Focus on Improving - Architectural Designer Olson Kundig Employee Review

3.0
Oct 31, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- The firm has improved in staffing projects more appropriately - Mostly collaborative work, and beautiful sites and projects - Social staff and feeling of community - Rewarding work

Cons

- The office has lost talented staff in recent years. There is a “You’re lucky to be here attitude.” Instead of investing in existing staff and cultivating a sense of value and appreciation for the long term, hiring has been attempting to fill gaps in staffing and quality of talent Is varied. Office politics here are horrible and a lot of your experience will be based on luck. - The intern program is diverse and fun to have in the office - they clearly put a lot of effort into this and promote it heavily. Contrary to this is the full-time staff demographics and I witness racist/sexist comments and behaviors frequently. It seems there is a culture of meritocracy and blindness to bias when it comes to promotions. - The firm has a culture of catering to clients. There is a lack of client management an you will have to be okay with doing work you know isn’t a smart use of time let alone good design. Lots of redundant work and OT. Projects often feel pushed through, with lazy or little design thought. - Leadership seems out of touch with current staff sentiments of the workplace. Many PMs don’t know how long it takes to produce work. PMs tends to share work critique too late rather than share them as they come in and allow you to change and grow. - Pay transparency is poor - no quarterly fiscal updates for staff. Reputation of low salaries compared to other local firms is true. Bonuses are significantly less than what past companies offered.

Explore other reviews about Olson Kundig

5.0
Sep 11, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very professional, friendly, and talented group of people to work with. Everyone in the office, at all levels, is very approachable and collaborative.

Cons

Nothing, aside from occasional late nights.

2.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some interesting projects in the office; well-resourced firm; many of the people were great to work with.

Cons

No clear path for career growth; poor compensation, no effective salary increase in over 4 years of employment; lack of transparency around hiring/firing.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All