CannonDesign reviews

4.0

77% would recommend to a friend

(74 total reviews)
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Brad Lukanic, AIA

81% approve of CEO

81% positive business outlook

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74 reviews

Reviews about "Compensation"

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1.0
Mar 28, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Can't remember any other than some officer perks.

Cons

Nepotism!! It is present at the highest level. Some principals of the firm because of their connections thrive in spite of being non-performers. All the talk of being "CannonDesigners' but there is actually very less design. No market identity, lots of time people thought that it was part of the Canon camera brand. Somehow they say they want to work in their backyard but don't have any projects nor anyone can stand their misplaced arrogance. Too high a multiplier, which makes it difficult for winning projects. Too much talk of innovation but actually don't know that they are 5 years too late for that innovation. I heard a presentation on how algorithms and grasshopper were something new to be used for designed when other firms like SOM have been using them for many years now. Also the firm doesn't have a heart, they laid off some part time architecture students cum admin assistants because these students sought their roles to be defined as intern architects so that they can further their careers as architects than as admin assistants. They laid them off because they didn't want this to be a trend with other admin assistants. And I know of another great three letter firm which took these kids and turned them into talented architects. Talk about doing good in your own backyard! The people who market the services actually have no thought leadership on the subjects or knew very little about it and needed to be coached. They talk the same talking points at 60,000 ft level. You probe them about how it is actually done, technically or physically, the people or the firm doesn't have any expertise. They think that new recruits from Harvard and Pratt will save them and will make them sound cooler. But they forget they are not in the upper echelons of design powerhouses. They think they are by putting out this advertising firm like marketing jargon but don't have any physical product to show for it. So all you design primadonnas thinking of joining this firm, consider yourself warned!! And yes you would fit right in over here if all you want to make is architectural monuments in your own glory without caring for an environment, context or people who will be using it. I wasted my precious years here, but the money was good till it lasted. I would recommend running far away from this firm before joining it.

1.0
Feb 15, 2015

Abandon your self respect all ye who enter

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The handful of exceptional, talented, hardworking people in each office who get things done.

Cons

Recent reviews are spot on. Bloated upper management that is out of touch with the lower ranks who are in the trenches doing the work. Too many lawyers, nurses, "researchers" and other highly compensated unbillable staff that provide questionable value to the firm. RAMPANT unprofessional and downright unethical behavior in plain sight. Nepotism and favoritism are the status quo. People responsible for major screw ups on projects get promoted while the low level staffers who inherit the problems get told that they need to "show more initiative." Self aggrandizing design principal with out of control ego. Zero work life balance. Zero professional respect, especially if you are a young professional. Zero opportunity for advancement unless you schmooze with a select handful of people. Expect to hear that your work is subpar from individuals who leave promptly at 5:30 every day while you juggle multiple deadlines at the same time. When your work is outstanding the same people fall over themselves to take credit. Company announced acquisition of new firm the same week it announced there would be no 401k matching due to financial hardship. Too much money wasted on rebranding, employee satisfaction survey and other inconsequential initiatives instead of retaining top performers. This is just a taste, I could go on forever. Working here turned me into a miserable cynic. I hated myself every day like someone else mentioned and its taken time to unlearn bad habits.

3.0
Jul 30, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing architectural design. Company is seeks to elevate it's brand and expand it's clientele on a regular basis. Continued learning encouraged and supported---but only within the architect field (non-non-existent for marketing or any other field expertise)

Cons

The internal environment was not good, from personalities to office structure (cube city--horrible) The hushed quiteness was counterintuitive to the wonderful creative. Very male driven, tough for women to advance or survive. Very heavy upper management level who don't seek to hone and raise young talent.

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