Senior Design Strategist

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 Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas.
We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
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.
Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
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.
Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration.
A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
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.
Design Strategist Role:

As a Design Strategist, you will support multiple teams in New York and other SOM offices.
You will work with a wide range of clients in many industries to evaluate their current needs, define their goals, and help develop strategies to support their objectives through the built environment.
You will process complex data and distill the information into clear and concise insights, conduct research, and generate findings based on that research.
You will support the design and facilitation of comprehensive design strategy processes, including engaging with stakeholders, helping to create actionable concepts and solutions, and assessing options.
You are a self-starter and quick learner.
You are passionate about the built environment and its impact on individuals and organizations.


Position Responsibilities Support design strategy projects and be responsible for content creation with guidance from Project Leadership.
Plan and perform user research and data collection activities.
Design and support client workshops and other stakeholder engagements.
Analyze qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources to determine impact on business goals, organizational goals, and performance criteria for built environment and design.
Synthesize information and data into key insights and narratives conveyed through presentations and reports.
Articulate and present scenarios (with plans, data, feedback, and precedents) to illustrate a range of potential solutions (e.g., design concepts, work styles, programs, test fits, user profiles) based on direction from Project Leadership.
Have a strong portfolio demonstrating excellent command of fundamental communication design including composition, information graphics, and writing.
Demonstrate experience with research methodologies and activities, including working with both qualitative and quantitative data.
Graphically visualize information and ideas, and are able to effectively use charts, graphics and design concepts to communicate and represent findings and complex ideas.
Work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Show comfort with ambiguity and can work effectively within vague and/or evolving parameters.
Demonstrate knowledge of Interior Architecture and Architectural design process including workplace planning, programming, and concept development phases.
Knowledge and ability to creates planning scenarios and test fits is a plus.
Leadership Responsibilities Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members' recognized abilities and potential.
Directly supervises staff and is committed to direct reports' professional development.
Develops and engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.
In collaboration with team members, develops a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.
Actively engages in internal and external professional development opportunities.
Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.
Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.
Minimum Qualifications Professional degree / master's degree in architecture, interior design, environmental design, real estate, design strategy, organizational development, organizational psychology or similar fields.
Background in the design of the built environment (architecture, interior design).
Minimum 6 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Clearly communicate and present ideas and findings.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Microsoft Office and other visual communication tools.
Fluency with digital collaboration tools such as Mito and Google Suite.
Familiarity with design software (CAD and Revit).


Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world?
Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.


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 $90,000 to $110,000.


Our Culture:

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.
Here, you'll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.


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.


We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.


For more about SOM: www.som.com

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, 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.