"The best position would be one where you work with the Project Architect on a daily basis. Otherwise, you end up completing mundane tasks and the typical CAD work. Keep giving your opinion or you will get ignored and treated as a CAD technician. Volunteer to do extra architectural tasks, regardless of how small they are, in order to free yourself of CAD."

"Firm works on roughly 30% residential and 70% commercial. The residential projects are usually upscale homes reaching the million-dollar mark or more. Clients usually request (and are given) designs consisting of regional style and materials (stone walls, metal roofing, etc). Commercial projects are medium-scale since most are based in the Bryan/College Station area which limits project scope."

"Due to its location being in a college town … they have a high turnover rate. This is a big challenge since most interns are not there long enough to gain more responsibilities. Most interns are given a larger role only if the show initiative. Otherwise you will end up as a CAD tech."

"Never had a problem with interns. All were treated with respect and all were knowledgeable enough to keep the office moving smoothly. Most problems originated from management and their lack of communication with interns."

"Like most firms, some days can zip by, while other days will drag on. Likewise, as the week comes to a close the atmosphere turns much more positive. If you are given multiple tasks, it actually motivates you more than if you're given only one task on one project."

"Management has a good head on their shoulders but tend to put other duties in front of interns' needs. Compensation starts off low and one expects it will rise but that is rarely the case. Interns needs (and wants) are rarely ever considered."
"The best position would be middle management. Unfortunately, the firm is so small and uninvolved that they are unable to see that middle management is needed. Self-motivated and intelligent employees will benefit greatly from the wisdom on one of the Project Managers (2 at the firm). Be ready to deal with a lot of silence, management mood swings, uncertainty of office standing, and obligatory thank-yous. You will get very little time with clients and consultants and probably not receive fair compensation for the job performed. Expect to work with your typical unmotivated students/part-time employees as this firm employs most of its' workers from the near-by university. Again, being self-motivated inside and outside the firm will ensure your success as an Architect."

"The firm does mostly commercial work including renovations of historic buildings. The firm’s attitude is great when confronting clients. The Project Managers tend to lean toward the 'educate the public about Architecture' end of the spectrum even though their thoughts on the subject are sometimes misleading. The ideas of budget, scope and quality are highly revered, projects are very well defined, and never come in over budget by surprise."

"The firm views most if not all employees as transients. This leads to the feeling that everyone is expendable. If one shows an extreme interest in learning the full extent of Architecture, he will be given small tasks that if done carefully can lead to great knowledge."

"Most of the workers are students/part-time. For the most part unmotivated and semi-talented students are hired and competent employees spend the majority or their time 'cleaning-up' the messes of others."

"Most employees can't wait to get off of work, especially if they have spent the entire day listening to other employees arguing with the Principal about roof pitches and details, or cleaning up mistakes that were easily preventable with a bit of guidance from above."