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Mark P. Finlay Architects

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Mark P. Finlay Architects Reviews

2.8

33% would recommend to a friend

(5 total reviews)

Mark Finlay

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Reviews by job title

5 reviews
1.0
18 Oct 2012

Young designers beware

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good Brand name recongnition in Fairfield County architecture scene High end projects where every detail is addressed. Construction Document sets are very good. Pays overtime (I think this is CT state law though)

Cons

You are merely a pawn here. Do not be fooled. The upper management does not care about you at all. You are a cog, an interchangeable part that has no real worth. There is no encouragement, support, or incentive for I.D.P. or A.R.E. certification. In fact, it is kind of a taboo subject to bring up. Probably because they know they will have to pay you more money once you get licensed. Annual employee reviews are non-existent. This is surely to avoid raises also. The vacation time is pathetically low. Interest in improving technology and software are non-existent. Pay is low and will remain low. This is an actual quote by the President/CEO: "You are all really lucky to be working here for one of the best firms in the world. There are a lot of people out there that want your job and are willing to do it for less." Notice that there is a big revolving door at the firm. People get fed up and then leave for greener pastures. The staff remains very young and cheap. That seems to be the business model. Unfortunately, the projects suffer as a result. The overall morale is very low.

2.0
14 May 2018

Toxic Firm, Don't Bother Applying

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice work environment provided with many utilitles. Some co-workers are nice and willing to help and don't speak behind people's back or become jealous when they aren't as capable.

Cons

Too many to count. In short, not a long-term firm. Poor work environment for women, and anyone who cares for a promising future in the design field. Definitely not a place to recommend working at.

4.0
13 Sept 2018

Another viewpoint from the architecture side of the firm

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Projects are worked on by teams, and I enjoy this collaboration. The office is small so we are called upon to play various roles. You may be the leader on one project but step in to “pick up redlines” on another when there is a push to meet deadline. My coworkers are good, kind, hard-working individuals who defy blanket statements. You will, of course get along with some better than others depending on your own areas of interest and level of effort. Everyone in the office has his or her strengths and weaknesses and we work to balance each other. I feel comfortable going to any of them for help when something puzzles me, and they in turn seek me out. The design drawings for clients are hand drawn, which is refreshing to do if that is your strong suit. Once the design is approved by the client it moves onto the computer. The designs are Mark’s, but there is opportunity for suggestions. There is an extensive reference library for inspiration. Sun-filled office with large windows; private parking lot off street, close to the highways and train.

Cons

There is no HR department, so you will need to go directly to the office manager, the partners, or Mark if you have concerns, and be your own advocate about wages and other workplace issues . It has been my experience that when I approach Mark and his architecture partners with a problem it gets handled in a friendly manner, even (to their credit) when my concerns involved them themselves. Things come up when you are at a workplace any length of time —- don’t let them fester. I left these meetings feeling relieved. It is a small office and we all chip in. You may not be happy here if you are someone who refuses to step outside your job description. You will print your own drawing sets, make a pot of coffee when you take the last cup, and maybe even answer the phone when we are understaffed during flu season. But it is fine.

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Glassdoor has 7 Mark P. Finlay Architects reviews submitted anonymously by Mark P. Finlay Architects employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Mark P. Finlay Architects is right for you.