Senior Associate Principal

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 Summary
The Technical Designer is responsible for the technical innovation, integration, documentation, and execution of the architectural and engineering design intent in conformance with the established scope of work, program, and budget objectives. Together with the Senior Designer, Project Manager, and/or Project
Architect, the Technical Designer is the day-to-day co-leader of the project in all project phases, with significant responsibilities in the Design Development through Construction Administration phases. The Technical Designer leads code review and analysis, material and systems research, specifications
coordination, and construction documentation. They manage quality control procedures and timely reviews through all phases of the project.
Position Responsibilities
● Establishes the technical resolution and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects through all phases that are consistent with the scope of work and goals of the firm. Integrates criteria and input from all disciplines into design solutions.
● Establishes, communicates, and maintains standards of quality for documentation products for the full internal and external team. Oversees the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.
● Oversees the research, review, and analysis of applicable codes. Provides code parameters and restrictions early in the design process.
● Oversees team in selection and assessment of construction and building systems.
● Where a Project Architect is not present, oversees and collaborates with the SOM High Performance Design Group in tracking energy, water, and carbon use intensities on a project and provides documentation for AIA 2030 reporting.
● Oversees design and construction documentation including but not limited to vignettes, animations, drawings and specifications. Construction documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.
● Oversees, coordinates, and reviews the technical specifications for the project.
● Fosters lasting and positive relationships with clients, the design community, and important government agencies (i.e. planning departments, commissions, and advocacy groups).
● Assists the Project Manager in establishing project budgets, schedules, and work plans.
● Oversees the implementation of the computer management program for the project and, when required, identifies the Digital Design Coordinator for the project.
● Oversees the team’s construction phase services scope.
● Participates in the interview and selection process of contractors, where appropriate.
● Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings. Reviews and approves meeting minutes.
● Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings. Together with Project Manager, Designer, and/or Project Architect, develops the meeting agenda and project status update.
● Actively participates in and leads local and firm-wide Technical Meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of activities led by these groups.
Leadership Responsibilities
● Actively leads multiple projects, teams, and initiatives.
● Established as a firmwide resource in an area of expertise for market, discipline, or department.
● Directly trains and mentors team members and, more broadly, architectural, engineers, interiors, planning and graphics staff in the office and at large as appropriate.
● Develops and engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review, interviews, and leveraging personal network.
● Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge. Advocates for sustainable approaches at an office-wide scale.
● Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures. Responsible for financial and legal risk management of projects.
Minimum Qualifications
● Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
● Licensed in state of practice; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
● Minimum 12 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
● Strong understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
● Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
● Demonstrates proficiency in Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace. Familiarity with Revit and AutoCAD.
SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.
At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.
For more about SOM:
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.