Professional Architect

Role Overview

Professional Architect at SOM, Dubai. SOM is one of the most influential design firms in the world, seeking innovative, creative, independent, and critical thinkers who aspire to the highest standards of excellence.

Company Overview

SOM is a collective committed to shaping a better future for clients, communities, and the planet. The firm aspires to create the most sustainable and impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with the resources and diversity of a global practice. SOM values those passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Role Purpose

To lead distinct portions of projects with high initiative, process innovation, and problem-solving ability while producing and coordinating deliverables, communicating effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, and contributing to a collaborative studio environment dedicated to transformational design.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead distinct portions of projects with periodic supervision by Project Leadership.
• Exhibit initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with high attention to precision and accuracy at overall project level.
• Manage own time and workload and that of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments.
• Guide and teach less experienced staff.

Design & Concept Development

• Create and innovate with strong conceptual design ability.
• Integrate interdisciplinary criteria to effectively advance the design of distinct portions of projects.
• Demonstrate intermediate understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details, and construction techniques.
• Enrich design concepts through technical strategies.
• Identify and effectively use appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.

Deliverables & Documentation

• Produce, coordinate, and oversee presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models, and animations.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively internally with project teams and externally with consultants and clients through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Actively collaborate at project, consultant team, and client team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
• Contribute to and actively participate within the studio and office.

Team Leadership & Development

• Inspire and lead others by example.
• Participate in staff mentoring and training.
• Clearly define team member expectations and responsibilities.
• Empower others and delegate appropriately based on team members' recognized abilities and potential.
• In collaboration with team members, contribute to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve project budget, deliverables, and schedule.

Professional Development & Standards

• Actively engage in internal professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and associated development of staff knowledge.
• Contribute to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.

Risk Management

• Protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Professional licensure process close to completion.
• LEED accreditation preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• High proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and Adobe Suite.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Information

• Portfolio required for all applications: one PDF attachment, 10–20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit as part of your application in the Resume or CV section. Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.
• SOM offers competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial plans, and work-life balance programs.
• SOM is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace.