Toxic Work Environment: My Experience at Harrell Design Group - Anyonymous Employee Harrell Design Group Employee Review

HDG stands out as a firm that truly offers a collaborative, multidiscipline approach to architecture and engineering. Most firms *say* they are collaborative, but HDG integrates each discipline into the design process. At typical firms where architecture comes first, then engineering follows, everyone is forced to redraws their work multiple times. Conversely, HDG encourages all disciplines to work together, in a unified way, to promote efficiency and expediency, which translates into higher salaries, better bonuses, and great benefits to the employees. Having worked at many firms, I can attest that HDG's approach is advanced, cutting edge, and very sensible.

HDG's collaborative approach is not for everyone. People with inflated egos either quit quickly or decide to learn to grow at HDG into more mature, well-rounded professionals. There is an acclimation period at HDG because most employees' previous firms and not as interdisciplinary as HDG.

The project types were the primary positive aspect of my experience. As a Mechanical Engineer, I found the healthcare and VA projects technically challenging and valuable from a professional development standpoint.

My experience at Harrell Design Group was overwhelmingly negative, and I would not recommend the company to prospective employees. The workplace culture was highly stressful and, in my opinion, toxic. Leadership frequently communicated in a disrespectful and confrontational manner, creating an environment where employees often felt undervalued rather than supported. Professional disagreements were not always handled constructively, and respectful communication from management was lacking. Employee morale appeared to be low, and turnover seemed unusually high. Based on my experience, it was difficult for employees to remain with the company long-term without enduring significant pressure, criticism, and a lack of professional respect. Rather than fostering collaboration, mentorship, and growth, the culture often felt driven by fear and micromanagement. A healthy workplace should encourage professionalism, mutual respect, and open communication. Unfortunately, I did not find those qualities to be present during my time there. For that reason, I cannot recommend Harrell Design Group as an employer.