Semantic Coherence: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

News
[H2]
SOM Wins International Competition for Gia Binh Airport Terminal

13 Mar 2026

Story
[H2]
Our report on culture, equity, and climate action at SOM

25 Mar 2026

News
[H2]
SOM Expands Presence in Texas With Larger Studio and Leadership Hire

02 Mar 2026

News
[H2]
SOM and Atelier Peter Zumthor Complete David Geffen Galleries at LACMA

15 Apr 2026

01/

Our Purpose
We are a collective of architects, designers, engineers, and planners working together to build a better future.

[H1] Spotlight on Rail Transportation

The best way to travel is by train, but it’s the station that shapes how the journey begins. We design the spaces, systems, and connections that ease the travel experience.

[IMG: The Gateway]

Expertise
[H2]
Transportation

[H2]

[IMG: Moynihan]

Project
[H2]
Moynihan Train Hall

New York,
New York,
United States

[IMG: Brightline]

Project
[H2]
Brightline

Various locations,
Florida,
United States

Project
[H2]
William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Redevelopment

Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
United States

Project
[H2]
MARTA Five Points Station

Atlanta,
Georgia,
United States

01/

[H1] Our Culture
Our studios have no boundaries. When you join SOM, you’re part of a global community that shares expertise and ideas.

[IMG: SF Office]

Our San Francisco studio. © Dave Burk | SOM

“SOM attracts the kind of people who make no small plans, who thrive in collaboration, and have the determination to realize their ideas.”
Nicholas Adams, architecture historian
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[H2] Want to keep up with the latest?

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[IMG: Chicago Studio]

[H1] Studios

Working from a network of creative studios across the globe, we apply our international expertise at a local level.

[IMG: Chicago Studio]

[H1] Our studios spark creativity
As architects and workplace strategists, it should come as no surprise that we’re serious about the design of our own offices. Drawing inspiration from the cities where we work, we’ve designed each of our studios to create an unmistakable sense of place.

[IMG: Slide 1 of 1,]

The Forum at our New York studio.
Dave Burk © SOM

You’ll find many of our studios in buildings we designed—7 World Trade Center in New York, One Maritime Plaza in San Francisco, the Wells Fargo Center in Los Angeles, and the Broadgate Tower in London—where we’ve seized the opportunity to integrate architecture, interiors, and cutting-edge workplace design.

Interior materials library at our London studio. Dave Burk © SOM

Our San Francisco studio at One Maritime Plaza. Dave Burk © SOM

[H1] We are worldwide
Our team spans the globe, with experts in every region. Reach out to one of our studios below.

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[IMG: Moynihan]

[H1] Transportation

We believe that transportation architecture serves a civic purpose as an enduring, meaningful, and life-enhancing part of the public realm. It also plays a crucial role in reducing carbon impact. We aim to strengthen the urban and social fabric through multimodal connections, designed for people.

[IMG: Moynihan]

[H1] Our expertise leads to integrated solutions
We approach functional, structural, environmental, fiscal and urban challenges with an experienced multidisciplinary team. What sets us apart is our ability to quickly resolve complex needs into an efficient plan, with a design that conveys a clear sense of place and purpose.

[IMG: Slide 1 of 1,]

Denver Union Station.
© Magda Biernat

[H1] Perspective

“Improving transit systems helps to create more sustainable cities. I find it tremendously exciting to be involved in projects that can improve the way people live and work, connecting to places around the world and to each other.”
Marla Gayle, Managing Principal, Transportation Practice Leader
Meet Marla

[H1] Meet our experts

[IMG: derek]

[H2]
Derek A. R. Moore

Principal – Design, Airports Practice Leader

[IMG: Ellen Lou]

[H2]
Ellen Lou

Principal - Urban Design and Planning

[IMG: Gayle]

[H2]
Marla Gayle

Managing Principal - Transportation Practice Leader

01/

[H1] Featured Projects + Stories

Project
[H2]
The Gateway – Dubai Creek Harbour Metro Station

Dubai,
United Arab Emirates

Project
[H2]
MARTA Five Points Station

Atlanta,
Georgia,
United States

[IMG: Moynihan]

