The architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) was formed in Chicago in 1936 by Louis Skidmore and Nathaniel Owings ; in 1939 they were joined by John Merrill . SOM is one of the largest architectural firms in the United States. Their primary expertise is in high-end commercial buildings, as it was SOM which lead the way to the widespread use of the modern "glass box" skyscraper. Their most famous architects were Gordon Bunshaft, Myron Goldsmith , Bruce Graham , and Walter Netsch .
