Typical dysfunctional architecture / urban design firm - Senior Designer Utile Employee Review

1.0
Jul 21, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Great staff people - smart, friendly, outgoing - Reasonable hours, no constant charretting or competition culture - Generally interesting work, if you like working with public sector / nonprofit clients

Cons

- Top-heavy structure with four principals and lots of lower level staff (for a 16-person firm!) - Principal-level dysfunction trickles down - Totally open office environment, not even a closed conference room. When there is the need for a private meeting, you head to a coffee shop nearby.

Explore other reviews about Utile

5.0
May 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of opportunities for PM and CA roles for more junior staff. Very collaborative and best practices focused architecture team.

Cons

Staff working on specific project types can feel siloed from one another. While there is a concerted effort to mesh, it is still present.

5.0
May 20, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work culture, and principles genuinely care

Cons

Too many projects at once

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