Professional Interior Designer/Architect - Interiors

Role Overview

Professional Interior Designer/Architect - Interiors at SOM, located in 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 collaborative design practice with a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and communities. The firm constantly innovates and attempts to bring new approaches, solutions, and processes to its work.

Role Purpose

To build a strong and thriving career by creating and innovating interior and architectural design solutions, demonstrating advanced technical knowledge, managing project deliverables, and leading by example to guide and mentor less experienced staff while contributing to the firm's culture of excellence and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Concept Development

• Create and innovate with strong conceptual design ability and integrate interdisciplinary criteria to effectively advance the design of distinct portions of large projects or entire projects of small scale.
• Develop design concepts, including workplace planning and design concept development for hospitality and/or residential projects as applicable.
• Enrich design concepts through technical strategies and effectively use appropriate tools to research, design, and document at all project phases.

Technical Knowledge & Specifications

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of interiors and architectural building materials and finishes, building systems, specifications, current and applicable building and fire codes, design and detailing standards, and construction techniques.
• Maintain awareness of current market costs and costing trends.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of furniture (FF&E) and materials selection and specifications.
• Actively support compliance with BIM/CAD project standards and procedures.

Project Delivery & Documentation

• Manage design documentation and construction documentation.
• Conduct construction administration.
• Manage time and workload of own work efforts and those of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Inspire and lead others by example.
• Participate in staff mentoring and training.
• Clearly define team member expectations and responsibilities.
• Empower others and delegate where appropriate based on team members' recognized abilities and potential.
• Guide and teach less experienced staff while receiving occasional interaction and direction from team leaders.

Planning & Collaboration

• In collaboration with team members, contribute to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.
• Participate in interdisciplinary integration and foster a positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals.

Sustainability & Professional Development

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

Risk Management

• Protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional degree in Architecture and/or Interior Design.
• Minimum 4 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Professional licensure process close to completion.
• LEED accreditation strongly preferred.
• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.

Skills & Competencies

• High proficiency in Revit; essential.
• Familiarity with BIM Tools.
• Practical understanding of digital tools including Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Navisworks, Ladybug, Enscape, VR, and Adobe Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Additional Information

• Portfolio submission required for all design and project management positions; applications without work samples will not be reviewed.
• Portfolio format: one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages maximum, maximum 5 MB file size.
• Portfolios must be submitted as part of application in the section requesting Resume or CV.
• SOM offers competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial plans, and other work/life balance benefits.
• SOM welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
• For more information about SOM's employment policy: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy
• For more about SOM: www.som.com