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Huniford Design Studio

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Toxic and abusive work environment - Administrative Assistant Huniford Design Studio Employee Review

1.0
Nov 17, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Cool office location, interesting industry.

Cons

I feel it would be irresponsible not to share my experience with this company. Truly, I would be happy if I could save even one person from the chaotic and ugly nature that is working for HDS. I wanted to succeed in this position so badly, but this company is so poorly managed I am amazed at how it functions at all. James “Ford” Huniford is one of the most unprofessional, inconsistent, and volatile owners I have ever experienced. I was hired and it soon became clear that unless I was willing to be yelled at in front of team members for things he perceived to be an issue, I was not going to succeed within the position. Usually in any position there is a honeymoon period… I maybe had one day where I did not come to work in fear that I would be berated for something I did not know was an issue. Ford would change his mind daily and forget he had approved things, and then lash out that it was completed this way. This was spoken about between multiple staff members as “something that came with the job” instead of something that could be fixed. As a professional, I have never seen a company/individual so averse to putting in place best business practices that would increase productivity and give employees the support they need. There is zero on-boarding process that trains employees how to succeed in their job, and during my brief employment I learned close to nothing other than what I did not want in a manager. For someone who harps on communication and relationship building from employees, there is little to no effort in the opposite direction. He refuses to respond to emails, answer calls/texts, or sit down and discuss process changes that could help with productivity. The incredibly high turnover rate alone speaks for itself. Ford is not concerned about bettering his business, he is concerned with bullying his employees into submission and having a shaky at best “HR” process that protects himself first and foremost. Do not work here unless you are satisfied with an outdated and damaging environment that values compliance over functionality.

Explore other reviews about Huniford Design Studio

5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lots of good exposure to high end residential projects, there was room for growth within the firm.

Cons

Sometimes I had to stay late

1.0
May 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There really aren't any pros.

Cons

Worst job I've ever had. Employees are at the mercy of the owner's unpredictable behavior and emotional outbursts. There are constant tantrums and screaming in the office. The owner treats everyone, regardless of job title, as his personal assistant. He oscillates between yelling and the silent treatment. It was similar to living "The Devil Wears Prada", but with a lot of yelling and no Prada. This was a very verbally abusive office. There are no systems of operation in place, which is wild for a business that has been open for almost two decades.

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