It's a very good company to work for if you have a specialty or a "niche". - Project Architect HDR Employee Review

4.0
4 Jan 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Large A/E firm with specialties. Relatively high compensations than other architectural firms. "Employee-own" with 401-K stock options. Multiple offices accross the nation and growing of international offices.

Cons

Not known for "design" work, but is in the process of "rebranding" the firm's design image. New high level operation managment equates to company's cultural reallignment.

Explore other reviews about HDR

5.0
24 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fantastic teamwork. The Coastal Group is very close and highly collaborative. There is a lot of support from upper management in the Coastal Group. Lots of projects lined up.

Cons

PTO and Sick Leave are tied together.

1.0
19 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Decent benefits and that was about it.

Cons

This was one of the most challenging management experiences of my career. The manager had spent her entire career at HDR and lacked both external perspective and experience in learning and development, which was critical for our team. There was a clear pattern of favoritism, and feedback tended to focus more on mistakes than recognizing contributions. Work-life balance was minimal, and expectations often extended beyond reasonable limits. I was consistently seeking growth and development opportunities, but these were not supported unless I was willing to fund them myself. Compensation and recognition also felt uneven. Outside of engineering and architecture roles, bonuses were not offered, and raises were infrequent—I received only two raises over four years. Although I’ve since moved on, the experience had a lasting impact on me. I would encourage the organization to invest more in leadership development, employee growth, and a more balanced and supportive workplace culture.

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