Full-Time
Intermediate Designer
Architecture
Posted on 5/9/2026
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Compensation Overview
$63k - $72k/yr
Chicago, IL, USA
In Person
Hybrid work is mentioned in benefits, but no specific on-site days are stated.
 Architecture & Civil Engineering (1) |
|---|
- Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Professional licensure process is in progress; LEED accreditation preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and Adobe Suite.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace.
- Contributes to the development of distinct portions of a project with regular supervision by Project Leadership. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task-specific level.
- Produces and coordinates presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models and animations.
- Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
- Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability. Integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the design of a portion of a project.
- Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
- Demonstrates an intermediate understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies. Effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
- Manages time and workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments with regular interaction and direction from Project Leadership. Shares knowledge with less experienced staff.
Company Size
N/A
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1936
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Alatau 272m tower becomes tallest in southern Kazakhstan by 2029.
- Milan Olympic Village finishes 30 days early using sustainable mass timber.
- N'Djili Airport scales to 9.1 million passengers by 2050.
What critics are saying
- Zaha Hadid splits Alatau design credit, diluting SOM visibility.
- Kazakhstan quakes halt Alatau construction in 24-36 months.
- Kinshasa instability stalls N'Djili project in 6-12 months.
What makes Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) unique
- SOM translates Trans-Ili Alatau mountains into faceted tower massing.
- SOM designs interdisciplinary 200,000 sq ft science complexes for Colby College.
- SOM pioneers mass timber Olympic Village convertible to student housing.
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People at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Parental Leave
Childcare Support
Elder Care Support
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Paid Vacation
Professional Development Budget
Company News
Cayan Tower: the twisting icon of Dubai Marina. March 25, 2026 Cayan Tower, originally named Infinity Tower, is a landmark residential skyscraper located in Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates. Completed on 10 June 2013, the tower rises to a height of 306.4 meters and consists of 73 floors above ground and 5 below. Developed by Cayan Real Estate Investment & Development, it was designed and structurally engineered by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with Arabtec serving as the main contractor. At the time of its completion, Cayan Tower became the tallest high-rise building in the world with a full 90-degree twist, surpassing Sweden's Turning Torso, and instantly became one of the most recognizable residential towers in Dubai. The tower's signature twist is achieved through a careful rotation of each floor plate by 1.2° around a central core, resulting in a smooth, continuous spiral from base to crown. This innovative approach not only creates a visually striking architectural form but also reduces wind loads along the building's height, enhancing structural performance. The twist gives residents unobstructed views of the Dubai Marina, the Arabian Gulf, and the Palm Jumeirah, ensuring that every apartment enjoys a unique perspective of the surrounding cityscape. Inside, apartments feature modern finishes, including reconstituted wooden flooring, synthetic marble countertops, and high-quality kitchen fixtures. The exterior incorporates titanium-colored metal panels and staggered screen panels designed to reduce direct sunlight penetration and enhance comfort for residents. A five-story underground parking garage supports the building, complementing its high-end residential amenities. Construction of Cayan Tower began in August 2006 but encountered a major challenge in February 2007 when the site was flooded due to a breach in the Dubai Marina retaining wall. After addressing the flooding, construction resumed in July 2008 and progressed steadily, leading to the tower's successful completion in 2013. The engineering required meticulous coordination to ensure that the reinforced concrete core, perimeter columns, and floor plates all accommodated the continuous rotation while maintaining structural stability. Since its opening, Cayan Tower has stood as a benchmark in geometric high-rise design and a symbol of Dubai's architectural innovation. Its twisting silhouette has become a defining feature of the Marina waterfront, drawing attention from architects, engineers, and residents alike. As a fusion of aesthetic daring and structural ingenuity, Cayan Tower remains a celebrated example of modern residential skyscraper design and a landmark of Dubai's ever-evolving skyline. Published March 25, 2026 March 27, 2023 March 28, 2023 May 1, 2023 May 2, 2023
Mountain-Inspired skyline: SOM's Alatau masterpiece. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has designed a mixed-use tower complex in Alatau, Kazakhstan, serving as the architectural and economic centerpiece of the city's central business district. The Iconic Complex is part of the Gateway District masterplan, a dense urban quarter planned as a walkable, transit-oriented center. The project spans approximately 276,800 square meters, organized around two distinctive towers that frame the entrance to the district. The composition functions as a vertical district, housing offices, residences, hospitality, retail, and cultural spaces. The primary tower rises to approximately 272 meters, making it the tallest structure in the Almaty region. Inspiration from the Surroundings The architectural concept draws inspiration from the surrounding Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, translating the region's stratified geological formations into the massing and geometry of the towers. The design articulates faceted surfaces and stepped forms, echoing the layered terrain of the mountains. Key Features The complex includes: - Class-A office space - Premium residential apartments - Luxury hotel and branded residences - Retail, entertainment venues, and cultural facilities - Large central atria for natural daylight and views - High-performance façade systems for environmental efficiency Urban Significance The Iconic Complex plays a strategic urban role, marking the entrance to Alatau's financial and business district. It's part of a city planned to develop through 2050, expected to be the administrative and economic nucleus of the new urban center. Image Courtesy: SOM
