Excellent practice for young designers - Architect SAOTA Employee Review

5.0
Aug 15, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You'll be exposed to some of the best design minds in the industry, working on incredible projects all around the world. They pride themselves on being relevant and put huge emphasis on remaining current with design trends as well as technological advancements. You'll be pushed hard and you'll be involved in many projects in rapid succession. You'll be trained on multiple software packages and be supported by outstanding BIM, IT and HR departments.

Cons

High project turnover leads to a lot of work, but if you can set clear boudnaries and expectations this can be minimised. There isn't huge opportunity to grow and develop into more senior positions, these are generally reserved for a select few who really shine, and a more 'granular' approach to team structure could be useful.

Explore other reviews about SAOTA

1.0
May 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Work from Home (If that’s your vibe) - The new underlings are cool, until they assimilate. You can spot them by the brown on their noses. - You don’t have to worry about designing anything or making any decisions, because your boss or the director will do that for you. - Copy and Paste designs, easy work! (A lot… but easy!) - Free instant coffee in the canteen. - Some of your overtime is Paid for, yay… but then it’s also capped, boo. (Sometimes you don’t make the minimum needed to be paid for any overtime lol) - No more boring nights and weekends without work to do, SAOTA has you covered. - International Projects without any need to do technical stuff, so fun, but makes finding your new job in South Africa quite tricky. - You play the important role of cog in the machine. - You get 3 burnout leave days a year that they’ve branded as “special leave”.

Cons

- Salary growth is extremely slow. - Absolutely no autonomy, Don’t you even dare think. - The design phase is all set systems and process based, no space for originality.

1
5.0
Feb 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

job security, cool projects, generally healthy environment

Cons

long hours, paid overtime, but expected

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