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Kirkpatrick & Associates

Engaged employer

Great locally-owned business to work for - Office Assistant Kirkpatrick & Associates Employee Review

5.0
31 Aug 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

K&A is a local business run by a woman who started it over 30 years ago. She has built a reputation around the country of being one of the top hospitality interior designers. I came here without any experience in interior design, but was given countless tools to learn as I went. This job is not boring or repetitive, there is something different to do every day, and the owner is not afraid to challenge you by giving you an assignment that you aren't familiar with knowing that you will be able to figure it out...and if you ask for help or assistance, you get it. She is also open to suggestions or ways to improve. When she gives you a task, she expects you to complete it and doesn't micro-manage along the way. The negative reviews on here seem to be more of personality conflicts between disgruntled employees and not necessarily a reflection of the business as I have not experienced any of the mentioned "cons". I come in at a convenient time for me, and leave at a convenient time. I never miss events with my kids/family. If time off is needed, it is granted. In my opinion, this shows that I'm appreciated. Asking how your weekend was or how your family is shows a personal concern from an employer to an employee, and this is a regular occurrence here. This is a small-business so 401k and benefits aren't expected. I am happy here and the other employees who have been here years longer than I have appear to be happy as well. Over the past year, I've never seen anyone skip lunch due to work load or pressure nor have I seen or heard of anyone besides the owner, working weekends.

Cons

The office is very quiet and we work independently, for the most part so it's not a social environment (earbuds help rectify this). That's not a huge con, unless you have to be in constant interaction with people. Aside from that, I honestly can't think of anything negative.

Explore other reviews about Kirkpatrick & Associates

5.0
27 June 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Susan Kirkpatrick is energetic, knowledgeable, and a fair employer. I have been employed by KIrkpatrick & Associates, Inc. for over 5 years and have had a very positive experience.

Cons

We have been challenged at times to fill the various positions at the company. We are quite close to having a complete team right now.

3
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Kirkpatrick & Associates Response
7y
Thank you for your continued contributions and productivity.
1.0
13 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Hospitality production experience and intensive hands-on exposure to detailed drafting across multiple active projects. The role can provide significant technical growth for those looking to build speed and production skills, often through extended 9+ hour workdays in a fast-paced environment. It offers immersion in real-time project demands and high-volume documentation workflows.

Cons

Driven by reactive management and inconsistent expectations. Tasks and standards shift without clear communication, and employees may be criticized for not meeting requirements that were never clearly defined. Leadership communication can feel dismissive and, at times, confrontational. Rather than addressing process issues, feedback is often directed at individuals, creating an atmosphere of blame rather than accountability. This makes it difficult to feel secure in your role or confident in performance expectations. There is little transparency around priorities, and workload demands can be unreasonable. Employees who value professionalism, mutual respect, and structured leadership may find this environment emotionally exhausting. I would strongly recommend asking direct questions about management style, documentation processes, and how performance concerns are handled before accepting a position here.

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Kirkpatrick & Associates Response
1w
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about our company’s work environment. Kirkpatrick and Associates, Inc. is indeed a fast-paced environment that offers immersion in real-time project demands. We seek designers who have advanced skills in all areas of hospitality design, including FF&E selections, space planning, custom furniture, carpet and fabric design, along with drafting and specification writing experience. We are always willing to give opportunities to designers who are self-starting and willing to learn, regardless of previous experience. Great design is in the details, which requires consistency throughout the documentation set. Successful designers at our firm take ownership of their work and see how they can ensure materials are accurate and complete. When there are repeated instances of the same error, or comments that are not implemented throughout related materials, the delay in project timing negatively impacts our entire team. Most of our projects are submitted to hotel brands for their review and approval and we work within a project time frame based on the project’s construction or renovation schedule. This job is not a good fit for an individual that must be micromanaged and does not take the initiative to review their own work or move forward with the next step needed for the project. We are happy to answer questions but cannot do so when questions are not asked. For those who are forward-thinking and willing to take ownership of their work, we provide an excellent opportunity to learn every facet of hotel design. We understand you felt that performance expectations and concerns were not adequately communicated. I am sorry that you had this experience. Our office strives to be professional and provides many opportunities for growth, whether through hands-on experience, manufacturer educational presentations, or attending hotel design conferences and furniture markets. Kirkpatrick and Associates is a small team, with all employees reporting directly to the owner. Designers receive feedback on draft documents throughout the work week, which is considered part of the learning process. We expect comments to be implemented in future work product where applicable. In addition to regular performance reviews, we attempt to handle performance concerns in a timely and constructive manner with specific, actionable examples. We have documented your feedback and will keep it in mind going forward.
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