Chief Design Technology Officer

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.

Office of Technology Vision: Elevating SOM with cutting-edge technology that empowers our people and advances the industry.

Office of Technology Mission: Enhance design and innovation with powerful, user-first technology for frictionless creativity and industry-leading global impact.
 

Position Overview
 

We are seeking a Chief Design Technology Officer (CDTO) to expand our architects’ and engineers’ design capabilities and increase connectivity with project partners such as specialist or builders through design technology tools and workflows. The CDTO will provide a design-thinking strategy to sharpen SOM’s approach to design technology disruption by optimizing design processes through automation of quantitative and qualitative design feedback, data management and by democratizing knowledge. Disseminating user-centric practices and design tools, and by representing the design and the user, this transformational position will empower a thriving community of designers who are well-supported, trained for excellence, and able to collaborate with peers in multiple functions. The CDTO will partner closely with our CIO in a peer-based relationship to deliver a comprehensive set of technology services to the firm that will enable our business to thrive. 

Key Objectives

Technology Vision: Define the firm's design technological direction, focusing on adopting innovative technologies to achieve competitive edges. Stay updated with emerging trends & align these to the firm's objectives.
 

Technical Leadership: Provide leadership to design technology teams, offering guidance on complex tech issues and making key decisions regarding architectural standards and platforms used in product development.  Collaborate with Design Technology Directors to align data strategies in design workflows and solutions to respond to AI opportunities and the emergence of new tools.

Data Leadership: Lead development of data strategies that cover collection, storage, analysis, integration and utilization to inform design and business insights. Collaborate with Design Technology Directors to align data strategies in design workflows and solutions to respond to AI opportunities and the emergence of new tools.

Infrastructure Definition: Understand the tools, systems, and infrastructure needed to support design technology initiatives and solutions, and work with the CIO to define and build solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and cost effective for our long-term business needs.

Product Development: Spearhead new design focused product development to address user needs that prioritizes market-available solutions. Collaborate closely with product teams to embed technological considerations into product design and development processes. 

R&D and Innovation: Lead research and development (R&D) activities to drive innovation within the domain software and tools utilized by our design and engineering disciplines. Explore new technologies, prototyping, and managi