The Chernobyl of Architecture Firms - Toxic Wasteland - Designer Gensler Employee Review

1.0
Feb 8, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Great resource library - Sometimes fun projects - Equinox/Gym discounts

Cons

- Toxic studios where everyone talks about each other behind their backs and then acts friendly to their faces - Will pigeonhole you into a role and then reprimand you for not doing work they never asked you to do - 95% of the management has an ego and lives to be praised - Principals and associates have their favorites and if you're not one of them, you're outta luck - Promotions only for said favorites - No genuine community, even with all of the clubs and "after" work activities - Long hours and those who consistently put in overtime get praised for "working harder" - Factory-like office -- for a firm known for its beautiful workplace projects, the office feels like a factory - No sense of work-life balance - No chance for working on projects that interest you; do the work they pile on your desk

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Gensler Response
4y
Thanks for the feedback. We treat workplace concerns seriously and address them in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. We have multiple channels for reporting issues and we train and encourage our team members to use them. Encouraging everyone to ask questions and provide honest feedback is critical to supporting our culture and our values of integrity, trust and mutual respect. We appreciate your feedback and will share your comments with the firm’s leadership.

Explore other reviews about Gensler

5.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work-life balance and flexible scheduling. Supportive team environment with opportunities to learn new technologies. Management is generally approachable and benefits are competitive.

Cons

Internal processes can be slow and bureaucratic at times. Career advancement opportunities are limited without clear timelines. Communication between departments could be improved significantly.

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Gensler Response
4w
Thanks so much for the feedback. We love to hear from our people. You and your colleagues are the foundation of our success. We are delighted to see your 5-star rating!
1.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice office, lots of “rah rah Gensler” events with food & booze, some nice people

Cons

Where do I start…..some studios are TOXIC. Favoritism permeates every aspect of working here. It’s nauseating. There is zero loyalty, zero recognition for hard work (yeah you get a bonus but sometimes a kind word is needed). Oh-and never ever express an opinion that may be in opposition to “leadership’s”. Your private life, beliefs, politics and other personal things are fair game for letting you go. I’ve seen it happen-fired because someone expresses in a private conversation that one has ethical concerns regarding projects that are in the office (but in another studio/office) will get you fired. They will make up some bs about “work performance”, yet no conversation ever with anyone about “needing improvement “. Out of left field. Bye bye. Management tells leadership that they’d already “warned” the person-completely untrue. Hear later it was likely due to having concerns about a client/project. Lesson learned-shut up, work 12 hrs a day and be happy with the scraps you’re thrown. Also-egos galore! Unwillingness to take accountability for mistakes.

7
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Gensler Response
4w
Thanks for the feedback. We treat workplace concerns seriously and address them in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. We have multiple channels for reporting issues and we train and encourage our team members to use them. Encouraging everyone to ask questions and provide honest feedback is critical to supporting our culture and our values of integrity, trust and mutual respect. We appreciate your feedback and will share your comments with the firm’s leadership.
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