Pros
SOM is a good name to have on your resume if your focus is architecture. You will have a strong portfolio when you leave.
Cons
The biggest challenge at this firm is the culture. There is a noticeable lack of collaboration, with some individuals prioritizing internal competition over doing the work and supporting the team. This dynamic is reinforced by management practices that lean more toward turnover and constant rehiring rather than investing in the growth and development of existing staff. While the firm promotes values like empathy and teamwork, the day-to-day experience often does not align with those ideals. There is a lack of trust and psychological safety, which can make it difficult to work effectively without feeling the need to be overly cautious in interactions. Performance and contribution are not always the primary drivers of advancement. Instead, there can be an emphasis on optics and internal dynamics, which creates an environment where time is not always used meaningfully and priorities can feel misaligned.