Corporate giant, with a heavily promoted image to the public. - Project Architect/Project Manager Gensler Employee Review

3.0
27 Feb 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

A giant company with many different projects, especially for interior design. Focused on client service and design research. Many office events, with a strong desire to support a sociable culture. Strong marketing and public relations groups, aggressive about promoting Gensler. Respect for a work-life balance.

Cons

Most projects are formulaic in design, with a tendency towards "corporate luxury". Design follows fashion, tends to be of the moment, and does not withstand time. Some poorly designed projects. Low social and community engagement in the work. Roles within firm are compartmentalized, which can create a disjointed rather than integrated projects. Tendency towards group-think, it's not a place where diverse viewpoints are encouraged. Inwardly focused firm. Strongly hierarchical and political.

Explore other reviews about Gensler

5.0
3 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good work-life balance and flexible scheduling. Supportive team environment with opportunities to learn new technologies. Management is generally approachable and benefits are competitive.

Cons

Internal processes can be slow and bureaucratic at times. Career advancement opportunities are limited without clear timelines. Communication between departments could be improved significantly.

1.0
29 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice office, lots of “rah rah Gensler” events with food & booze, some nice people

Cons

Where do I start…..some studios are TOXIC. Favoritism permeates every aspect of working here. It’s nauseating. There is zero loyalty, zero recognition for hard work (yeah you get a bonus but sometimes a kind word is needed). Oh-and never ever express an opinion that may be in opposition to “leadership’s”. Your private life, beliefs, politics and other personal things are fair game for letting you go. I’ve seen it happen-fired because someone expresses in a private conversation that one has ethical concerns regarding projects that are in the office (but in another studio/office) will get you fired. They will make up some bs about “work performance”, yet no conversation ever with anyone about “needing improvement “. Out of left field. Bye bye. Management tells leadership that they’d already “warned” the person-completely untrue. Hear later it was likely due to having concerns about a client/project. Lesson learned-shut up, work 12 hrs a day and be happy with the scraps you’re thrown. Also-egos galore! Unwillingness to take accountability for mistakes.

3
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All