Not a place to stay long term. - Design Manager Gensler Employee Review

3.0
Jun 16, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You will develop entrepreneurial skills, professionalism, leadership skills, effective communication.

Cons

There is zero appreciation for great performance and work especially if you are a minority. I’m not going to sugar code this, during my time at gensler there 9 individuals promoted among my peers in my studio. 7 were white. 1 of the 2 minorities was promoted in 2021 after the DEI movement across the nation. Gensler is very politically correct. There is a lot of efforts to parented that they are supporting DEI however there little being done to actually resolve issues with in the firm. Turnover among minorities at gensler is very high. The pay is 20-30% below industry standard even with bonus and overtime included. Benefits are very basic. There is no paternity/maternity leave. In essence gensler is very much like high school. You’re either in with the popular kids or your not regardless of your qualification. To senior professional your experience outside of gensler is completely disregarded as soon as you walk in to this office.

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Gensler Response
4y
Thanks for the feedback. We treat workplace concerns seriously and address them in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. We have multiple channels for reporting issues and we train and encourage our team members to use them. Encouraging everyone to ask questions and provide honest feedback is critical to supporting our culture and our values of integrity, trust and mutual respect. We appreciate your feedback and will share your comments with the firm’s leadership.

Explore other reviews about Gensler

5.0
Apr 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good firm to work at

Cons

Nothing bad about the firm

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Gensler Response
1mo
Thanks for providing feedback on your experience at Gensler. We value our interns and love to hear their perspectives. We are thrilled and delighted to see your 5-star rating!
1.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice office, lots of “rah rah Gensler” events with food & booze, some nice people

Cons

Where do I start…..some studios are TOXIC. Favoritism permeates every aspect of working here. It’s nauseating. There is zero loyalty, zero recognition for hard work (yeah you get a bonus but sometimes a kind word is needed). Oh-and never ever express an opinion that may be in opposition to “leadership’s”. Your private life, beliefs, politics and other personal things are fair game for letting you go. I’ve seen it happen-fired because someone expresses in a private conversation that one has ethical concerns regarding projects that are in the office (but in another studio/office) will get you fired. They will make up some bs about “work performance”, yet no conversation ever with anyone about “needing improvement “. Out of left field. Bye bye. Management tells leadership that they’d already “warned” the person-completely untrue. Hear later it was likely due to having concerns about a client/project. Lesson learned-shut up, work 12 hrs a day and be happy with the scraps you’re thrown. Also-egos galore! Unwillingness to take accountability for mistakes.

5
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Gensler Response
1w
Thanks for the feedback. We treat workplace concerns seriously and address them in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. We have multiple channels for reporting issues and we train and encourage our team members to use them. Encouraging everyone to ask questions and provide honest feedback is critical to supporting our culture and our values of integrity, trust and mutual respect. We appreciate your feedback and will share your comments with the firm’s leadership.
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