Young designers beware - Anonymous employee Mark P. Finlay Architects Employee Review

I learned so much working for Mark Finlay Architects. I was surrounded by people who loved what they did. That passion not only inspired me to work harder but taught me that with hard work and dedication you can truly excel in anything you put your mind to. Public relations was not something I studied in school (I was a graphic design major), but the team was open and eager to teach me. The role made me improve not only as a designer, but has given me experience in the public relations field as well.

Would have liked more team lunches

Projects are worked on by teams, and I enjoy this collaboration. The office is small so we are called upon to play various roles. You may be the leader on one project but step in to “pick up redlines” on another when there is a push to meet deadline. My coworkers are good, kind, hard-working individuals who defy blanket statements. You will, of course get along with some better than others depending on your own areas of interest and level of effort. Everyone in the office has his or her strengths and weaknesses and we work to balance each other. I feel comfortable going to any of them for help when something puzzles me, and they in turn seek me out. The design drawings for clients are hand drawn, which is refreshing to do if that is your strong suit. Once the design is approved by the client it moves onto the computer. The designs are Mark’s, but there is opportunity for suggestions. There is an extensive reference library for inspiration. Sun-filled office with large windows; private parking lot off street, close to the highways and train.

There is no HR department, so you will need to go directly to the office manager, the partners, or Mark if you have concerns, and be your own advocate about wages and other workplace issues . It has been my experience that when I approach Mark and his architecture partners with a problem it gets handled in a friendly manner, even (to their credit) when my concerns involved them themselves. Things come up when you are at a workplace any length of time —- don’t let them fester. I left these meetings feeling relieved. It is a small office and we all chip in. You may not be happy here if you are someone who refuses to step outside your job description. You will print your own drawing sets, make a pot of coffee when you take the last cup, and maybe even answer the phone when we are understaffed during flu season. But it is fine.