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Senior Designer - Architecture

Skidmore Owings & Merrill · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 2025 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a project where you led the design concept. How did you get the team and the client behind it?

What they are checking: Whether they have truly led design and can bring others along, not only produce strong images.

Tell me about a time you integrated structure or sustainability so deeply that it became the design idea.

What they are checking: Whether they practice interdisciplinary design, which is central to this firm's approach.

How do you mentor younger designers while still meeting your own deadlines?

What they are checking: Whether they develop people as part of their job rather than when they have spare time.

What's your process for running a design review with your team?

What they are checking: Whether they create a space where junior people contribute ideas instead of waiting for direction.

Describe how you've presented work to a skeptical client or a public review board.

What they are checking: Whether they can explain design clearly and calmly to people who are not designers.

How do you stay curious and keep learning after years in practice?

What they are checking: Whether they keep growing, which the posting names as part of success at the firm.

What would you do

How do you keep the design idea alive as a project moves into documentation and value engineering?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend design intent through the phases where it usually gets diluted.

A client loves a scheme that you think is weaker than another option. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can advocate for better design honestly without dismissing the client.

The project is over budget, and you're asked to cut costs without losing the design. Where do you start?

What they are checking: Whether they know which elements carry the design and which can change without harm.

About the work

How do you use computational tools or parametric workflows in your design process?

What they are checking: Whether they use digital tools to explore and test ideas, not just to draw them.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Skidmore Owings & Merrill.

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 Responsibilities • Actively leads a project or distinct portions of a project with periodic supervision by Project Leadership. • Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at an overall project level. • Produces, coordinates and/or oversees presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models and animations. • Effectively communicates internally with project teams and externally with consultants and clients 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 distinct portions of large projects or entire projects of a small scale. • Actively collaborates at a project, consultant team, and client team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas. • Contributes to and actively participates within the studio and office. • Demonstrates an advanced understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. • Able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies. • Identifies and effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases. • Manages time and workload of own work efforts and those of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with occasional interaction and direction from Project Leadership. • Guides and teaches less experienced staff. • Proactively checks and coordinates project documents (including but not limited to drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, specifications coordination) for compliance with the project’s technical requirements. Leadership Responsibilities • Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential. • Directly supervises staff and is committed to direct reports’ professional development. • Develops and engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews. • In collaboration with team members, develops a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule. • Actively engages in internal and external professional development opportunities. • Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge. • Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures. • Protects SOM from financial and legal risk. Minimum Qualifications • Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field. • Minimum 6 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. • Professional licensure process is close to completion; 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. 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 $78,000 to $95,000. Our Culture Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. 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 and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy For more about SOM: www.som.com Portfolios 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.

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