About

Paul BamsonURBAN & COMPUTATIONAL DESIGNER
Portrait of Paul Bamson
Portrait · Chicago
N 41°53′ W 87°37′
Chicago, IL
01 · About

PaulBamson

RoleUrban Designer
SOM · City Design Practice
Sept 2018 – Present


Adjunct Professor
IIT · College of Architecture
Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
BasedChicago, IL
DisciplinesArchitecture
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Computation
/ Practice

Paul is an Urban Designer with SOM’s City Design Practice, based in Chicago — integrating ecological, social, and technological considerations into urban design.

01Approach

With degrees in both architecture and landscape architecture, Paul integrates ecological, social, and technological considerations into urban design. His work focuses on advancing design excellence through multidisciplinary collaboration, linking built environments with sustainable systems and data-driven strategies.

02Computational Tools

He is particularly committed to optimizing design workflows by developing bespoke computational tools that automate repetitive tasks — allowing teams to focus on critical design decisions.

Paul has played a key role in expanding the firm’s computational generative design toolset for urban design, enabling more efficient scenario testing and data-driven decision-making for cities and communities.

03Studio Leadership

In addition to his project work, Paul has been a pivotal technical leader in the studio, mentoring junior professionals and sharing expertise in computational design, GIS, and visualization tools. He has worked closely with leadership to support firm-wide innovation, collaborating with other disciplines to explore AI applications in urban design and leading knowledge-sharing initiatives across global CDP offices.

04Community

Paul is actively engaged in the broader architectural community — speaking at industry events, participating in hiring discussions, and mentoring students through academic and outreach programs. His contributions extend beyond SOM, including engagement with community service efforts and organizations such as the National Organization of Minority Architects and the American Institute of Architecture Students.

Current

  • Urban Designer
    SOM · City Design Practice · Sept 2018 – Present
  • Building CCD
    Computational City Design tool

Education

  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville
    College of Architecture and Design
  • MLA · Landscape Architecture · 2018
  • BArch · Architecture · 2016

Expertise

  • Computational & generative design
  • GIS & spatial analysis
  • Visualization & data storytelling
  • AI applications in urban design

Affiliations

  • NOMA
    Nat’l Org. of Minority Architects
  • Associate AIA
    American Institute of Architects
  • AIAS
    American Inst. of Arch. Students