Rudderless Leadership - Anonymous employee NBBJ Employee Review

2.0
Nov 15, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The structure of studios to (somewhat) form their own goals around their practice, their business and culture. Ability to work on a variety of projects due to firm size.

Cons

Endless white man bureacracy. Firm wants to be perceived as innovative and excellent in terms of design, but they are too greedy to invest in it. Culturally, the partnership is completely out of touch with the staff. Nobody really matters, and it's painfully obvious on a cultural level. For example, a retirement party for a 30 year veteran thought leader takes the form of a 15 minute toast with an inch of champagne where a partner says a few things, everybody else stands around and then goes right back to their desk. It's just painful how no one matters there.

Explore other reviews about NBBJ

5.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Super flexible and great coworkers

Cons

No real cons. Maybe wished it was more hybrid

1.0
Jun 16, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

healthcare benefit, good office location

Cons

Bonus points if you're white and can fit into the small inner circle (iykyk). If not, you may find yourself constantly reminded that you don’t really belong. There is a very obvious double standard around flexibility and trust. Certain people seem to be allowed to do whatever they want, while others get questioned for the same behavior and suddenly need to have a “conversation with the manager.” Openly talking negatively about coworkers and consultants is also treated as normal. There is a lot of casual criticism, gossip, and dismissive commentary, which makes the environment feel unnecessarily tense and unprofessional. The micromanagement is also exhausting, especially from managers who are too busy to know what you are actually working on. Instead of feeling trusted to do your job, you end up spending a lot of energy managing perception. Also, 4 days in the office is intense; sometimes people just need quiet time to focus. Although if you're one of the favorites, that can be negotiable.

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