Project
[H2]
Moynihan Train Hall

New York,
New York,
United States

Project
[H2]
Penn Station East End Gateway and LIRR Concourse

New York,
New York,
United States

01/

Project
[H2]
William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Redevelopment

Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
United States

Project
[H2]
Los Angeles Bus Shelter Program (STAP)

Los Angeles,
California,
United States

[IMG: State/Lake]

Project
[H2]
State/Lake Loop Elevated CTA Station Replacement

Chicago,
Illinois,
United States

[IMG: Dulles airport]

Project
[H2]
Washington Dulles International Airport – Main Terminal AeroTrain Station

Chantilly,
Virginia,
United States

01/

Story
[H2]
Transformation through Transit: The Untold History of Metro

by Roger Weber
04 May 2023

[IMG: 201 Bishopsgate and The Broadgate Tower]

Project
[H2]
201 Bishopsgate and The Broadgate Tower

London,
United Kingdom

[IMG: Changi]

Project
[H2]
Changi International Airport – Rail Terminal

Changi,
Singapore

[IMG: Tianjin High-Speed Rail Station]

Project
[H2]
Tianjin High-Speed Rail Station

Tianjin,
China

01/

[H1] Spotlight on Transit-Oriented Development

When skillfully planned and sensitively designed, the concentration of development around transportation achieves multiple sustainability goals, enhances property values, and improves quality of life for all..

[IMG: Denver Union Train Station]

Project
[H2]
Denver Union Station Hub + Transit-Oriented Development

Denver,
Colorado,
United States

[H2]

[IMG: Brightline]

Project
[H2]
Brightline

Various locations,
Florida,
United States

[IMG: Philadelphia 30th Station]

Project
[H2]
William H. Gray III 30th Street Station District Plan

Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
United States

[IMG: Capitol Crossing]

Project
[H2]
Capitol Crossing

Washington,
District of Columbia,
United States

[IMG: Bandar Malaysia]

Project
[H2]
Bandar Malaysia MP

Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

01/

[H1] Browse Transportation Projects

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[H1] Innovation happens at the
intersections of our expertise.
Our studios have no boundaries—each of our areas of expertise is deeply interwoven with the others. We’ve built a community based on sharing knowledge, because the best ideas flow between disciplines.

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Structural Engineering

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Urban Design + Planning

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Topics

Advanced Fabrication

Applied Construction Technology

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Building Systems + Assemblies

Climate Action

Decarbonization

Digital Tools + Platforms

Energy

Health + Well-being

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Lighting

Machine Learning

Materials

Modular + Prefabrication

Our People

Partnerships

Product Design

Project Delivery: Design-Build

Project Delivery: P3

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Our research, exhibitions, and publications reveal stories about the future of design.

[H1] Research + Innovation
For decades, SOM has invested in research that has transformed the architecture, engineering, and construction industry—from developing some of the earliest collaborative CAD platforms to devising the engineering solution for the world’s tallest building.

[IMG: Dream Catcher]

SOM engineers have collaborated with artist Janet Echelman to realize a series of public artworks. © Benny Chan | Fotoworks

[IMG: Robotic Glass Vault]

The exhibition "Anatomy of Structure" in London demonstrated new possibilities for robotic fabrication. © Maciej Grzeskowiak | SOM

Whether partnering with universities, research laboratories, and private industry, or advancing our own independent projects, we seize the opportunity to pursue new ideas and applications for the sustainable buildings, cities, and communities of the future.

See All Research

[IMG: Dream Catcher]

SOM engineers have collaborated with artist Janet Echelman to realize a series of public artworks. © Benny Chan | Fotoworks

[H1] Stories
Every project holds more than meets the eye. Explore the stories behind our work, perspectives from our design leaders, highlights from our firm’s 85-year history, and more.

Story
[H2]
Transformation through Transit: The Untold History of Metro

by Roger Weber
04 May 2023

Story
[H2]
Perfecting Structure: From X-Braced Steel to Concrete and Back

by Aaron Mazeika
14 Sep 2024

[IMG: 63 Madison]

Story
[H2]
What Should We Do With All Those Empty Offices?

