Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, designers, engineers and planners, responsible for some of the world's most technically and environmentally advanced buildings and public spaces.

From a strategic regional plan to a single piece of furniture, its work anticipates how people will live, work and communicate. The company's approach is highly collaborative, and its interdisciplinary team is engaged in a wide range of international projects, with creative studios based across the globe.

Company details

Location: Europe: London. North America: New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. Asia: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Dubai. Oceania: Melbourne
Number of Employees: 1,030
Website: www.som.com
Click here to apply to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill's latest roles ›

What is the company's vision?

"We are a global collective of architects, engineers and planners designing buildings, interiors and public spaces that set new standards in technical and environmental innovation.

"From some of the world's most iconic towers to developing new low-carbon building materials, our designs anticipate change in the way we live, work and build.

"Our interdisciplinary teams combine artistic sensibility, technical expertise and a deep understanding of policy and economics.

"Whether shaping tall buildings like the Burj Khalifa or sensitively working with existing heritage buildings, we aim to create buildings that are resilient, adaptable and meaningful across generations.

"Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud signatories of several climate pledges, including the AIA 2030 Commitment, the RIBA 2040 Challenge, the China Accord and the SE2050 Commitment, which mandate stringent sustainability results for the projects that we deliver.

"As a member of the United Nations' Race to Zero campaign, we are reinforcing these commitments in all aspects of our practice, and through our built projects and research initiatives, we are working to advance a net-zero carbon built environment."

What is the practice working on?

"In Europe, we've recently completed the award-winning Karlatornet in Gothenburg – Scandinavia's tallest mixed-use tower. Standing at 247 meters, the landmark building is a catalyst for the transformation of the city’s riverside district.

"Beyond redefining the skyline, it fosters a strong sense of community for residents while creating a vibrant new destination for the public.

"In Milan, we've also completed work on the reimagined Corso Italia 23 – an office campus originally designed in the 1960s by a team of influential modernist architects, including the studio Ponti Fornaroli Rosselli with Piero Portaluppi.

"Also underway in Milan is the Olympic Village, set to host athletes during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Post-games, the site will evolve into a dynamic, net-zero intergenerational neighbourhood.

"Further afield, we continue to work on a wide range of scales and typologies across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.

"Among those projects is Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2, which was recognised on the Dezeen Awards shortlist last year for radically reimagining the travel experience."

What is the culture like at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill?

"Our practice is defined by collaboration and a shared passion for the power of design, innovation and new ideas.

"In our studios worldwide, emerging designers work alongside project leads, architects collaborate with engineers, and we all learn from each other. Our culture of curiosity and the exchange of ideas goes beyond our project work.

"We take pride in our diverse and supportive workplace, where different backgrounds, languages and perspectives meet.

"Equity and inclusion are not just principles but part of how we work every day. We advocate for a workplace where all our colleagues have a voice and are valued, and are passionate about nurturing the next generation of design talent.

"Employee resource groups (ERGs) such as SOM NOMA, Pride, Asian Alliance and Arquitectos foster greater equity and inclusion across our workplaces and throughout our industry.

"Long-established groups such as the Women's Initiative continue to support the advancement of women into leadership roles, contributing to closing the gender gap in the design profession.

"We're proud to have scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the foremost benchmarking survey measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality, for two years running."

What qualities does Skidmore, Owings & Merrill look for when it's hiring?

"We're interested in more than technical skills. As a team known for pushing the boundaries of architecture and engineering, we value people who challenge convention, bring fresh perspectives and contribute to transformative, future-focused solutions.

"Strong communication skills — both verbal and visual — are also important. We support this with training and resources that help people strengthen their presentation and storytelling skills over time.

"Our commitment to diversity and inclusion also shapes both our culture and our design approach.

"We seek individuals who demonstrate cultural awareness, who understand the power of inclusive design, and who are actively engaged in fostering belonging, both in the workplace and in the communities we serve.

"For our designer roles, strong software proficiency is a key part of working effectively across disciplines.

"Familiarity with tools like Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, and we're always looking for people who are eager to stay ahead of emerging digital practices."

What makes Skidmore, Owings & Merrill stand out?

"From our newly refurbished office at Broadgate Tower – one of our own landmark projects – our London-based team contributes to some of the world's most ambitious architecture, engineering and urban design projects.

"Curiosity drives our practice. We invest in research spanning sustainability, materials, digital technologies and advanced fabrication.

"This includes exploring the potential of robotic assembly methods to improve sustainable construction and precision; developing Bio-Block – a zero-carbon, algae-based alternative to concrete – in collaboration with Prometheus Materials; and partnering with Energy Vault to revolutionise energy storage systems.

"Through partnerships with local universities, research labs and artists, we continuously push the boundaries of what design can achieve – advancing both the profession and our collective knowledge.

"What truly sets us apart is our integrated, interdisciplinary approach. Architects, engineers, planners and interior designers work together from the outset, unlocking ideas that are more resilient, innovative and inclusive than any one discipline could achieve alone."

Dezeen Jobs Company Spotlight

Company Spotlight is a Dezeen Jobs service for companies to promote their values, vision and culture to attract top talent from around the world. To spotlight your company, email [email protected].