Valuable Learning Opportunities, but Profit-Driven Culture and Outdated Management Practices
Pros
The office best works for you only if you are an intermediate designer looking to learn the job rather than expecting a professional environment where you can enjoy your career. You get involved in all phases of an architectural project, providing a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Some teams consist of good, non-toxic people, and job satisfaction is generally higher when working with younger managers rather than long-time directors. The company provides high-configuration Apple computers, which help with performance and workflow. The office is located in a good neighborhood, and for most of the firm, work-life balance is reasonable. Additionally, staffing and work distribution are well-organized, ensuring that workloads are managed efficiently. There is a supportive atmosphere in the office where employees do not engage in toxic competition and actively help one another.
Cons
1. The company prioritizes profit over quality, cutting costs at the expense of both employees and client satisfaction: Salaries are way below market rate, promotions are rare to avoid pay increases, and bonuses are minimal. Health benefits and the 401(k) plan are among the worst, with no matching for most employees and no activation in the first year. The LA office building is in poor condition. Office purchases, from supplies to software, are chosen based on the lowest cost rather than efficiency. Instead of using industry-standard software such as Revit and AutoCAD, the company forces employees to work with obscure, outdated programs just to save money, creating inefficiencies in plan sets and making collaboration with clients and other firms difficult. Job titles are manipulated to underpay employees. 2- The company follows an outdated operational model since the 1990s, offering no flexible work options such as remote work or flexible schedules, and there is no generous PTO policy. They fail to adapt to modern workspace management trends. Management operates with an authoritarian style, discouraging feedback and relying on micromanagement. There is no employee satisfaction survey form. There is gender bias that favors some female employees in promotions and job security. 3. Disrespectful language, gaslighting, and a toxic culture are common in some teams, with some younger managers mirroring the aggressive behavior of older directors rather than fostering a professional environment. Low job security is prevalent, as layoffs happen regularly without notice or severance.
