Review of KMD - Associate Level KMD Architects Employee Review

2.0
14 Mar 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nobody really reviews your work. This means you often have much freedom and can get away with murder if you are lazy. Although it's not a dynamic fun place to work, it is pretty relaxed with nobody really getting in your business. Relative to other firms the pay is OK. Management is cool about working a flexible schedule.

Cons

It's on the second generation of leadership who were all grown during the first generation when the firm was floated by its rich founder. Now the second generation is trying to manage on their own and don't know how to get work. The firm is now incredibly top heavy and the new leaders seem mostly considered with sorting out the legal issues of ownership and less concerned with rebuilding what could be a nice company. Many of the firms top leaders have very passive aggressive backroom methods of leadership. Their is zero marketing vision and even less mentoring going on.

Explore other reviews about KMD Architects

5.0
2 Dec 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great designers and projects, a company that keeps growing with more than 50 years of experience

Cons

More organization in general, a game plan

2.0
23 Jan 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people there are truly great folks here and they do some great design. There is a strong company culture and rich history that really solidifies the team.

Cons

This is not a relationship building firm. They mainly target one off, large projects rather than building a repeat client base. This is a family business that thinks it is a global architecture firm. Until they get rid of nepotism, secrecy and favoritism they will never grow into the firm they think they are. They also maintain offices in Portland and Seattle mainly for key personnel that do not want to live in San Francisco. There is a lack of diversity and they tend to give leadership roles not based on skill set or talent, but based on number of years with the firm. When times get tough they will lay off mid level staff because they are too expensive to market in proposals and keep unexperienced junior staff with out giving them the mentorship to succeed.

3
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