Strong reputation, but disconnect between values and reality - Architect Perkins & Will Employee Review

There is a significant disconnect between the image the company promotes and the experience many employees actually have. Leadership frequently speaks about collaboration, innovation, diversity, and employee well-being, but those values often feel more like marketing slogans than realities. Decision-making can be highly centralized, with little transparency around important business and staffing decisions. Employees are expected to be deeply committed to the firm, yet that commitment does not always seem reciprocated. Recognition for hard work can be inconsistent, and career advancement often feels unclear and dependent on office politics rather than merit. Work-life balance is frequently discussed but can be difficult to achieve in practice. Long hours may become normalized, especially during deadlines, and employee burnout is often treated as part of the profession rather than a problem to be addressed. One of the most frustrating aspects is watching talented and dedicated staff leave due to limited growth opportunities, management issues, or dissatisfaction with the culture. The firm invests heavily in maintaining its external reputation, but there appears to be less focus on addressing the concerns raised by employees internally. The company talks extensively about being people-centered, yet many employees are left feeling like they are simply resources to be utilized until the next deadline is met. Morale can suffer when leadership appears disconnected from the day-to-day realities faced by staff.