BrightTower to relocate headquarters to Rudin's 41 Madison. March 9, 2026 Investment Bank Taking Full Floor at Rudin's 41 Madison Office Tower Rudin, a full-service real estate organization and one of New York City's largest private owners, operators and developers of first-class real estate, today announced BrightTower will relocate its headquarters to 41 Madison Avenue, Rudin's office tower located on Madison Square Park, in the heart of Midtown South's Flatiron District. In an expansion of its current footprint, BrightTower will occupy 13,857 square feet across the entire 32nd floor. A NYC-based investment bank focused on M&A advisory services, capital raising and debt capital markets, BrightTower will relocate from its current space in the second quarter of 2026. "BrightTower's decision to establish their global headquarters at 41 Madison speaks to the continued strength of our ownership and the vitality of the Midtown South market," said Robert Steinman, Senior Vice President of Office Leasing at Rudin. "Delivering exemplary workspaces in Manhattan's most dynamic and accessible neighborhoods has always been core to our business, and it's what continues to attract a roster of top-tier companies." Opened in 1974, Rudin recently completed a transformation of the 42-story, 560,000 square-foot modern glass and steel tower overlooking Madison Square Park. Rudin's large-scale renovation to 41 Madison included a reimagined lobby designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, as well as a lounge, and an event and conference space. The reimagined lobby features marble flooring, pearlescent glass wall panels and a luminous ceiling lit by energy-efficient LEDs, which complement the original Travertine wall panels that remain on the elevator cores. The building also now features an elegant glass entrance, a new reception area and redesigned elevator cabs. All tenants at 41 Madison have access to the new meeting and event venue managed by Arch Amenities Group. It redefines the office workspace and offers customized and serviced events. 41 Madison is WiredScore Platinum and utilizes Nantum AI, the world's most advanced building operating system. Nantum AI focuses on using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, decrease carbon emissions and optimize tenant comfort. 41 Madison is also home to SharkNinja, Kensington Vanguard, TenBerke, The Gersh Agency, and The Henry Luce Foundation. Mark's Off Madison, a restaurant and bakery from renowned celebrity chef Mark Strausman, the creator of Fred's at Barneys New York, operates out of a street-level location. Robert Steinman, Senior Vice President at Rudin, represented building ownership. BrightTower was represented by Neil King and Alexander Golod of CBRE. About Rudin Rudin is a full-service real estate organization, and one of New York City's largest private owners, operators and developers of best-in-class real estate. Founded in 1925 by Samuel Rudin and his siblings and now led by the third and fourth generations, Rudin is celebrating one hundred years creating and maintaining office, residential and retail properties rooted in superior customer service. Among its real estate holdings are 12 commercial office buildings containing approximately 9 million square feet of space and 19 apartment buildings comprising over four million square feet of residences. For more information about Rudin, please visit https://www.rudin.com/.
The future of airport design at Passenger Terminal Expo 2026. 06 Mar 2026 Join SOM at the Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE World) at ExCeL London this month to discover how its latest aviation projects are redefining the future of airport design and passenger experience. On March 17, Design Partner Scott Duncan will join Michael McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, to discuss Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and a transformational terminal development program, known as ORDNext, a decade long effort to reimagine the airport's future. As the first new building within the ORDNext phase, Concourse D is a striking new satellite facility designed by SOM in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects (JGMA), and Arup, to elevate the passenger experience from curbside to gate. Designed with light-filled interiors, expressive structural "tree" columns, and flexible gate layouts, the concourse will add 19 gates, expansive lounge, retail, and dining spaces, and welcoming public areas shaped by natural forms and daylight. During this session, Duncan and McMurray will discuss the program's design strategies and lessons learned. Gain insight into the innovative construction approaches and shared vision driving the program forward. On March 19, Associate Principal Jordan Pierce will join Sanjeev Guness, CEO of InfraRose, to discuss the redevelopment of N'Djili International Airport in Kinshasa. With construction already underway, SOM's masterplan includes a full placement of existing terminal operations, along with new infrastructure and facilities to support both international and domestic growth. Modular and scalable, the new terminal will accommodate up to 5 million passengers annually by 2037, with long-term capacity expandable to 9.1 million by 2050. The session will explore the opportunities and challenges of this unique undertaking, demonstrating how local private enterprise can drive innovative airport development while embedding sustainability and operational excellence.
Colby College selects SOM for new Science Complex design. Designing learning environments on college campuses requires solutions that reflect an institution's mission, adapt to evolving academic needs, and support a sustainable future for learning and research. Building on our work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing and the Wellesley College Science Complex, we're bringing this approach to the design of a new state-of-the-art science complex at Colby College. The new complex will bring a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines together under one roof. Spanning approximately 200,000 square feet, the project will feature advanced teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, offices, fabrication labs, specialized equipment and computing infrastructure, and dynamic gathering spaces. "It is rare to find a completely new interdisciplinary science facility - it's far more common to see renovations, additions, or specialized research centers," said Partner Colin Koop. "What makes this project compelling is that it brings a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines, all under one roof. It will push us to bring our very best design thinking, and achieving the right outcome will demand extensive dialogue, continual refinement, and lots of iterations." We're excited to collaborate with the Colby College community to design a complex that elevates the role of science on a liberal arts campus and cultivates the next generation of scientific leaders.