One of the worst places I have worked at in my career - Interior Designer HLW Employee Review

2.0
24 Sept 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Everyone is really nice and friendly! Benefits & Pay are wonderful!

Cons

-Unrealistic Goals. -Extremely Disorganized, and everyone knows it but just deals with it...no one actually voices their opinion for fear of upper mgmt. -When you confront HR or upper management about issues, not willing to listen or offer help. -There's a monopoly/gang in this office! Upper management has control of everything, and no one else is able to offer new ideas/procedures. Everyone in upper management works together...it's like the Mafia. -HLW offers no support to new employees, impatient about "learning curve" -Lots of people with titles who do not deserve them. -Extreme deadlines and expectations in a short amount of time. -Unclear guidelines, you're pretty much left to your own devices. -No training for anything, you are made to ask plenty of questions to people who have their own list of work to do and would rather not be bothered. -No work/life balance...you are expected to be as miserable as the rest, if you work here expect this job to be your life! No extracurriculars!

Explore other reviews about HLW

5.0
19 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people are very nice, a collaborative culture rather than competitive, management cares about employees, a wonderful mix of clients that come back to HLW time and time again (which says a lot about the company), respected name in the industry, all offices have nice physical working spaces, specific focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives, solid benefits, and offers good work/life balance.

Cons

None that I can think of.

4.0
2 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

A lot of space for opportunity! If you work hard, you can create opportunity for yourself and experience a lot of career growth. You are not kept in a box. If you are a young designer, the community here is so great and fun socially, and you will grow much more than you might elsewhere! Seniors/principles are generally inspiring, positive people to look up to. I look forward to seeing each person daily, it makes me want to come into the office everyday.

Cons

The team in Santa Monica is understaffed in a few areas, leaving many employees with more responsibility than realistic. It is hit or miss on if you end up being an employee that carries a heavier load than others with your same title.

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