Role Title: Intermediate Computational Designer / Computational Design Architect
Organizational Level: Intermediate
Community of Practice: Architecture
Location: Dubai
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 Level Computational Designer 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
• 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.
Minimum Qualifications
• Completion of a degree in Architecture, Mathematics, Computer Science, Design or other related degree.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in Computational Design; or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Professional accreditation or licensure pursuit is preferred; LEED accreditation preferred.
• Strong visual, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience creating engaging data visualizations.
• High proficiency in Grasshopper and Dynamo.
• High proficiency in coding (e.g. Python, C#, JavaScript) is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite and Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated application of algorithmic thinking and ability to develop and document innovative workflows based on computational thinking.
• Expert understanding of architectural geometry fundamentals.
• Experience in developing parametric models for the creation, iteration, rationalization, and documentation of building systems.
• Passion in cutting edge design technology and its application to the design process.
Position Responsibilities
• Contributes to the development of distinct portions of Project(s) with regular supervision by Computational Design Leadership. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task specific level.
• Provides computational design expertise and support for projects during all phases, including design ideation, geometric exploration, modeling, documentation, visualization, and various types of analysis. This includes developing strategies for these tasks, and implementing them.
• Alongside Computational Design Lead, works closely with design teams to propose, evaluate and develop systems-based models using code and parametric models, setting up various types of analysis along the design process.
• Assists teams in defining software and data interoperability workflows. Proposes and documents new workflows or processes thoroughly and creates training material.
• Produces and coordinates presentation and deliverables such as diagrams, data visualization, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical prototypes and animations.
• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual
means.
• Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability. Integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the design of a portion of a project.
• Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
• Demonstrates an intermediate understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies and effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
• Manages time and workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments with regular
interaction and direction from Computational Design Lead. Shares knowledge with less
experienced staff.
SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.
At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. 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
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.