Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 57 locations across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year.
Everything we do is guided by our mission: To create a better world through the power of design. We believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone.
Gensler was named one of Forbes’ Best Large Employers in 2024, and our award-winning culture has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Top 10 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024. Our people-first philosophy is centered on the core ideas of diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth. You can learn more about our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace at https://www.gensler.com/about/inclusion.
A note on recruitment: Gensler will never reach out to prospective employees or vendors through social media or messaging apps. Please see our website for how to avoid recruitment fraud: https://www.gensler.com/recruitment-fraud-alert
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
15
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: I've really appreciated the **hybrid work** model in the **Los Angeles office**. As an **Architectural Designer**, splitting time between home and the office helps with my commute. It's nice to have some flexibility for personal appointments, which is a big plus.
Cons: True **work flexibility** can really depend on your specific project team and manager. Some teams expect you in the office more often, making consistent remote work tough for **design roles**. Billable hours can definitely make the days longer, impacting overall flexibility.
Advice to Management: Standardize hybrid work policies across studios so everyone has the same understanding of remote expectations. Ensure managers are consistent in allowing **flexible hours** for architecture projects to improve work-life balance.
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Pros: The health insurance for employees was pretty solid; it felt like a decent benefit package there. Being part of such a big corporate firm also means you get to work on some really impressive design projects and learn a lot. There's good potential for internal networking.
Cons: Salaries for Architectural Designer roles are low for the Los Angeles market. It felt like I was pretty underpaid compared to what I could make at other architecture firms. The annual bonus structure wasn't very clear or significant, it didn't add much to my overall compensation.
Advice to Management: Please re-evaluate the pay scales for all design roles, especially for junior and mid-level staff. It's tough to retain talent when compensation isn't competitive with the market, particularly in cities like Los Angeles. Transparency around bonuses would also be helpful.
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Pros: The health insurance and 401k matching are really solid for a big corporate design firm. PTO is decent too, especially for an Architectural Designer working long hours. They do offer good perks like wellness programs.
Cons: The base salary wasn't great for my Architectural Designer role. Cost of living in Los Angeles, CA makes it even tougher. Raises are often minimal, even after good performance reviews.
Advice to Management: Seriously consider adjusting salaries to be more competitive, especially for junior and mid-level Architectural Designer roles. The current pay scale isn't reflecting the workload or market rates in the architecture industry.
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What is the typical work-life balance like for architects at Gensler, especially in larger offices like New York?
No answers yet.
What is the typical work-life balance like for a junior architect at Gensler in their New York City office?
No answers yet.
What is the typical work environment like for an architect at Gensler, especially in their large New York City offices?
No answers yet.
What is the general working culture like at Gensler, especially for junior architects in a large market like New York City?
Gensler fosters a collaborative and fast-paced environment, emphasizing teamwork and client-focused design solutions. Junior architects can expect opportunities to learn from experienced professionals on diverse projects, contributing to a strong foundation in the architectural industry.
What is the typical work-life balance like for a junior designer at Gensler, considering the fast-paced nature of a large global architecture firm?
Work-life balance at Gensler can vary significantly by project and team, but there's a general expectation of dedication. Junior designers often experience demanding periods, especially around project deadlines, which can impact personal time. However, the firm encourages flexibility and offers resources to support employee well-being.
What is the typical team structure and collaboration like for a designer at Gensler, particularly on large-scale architectural projects in their New York office?
Teams at Gensler are usually project-based, fostering collaboration among different disciplines like architecture, interior design, and urban planning. You'll find yourself working closely with a dedicated team, often including senior designers and project managers, to deliver innovative solutions for major architectural endeavors in major urban centers like New York.
What is the day-to-day working culture like for an architect at Gensler, especially regarding collaboration and project pace?
The culture at Gensler is highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork across disciplines to deliver integrated design solutions. Architects typically work on multiple projects concurrently, which can lead to a dynamic and fast-paced environment depending on project phases and client demands.
What is the general working culture like for architects at Gensler, particularly in terms of collaboration and project approach?
Gensler fosters a collaborative environment where architects often work in integrated teams on diverse projects. The culture emphasizes shared learning and a hands-on approach to design, encouraging open communication throughout the project lifecycle.
