Pros
I have really enjoyed the opportunities provided to me by DEA leadership over the years which included all aspects of design, management and even a role on DEA’s Board of Directors. Although it was never my goal to work for a large firm, I find that we have the best of both worlds…..appropriately sized offices allowing everyone to know and work with one another….. but with vast resources in over 23 locations along the West Coast from which to collaborate. As a Landscape Architect working along-side civil, structural, and traffic engineers, surveyors, and various technical experts, I have had the opportunity to learn a great deal – allowing me to be a more knowledgeable team member who can readily communicate with other disciplines – hence garnering respect in working on multi-disciplinary teams. Likewise, I have enjoyed seeing the engineers embrace project aesthetics such that they incorporate both form and function in the design.
Cons
It can be challenging to balance utilization efforts / billable vs. non-billable work all while ensuring an appropriate work / life balance. This is not unique to DEA but is something the profession struggles with….as do I.