Pros
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.
Cons
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.