28 Apr 2023

01/

See All Stories

[H1] Exhibitions

Presented in partnership with museums and cultural venues around the world, an ongoing series of exhibitions pulls back the curtain on the design process—revealing the often unexpected results of collaboration.

Exhibition
[H2]
Angelus Novus Vault – Palazzo Mora, Venice

18 May 2023

See Our Exhibitions

[H1] Publications
Explore our library of monographs, journals, and publications, where design ideas meet the printed page.

[H1] SOM Thinkers Series

Publication

[H2]
SOM Thinkers: The Future of Transportation

SOM Thinkers

Publication

[H2]
SOM Thinkers: The Future of the Skyscraper

SOM Thinkers

Publication

[H2]
​SOM Thinkers: The Future of Public Space

SOM Thinkers

01/

Launched to start a public conversation about the built environment, this series poses today’s most pressing questions about design. Each pocket-sized volume of SOM Thinkers brings together leading voices on the issues defining the future.

See All Publications

[H1] When you are part of SOM, you are part of something bigger.

Meet Our People

[IMG: Slide 1 of 1, SF Studio]

Our San Francisco studio at One Maritime Plaza.
© Dave Burk | SOM

[H1] A collective with a shared purpose
Our teams around the world share a common goal: improving the built environment and enhancing people’s lives. At SOM, you’ll find the opportunity to contribute to some of the most significant architecture and urban design projects in the world.

Join Us

“Mentoring women at SOM has been a personal highlight. We have a major responsibility as architects, engineers, and designers to build a more equitable industry.”
Marti Gottsch, Associate Principal

[IMG: Slide 1 of 1,]

Our New York studio at 7 World Trade Center.
Dave Burk © SOM

[H1] Ideas thrive here
Our teams bring together renowned experts in their respective fields. Emerging designers work alongside project leads, architects collaborate with engineers, and all of us learn from each other. Our culture of curiosity and the exchange of ideas goes beyond our project work. Through our research initiatives and our collaborations with innovative practitioners, from artists to scientists, we’re constantly pursuing new avenues in design.

“Our projects and our people are what make SOM special. It is rewarding to work with talented people who have shared values and treat each other well. And it’s thrilling to design projects that have the potential to significantly impact our cities for generations to come.”
Ryan Culligan, Partner

[IMG: Slide 1 of 1,]

Testing VR systems at our Los Angeles studio.
© Benny Chan | Fotoworks

[H1] Our people make the difference
We take pride in our diverse and supportive workplace, where different backgrounds, languages, and perspectives meet. Together, we can achieve more.

[IMG: Carlos Madrid III]

“Environments can empower the utmost human potential, foster culture and community, and stimulate pride and joy. I am continuously inspired to work with a team of creative individuals who are committed to improving the human experience.”
Carlos Madrid III, Senior Associate Principal
Meet Our People

[H1] Recent news from our people

Our work goes beyond the studio—we’re active as educators, volunteers, mentors, and leaders in our communities.

Award
[H2]
SOM Wins at SoCal NOMA 2025 Chapter Awards

13 Jan 2026

News
[H2]
Partner Ryan Culligan Featured on Architectural Record Podcast

06 Jan 2026

[IMG: LAStudioInterns_LosAngelesFederalCourthouse_2025_JamesMichaelJuarez-1516_med]

News
[H2]
Students Participate in Immersive Summer Internship Across SOM Studios Worldwide

28 Aug 2025

Award
[H2]
SOM Receives Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2026 Equality 100 Award

04 Feb 2026

01/

[H1] Diversity, Equity + Inclusion
We’re committed to creating an equitable workplace. An inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our thinking about design.

The New York Pride group visits the Paul Rudolph home and studio. © Lucas Blair Simpson | SOM

[IMG: Materials]

Our London studio. © Nick Guttridge

Learn More

The New York Pride group visits the Paul Rudolph home and studio. © Lucas Blair Simpson | SOM

[H1] Careers
Interested to work with us? Find out about current opportunities in our studios around the world.

3D printing models in our London studio. Dave Burk © SOM

Our Dubai studio at The Maze Tower. © Catalin Marin

Join Us