Intermediate Designer - Architecture
Salary$63k – $72k per project
LocationChicago
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience2+ yrs
Company size1,001–5,000 people
PostedFeb 13, 2026 · 8mo ago
Verified live17h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field
Minimum 2 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities
Professional licensure process is in progress
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and Adobe Suite
Proficiency in Google Workspace
LEED accreditation preferred
Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions
Skills
Revit
AutoCAD
Rhino
Adobe Suite
Google Workspace
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
401(k)
Pre tax spending accounts
Employee discount programs
Paid family leave
Paid vacation
Backup child care
Backup elder care
Employee assistance program
Professional development reimbursement
About the company
SOM, one of the most influential design firms in the world, is seeking innovative, creative, independent, and critical thinkers who aspire to the highest standards of excellence. Join our collaborative design practice as an Intermediate Designer - Architecture for the opportunity to build a strong and thriving career.
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
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Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
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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.
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Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
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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.
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Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
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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
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Contributes to the development of distinct portions of a project with regular supervision by Project Leadership. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task-specific level.
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Produces and coordinates presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models and animations.
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Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
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Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability. Integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the design of a portion of a project.
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Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
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Demonstrates an intermediate understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies. Effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
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Manages time and workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments with regular interaction and direction from Project Leadership. Shares knowledge with less experienced staff.
Minimum Qualifications
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Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
•
Minimum 2 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
•
Professional licensure process is in progress; 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 $63,000 to $72,000.
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.
Legal
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
Hiring process
**Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, 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.