Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is one of the leading architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban-planning firms in the world, with a 75-year reputation for design excellence and a portfolio that includes some of the most important architecture of the 20th and 21st centuries. Since its inception, SOM has been a leader in the research and development of innovative technologies, processes and ideas, many of which have had a lasting impact on the built environment. The firm has been honored with more than 1100 awards. The American Institute of Architects has recognized SOM twice with its highest honor, the Architecture Firm Award—in 1962 and again in 1996. The firm maintains offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai.
SOM's multifaceted practice includes: Architecture, MEP/Building Services, Digital Design, Graphics, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Structural & Civil Engineering, Sustainable Design, Urban Design and Planning.
Position Overview:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, an internationally-known, multi-disciplinary architectural and engineering design practice seeks an experienced urban designer to join the award-winning City Design Practice in its San Francisco office. The Practice specializes in the urban design and planning of large-scale, urban revitalization projects, as well as the preparation of master plans for major institutions, workplace initiatives, and new communities. The candidate will have the opportunity to lead urban design and planning projects within the western US.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Strengthens SOM’s firm vision, goals and values building client commitment to the firm
Solves complex problems in connection with the urban design of large-scale projects.
Leads project design through all phases of work on multiple project assignments as part of a leadership team.
Acts as primary design interface with clients, consultants, contractors, and others during various stages of project development.
Manages work on assigned projects, within group and with other disciplines, guides and encourages the development of staff and empowers individuals and team performance
- Pursues new urban design and planning project and business development leads, including the preparations of proposals, project fees and scopes of services in concert with the group’s project manager.
Please note this job description contains only a partial listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications:
Master Degree in Urban Design or City Planning, with undergraduate training in architecture design. CA architecture licensure or AICP is required. LEED accreditation is desirable.
At least 15 years of progressively responsible project experience in the urban design and physical planning profession in North America, including 10 years of experience running a team. At least five years of California experience is desirable.
A strong design ethos consistent with the core principles of SOM’s City Design Practice
Established track-record of high profile, approved projects along the West Coast, particularly in the Bay Area
Thorough knowledge of urban design and planning issues, including site planning, zoning, infrastructure and utility planning, entitlements, and sustainable design practices
A dynamic, creatively-focused and efficient approach
Compelling communication and engaging client liaison skills
Ability to effectively engage communities in public participation processes
Excellent people management and strong team leadership with ability to listen and collaborate effectively
Ability to adapt to change in a fast-pace, highly creative working environment is essential.
Proven success in business development with positive results
Demonstrated proficiency with Autocad, MS Office, and Adobe CS skills, along with hand-sketching, are highly desirable.
- Domestic travel will occasionally be required
Work Environment / Physical Demands:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, printers and fax machines.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Additional Information:
SOM is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status (except where certain characteristics are essential bona fide occupational requirements or where a disability is a bona fide occupational disqualification), as required by applicable law. SOM welcomes diversity in the workplace. SOM will make reasonable accommodation in the application process for applicants with disabilities, as required by applicable law. Please contact the Human Resources department at the location of interest to request accommodation.
We realize that all candidates may not be able to submit an online application. If you cannot submit an online application for a position, please submit your resume, cover letter and 3 to 4 works samples to the appropriate office (C/O Human Resources) via regular mail. Clearly indicate in the cover letter the position and location to which you are applying. For a complete listing of SOM locations and addresses, please visit the Contact section on our web site atwww.som.com.
To apply, please submit cover letter, resume and work samples atwww.som.com/careers under the San Francisco - Urban Design West Coast Practice Leader requisition.
