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II By IV Design

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For the workaholic - Designer II By IV Design Employee Review

1.0
17 Nov 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice main office (upstairs expansion is a different story), free lunches weekly with lunch and learns, constant treats in kitchen (beware weight gain!), brand name

Cons

A place to be if you choose work over life. Management not very knowledgable in handling clients and interior design processes - puts a strain on the entire studio. Little to no personal work/life balance, designers are way too overworked and extremely underpaid, OT compensation is a joke, low to no annual bonus, not closed during Christmas week like some other firms do. Designers have to produce 1-2+ presentations a year for the staff to lead the weekly staff meeting - basically done on the weekends in own time. High employee turnover, constant fear of job security as it seems someone is fired every month or so. Bad work culture with lots of back stabbing and gossiping! One of the partners is very condescending, he basically runs the place and everyone is constantly just trying to please him. Their method and rate of firing people is scary. Doesn't seem like they really value their employees even though they say they do. You'll most likely be let go before given an opportunity to move up internally.

Explore other reviews about II By IV Design

3.0
19 May 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

supportive and talented colleagues, wide range of responsibilities, educational and trip opportunities, dog friendly, lunch and learn perks, standard benefits

Cons

overtime is expected, poor salary compensation and barely to no annual raises/bonus, management could improve on resource allocations and anticipated deadline communications, could be more transparent overall with business management.

3.0
20 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Half the project opportunities are decent (if you actually get to work on them). They do have some great designers to get to know.

Cons

Compensation is low compared to other studios. No bonuses, no raises, and very rare in-studio promotions. They have a benchmarking program that fails designers. Annual reviews have no outcome. No desire for employee retention - loss of 7-9 staff members in almost half a year. Very obvious favouritism of staff and unfair treatment between departments. Designers are forced to work in office and technicians are able to work at home. Dated ideas of what it means to be a contributing designer. Pigeon holes designers into roles they cannot grow in. Poor client management; very yes man. Glorifies OT and burns designers out. Shames people for not going to office parties.

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