to meet project task 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 and/or manage a clear and consistent work plan with team members to meet project budget, deliverables, and schedule.
• Participate in internal and external professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to sustainable strategies in project assignments and to staff knowledge development.
• Contribute to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.
• Protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior