Sustainable Design Specialist

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) seeks a Sustainable Design Specialist in Chicago, IL. The role involves integrating sustainable strategies in design, performing environmental analyses, and developing carbon research. Responsibilities include reviewing energy models, communicating with clients, mentoring team members, and contributing to high-performance design standards. SOM values innovation, collaboration, and excellence in delivering impactful work for clients and communities.
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.

Position Responsibilities

Act as point of contact for SOM design teams to integrate sustainable design strategies throughout design stages. Performs environmental analysis across multiple projects including by not limited to: energy simulation, UTCI & thermal comfort, visual comfort, natural ventilation and CFD analysis.Contributes to development of firm-wide whole life carbon research, analysis and application to projects. Establishes and maintains SES standard analysis reporting and visualization formats for both operational and embodied carbon.Performs reviews of energy models and other key deliverables from external consultants to verify inputs and outcomes and provide clear feedback to design teams on findings.Communicates sustainable design and engineering systems ideas to clients and MEP consultants through visualization, imagery and analyses and is able to sustain technical discussions. Performs thermal and hygrothermal simulations to support research, innovation and project designs. Advise SES global team on current issues and improvements related to performance modeling, codes and environmental analytics, to continually inform direction for SES services.Contributes to project work plans to incorporate relevant analysis at appropriate project stages to inform design processes and outcomes.Conduct research and evaluations of emerging software and technologies that improve high performance design and its incorporation into SES Team workflows.Directly trains and mentors team members and designers on sustainable engineering theory and tools deployment. Demonstrates knowledge in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.Contributes to the development of standards and procedures for energy and carbon reduction, including workflow and QAQC.

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.In collaboration with team members, contributes to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.Actively engages in internal 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

Minimum of 4 years of industry experience in Architecture, Building Science, Engineering or related fields.Completion of professional degree in Architecture, Building Science, Engineering or related fields. Demonstrable knowledge and use of USGBC’s LEED program(s), WELL, and other green building rating programs. Demonstrable technical knowledge of sustainable strategies, including renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, and implementation through building design and construction phases.Proficiency in the following software and applications:3D modeling: RhinocerosWhole building energy simulation: IES Virtual Environment, EnergyPlus/OpenStudioDaylight & glare modeling: ClimateStudio, IES Virtual Environment, Ladybug ToolsThermal Comfort Simulation: Ladybug ToolsAdobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesignFamiliarity with the following software and applications:BIM: RevitBuilding envelope analysis: THERM, WINDOWComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) Demonstrable knowledge of HVAC systems and their suitability to different applicationsPassive house certification (PHI or PHIUS acceptable), BEMP and LEED Accredited Professional is preferred.Strong interpersonal, graphic, verbal and written communication skills.
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 $75,000 to $90,000.

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.

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 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.