It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former Chairman David M. Childs, FAIA, who died peacefully at home yesterday at the age of 83 surrounded by his family. David joined the firm in Washington, D.C., in 1971 and was instrumental in some of SOM’s most impactful projects, including a master plan … Continued
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Campus Instructional Facility (CIF) recently received the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2024 Local Market Leadership Award in Illinois for Design + Construction, an award that recognizes projects, people, and partners for their excellence in creating better buildings and improving the lives of all in their local communities. Designed as a … Continued
We are proud to present our third annual Climate Action Report—a survey of our ongoing work to confront the climate crisis through action, innovation, and collaboration. Over the past year, we have continued to reduce carbon emissions in our projects while pursuing high-impact partnerships and research, using our influence in the industry to accelerate the … Continued
“There’s never been a more important moment to work together in solving these most pressing issues and challenges facing our cities, and, as designers, really advocate for holistic solutions that address planetary health,” said Urban Design & Planning Partner Doug Voigt. In a recent episode of the Green Urbanist Podcast, Voigt spoke with host Ross … Continued
How do you plan a new future for a New York City icon while honoring its 90-year history and cultural legacy? In a story for The New York Times, Principal Frank Mahan explains how we are bringing the landmark Waldorf Astoria back to its former grandeur with the past, present, and future in mind. “Only … Continued
Every project presents an opportunity to develop greener ways of building, and that mindset guides our approach to design and engineering. Efficiency lies at the core of our structural engineering practice, from finding ways to solve complex site challenges to minimizing the carbon impact of construction. SOM is excited to share this expertise in the … Continued
Recently highlighted in Dezeen’s feature, “10 Skyscrapers Around the World Set to Complete in 2025,” One Bangkok is a new urban district comprising multiple high-rise structures in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) led the design of the master plan, creating a comprehensive mixed-use development that includes residential towers, hotels, retail … Continued
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has named Two Manhattan West as one of 14 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award winners in 2025. The program recognizes projects across the globe that demonstrate exceptional civil engineering innovation and enhance their local built environments. Two Manhattan West anchors the seven-million-square-foot, mixed-use neighborhood of Manhattan West, a … Continued
In a recent article, Metropolis Magazine explored advancements in concrete, including SOM’s collaboration with Prometheus Materials to develop the Bio-Block—a zero-carbon, algae-based alternative. The material was featured in the Bio-Block Spiral installation at the 2023 Chicago Architecture Biennial, representing a significant step toward more sustainable construction practices. “Concrete is responsible for over 7 percent of … Continued
Commercial office design was forever changed with Lever House’s completion in 1952—and 70+ years later, we returned to our work with the intention of preserving the modernist icon’s original design while updating materials and mechanical systems in alignment with LEED Gold and WELL Platinum standards. Our thoughtful restoration respected the original architecture as we upgraded … Continued