Urban Architectural Initiatives Reviews
Updated Feb 11, 2022
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Found 11 of over 11 reviews
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- Oldest First
- Current Employee, more than 8 years★★★★★
Pros
Very diverse, inclusive, drama-free setting, with lots of opportunity to learn and grow with exposure to all phase of design/construction. Chance to input creatively and develop experience as an architect.
Cons
Compensation is not as competitive as other firms/companies.
- Current Employee, more than 1 year★★★★★
Pros
Virtuous projects and clientele. Great opportunities to learn how a building is put together and how to be an Architect. Generally supportive, open and communicative office environment. Balanced working hours and reasonable expectations. Diversity is a big plus.
Cons
Not much room for title advancement due to the small office size, but your responsibilities (and trust) can grow with time. Office project standards could be improved. Base pay is below average, but the office will make up for it at bonus time if you put in the work. Partners have different management styles and tend to stick with a select few staff.
Continue reading - Current Employee, less than 1 year★★★★★
Pros
The principals are all so passionate and kindhearted towards the work that they do. The higher ups are super patient with any questions you have, and are always willing to make time to teach you when you do not understand how to complete a task. The hours are balanced and healthy - where you will maintain a social life outside of work hours while still pushing to complete a deadline if need be.
Cons
Meetings are great to review and gain knowledge on different topics and types of coordination, however I think a daily 1-2 hr meeting can be counterproductive to work hours, or overwhelming for your brain to retain so much information
- Former Employee, more than 1 year★★★★★
Pros
Understanding and respectful staff, projects serve familiar NYC neighborhoods or update NY, the type of work UAI does is unique and virtuous. Effort is made by principals to make staff feel valued and comfortable, but not through raises. You will have to push for that.
Cons
Not much upward mobility at the firm. Not enough product licenses for everyone were available at the time. Nobody got raises throughout the pandemic, but 2 new Project Managers were hired. Even though the firm is small and everyone is a NYC-area local, it feels strangely corporate at times. Clear cliques and favorites.
Continue reading - Former Employee, more than 3 years★★★★★
Pros
A friendly, supportive and collaborative working culture. In my 10+ years of professional experience, I have never come close to finding another firm that embodies inclusion, respect and diversity as much as UAI. I made lasting friendships at the office and I worked on projects that I am most proud of in my career. My effusive description probably begs the question as to why I left UAI - and that can be attributed to leaving New York and a gradual shift out of design practice.
Cons
Tight budgets on some projects due to their nature/scope - but that is more of a constraint, not a con.
- Current Employee, more than 1 year★★★★★
Pros
- Amazing firm culture! Everyone here is passionate about their work. - If you want to design for a great cause, this firm is the place to be. - Great learning opportunity for large-scale and/or ground-up projects.
Cons
There's nothing to complain about!
Continue reading - Current Employee★★★★★
Pros
- Accommodating - Gain experience in all phases of the project - Diverse - Performance is recognized and rewarded
Cons
- Some people are overworked
- Former Employee, more than 3 years★★★★★
Pros
Great Opportunities for young and upcoming architects
Cons
Work sharing and assignment is very bad.
- Former Employee, less than 1 year★★★★★
Pros
Great balance of work/life and a kind caring team.
Cons
Design moves are restricted based on owners' and investors' mindset.
- Current Employee, more than 3 years★★★★★
Pros
Well-diverse group of people. Easy access to principles, and quick response on inquiries.
Cons
-Very slow growth for team members, without leaders pointing what the staff is lacking to search growth. -The office encourages innovative design thinking but innovative ideas in design are often turned down. I understand the time saved on the approach to digging into our library of projects and no need to reinvent the wheel, but that doesn't push any designer to learn, grow, and ultimately doesn't push the work to stay up to date with innovation and competition. -The office has been able to tremendously grow, in terms of projects and staff. However, our salaries haven't seen any growth!
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