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Meridian Design Associates, Architects

Is this your company?

Sweat shop, not architectural office! - Architectural Designer Meridian Design Associates, Architects Employee Review

1.0
Sep 17, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Can't think of anything positive about this place other than the location.

Cons

Software: This office uses Archicad software and it is extremely inefficient for architectural design and project development needs. It lacks of common cad tools like ortho and snap! It is an awful program, it is impossible to work with unless you are willing to losing 2-3 hours everyday in front of computer watching the program lagging, and lagging and lagging. You need to press on 3 keys at the same time to simply copy an item and it takes about 2-3 mins each time to do so cause it is painfully slow! And of course you are expected to make up for the lost time on your own time, meaning staying 3 more hours everyday on top of your 8 hours shift! Long work hours: People are expected to stay for weekends and even during national holidays. PMs give insane amount of work in a very short time and tells you, you can stay over the night or on weekends or even log-in remotely (aww how nice of them!) from your home to finish it up. They have great solutions(!) for their poor management. Management: Owner takes advantage of people from foreign countries or new graduates by making them feel less. If you are considering to get visa sponsorship via this place, be ready to not to leave office and getting paid half of the NY standards. Culture: Far from NY city architectural office culture. They are proudly saying that they have Summer Fridays where in reality they allow people who work min 50 hours/a week to take 2-3 hours off every Friday afternoon during summer. It is not what Summer Fridays are... Owner: Owner is condescending and makes sexist jokes around the office. He keeps telling people to ask him if they need help however when you actually do, he is demeaning and patronizing especially if towards woman.

Explore other reviews about Meridian Design Associates, Architects

5.0
Oct 20, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I worked there for more than 7 years and had a great experience and learnt a lot, The work environment and firm culture are great and you will have the chance to participate in all phases of the design process and project: from test fit to construction administration. Perfect place to learn! Staff is great, super friendly and very helpful, and a perfect mix of many cultures. They have all kind of projects: workplace, office renovations, media and broadcasting, residential, etc. It worths a word saying that the office is very cool, open space, and fully stocked material library. And they located in one of the most vibrant areas of Manhattan. Big pro: they work 95% in revit and archicad, almost nothing of autocad!

Cons

It’s not a con, but you will need some time to get used to Archicad. But if you already know Revit, will be very easy!

3.0
May 1, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

offered a flexible hybrid schedule, large office space

Cons

lack of a consistent work load and concept / design development work

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