Work-Life Balance and a Strong Creative Culture - ACD - Design Sullivan Employee Review

Work Environment, Client Level, Upward Mobility, Product Quality, Culture

Interns do not get a corner office

Some employees are kind, professional, and tend to keep to themselves. There appeared to be a high level of flexibility for personal matters during work hours for some.

The leadership team and some partners contributed to a consistently challenging work environment. Responses to questions came off dismissive or condescending rather than constructive, which made it difficult to feel comfortable asking for clarity. One partner in particular was difficult to work with, discouraging questions while also reacting negatively to minor errors. Communication at times felt one-sided, with frequent interruptions and limited space for input, which impacted overall dynamic. I became aware of high turnover in this role, including hearing about previous employees having negative experiences. During my time there and after my departure, employees reached out and shared similar perspectives, reinforcing my impression that these challenges were not isolated. Communication across leadership was inconsistent, with multiple individuals stepping into decision-making roles without alignment. This often created confusion and added unnecessary pressure to day-to-day responsibilities. In my situation, I was let go based on claims that did not align with my documented work, which made the experience feel particularly unfair and discouraging. Overall morale among employees appeared low, with frequent negative conversations regarding leadership. I also observed behavior in the workplace that felt unprofessional at times. There was no formal HR presence, which made it unclear where to go for support or resolution when issues arose.