Some Serious Issues to Address - Anonymous employee HLW Employee Review

1.0
Oct 4, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-Good salaries, if negotiated, with small annual bonus opportunities -Somewhat flexible work hours -A constant offering of office activities, parties, and an active social intranet across all offices which gives a unique opportunity to see inside the other office locations -An increased concern for creating office standardization

Cons

-Lacking Project Managers are not consistently held accountable for the success or lack thereof of their projects which effects team and office dynamics -Unbalanced work distribution with some teams working constant and extreme overtime while other projects are incredibly mismanaged and inefficient -Unglamorous projects for the unflavored and an overwhelming presence of favoritism and office politics -Tremendously high turnover this year, I would estimate 30 people at least from the NY office alone, from all levels including Senior Associates, Directors, and key team members as well as the younger staff which is a huge red flag of concern -Generally underappreciated treatment for the majority of staff for their participation in meeting project deliverables -Even with a proven track record and tremendous experience, you will be pigeonholed unless you are favored by a Director or Partner which can lead to frustration or can delay career aspirations -An AE firm marketing oneself as such but with effectively few if any at all remaining active engineers -Absolute lack of office standards which is a key contributor to the unprofitability of many projects whose responsibility will not be given to the appropriate Project Manager in all cases -Tremendous division between Interiors and Architecture which reduces the capability of mostly architecturally trained personnel to projects which do not suit their potential or interest -Misguided attempts in the office to spend tremendous time and resources on parties and ‘Supergroup’ activities instead of addressing the key issues in the office

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HLW Response
9y
Thank you for your review. We are sorry that your experience at HLW was not in line with the culture and values we strive to achieve. We take into consideration all feedback from our employees and thank you for taking the time to outline your concerns. We strive to create a culture that is transparent, and empowers all employees to grow and succeed in their careers. We are happy that you found our efforts to integrate our offices both in practice and culture as a highlight, as the integration will continue to improve allowing our designers to work on new and interesting projects around the world. Again, thank your for your feedback, and we would like to wish you luck moving forward.

Explore other reviews about HLW

5.0
May 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people are very nice, a collaborative culture rather than competitive, management cares about employees, a wonderful mix of clients that come back to HLW time and time again (which says a lot about the company), respected name in the industry, all offices have nice physical working spaces, specific focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives, solid benefits, and offers good work/life balance.

Cons

None that I can think of.

4.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

A lot of space for opportunity! If you work hard, you can create opportunity for yourself and experience a lot of career growth. You are not kept in a box. If you are a young designer, the community here is so great and fun socially, and you will grow much more than you might elsewhere! Seniors/principles are generally inspiring, positive people to look up to. I look forward to seeing each person daily, it makes me want to come into the office everyday.

Cons

The team in Santa Monica is understaffed in a few areas, leaving many employees with more responsibility than realistic. It is hit or miss on if you end up being an employee that carries a heavier load than others with your same title.

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