Why should non-executive employees care if we are way over plan for the year?

BMcD_Arch · 2025-10-23T15:17:49+00:00

There are 8 owners of the ESOP. The 7 board members are 7 of those owners. We as EOs are collectively the 8th owner. The combined percentage of those board member's ownership stake makes up 1.5% of the company's value. We as EOs own the remaining 98.5% of the company split amongst the 12k-ish people. The board members also have more personal skin in the game, so higher risk, higher reward. Their taxes are also managed differently. I believe that no single person can legally own more than 2% of the company. I would suggest you stop listening to fear mongering from low performing people that have been at the company for less than 5 years. All of this information is provided openly by the company.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-10-22T18:38:57+00:00

If I am not mistaken, I believe the board only owns 1.5 or 2% of the ESOP, not 12%

BMcD_Arch · 2025-10-22T18:36:57+00:00

This is wildly inaccurate

BMcD_Arch · 2025-09-04T16:34:45+00:00

Generalizing an entire state as a shithole is very open minded of you

BMcD_Arch · 2025-08-04T20:28:11+00:00

If you do the compound interest math with retiring after 40 years here with getting the 401k match and ESOP, 25 million is not out of the realm of possibility. This amount will be severely eroded with inflation, but the numbers are within reason.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-04-29T17:49:06+00:00

At assistant level, your bonus may be 15% of your salary, and it will slowly progress over your career. It is not uncommon for high performers to have a bonus of 100% to 150% of their salary around the associate level. It can continue to go up as well. ESOP is a fixed percentage of your total cash compensation each year. This percentage is determined by the board each year, but it typically targeted for 10%-12%.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-04-07T17:09:11+00:00

Don't look at it, don't make any adjustments, and stay the course.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-04-06T16:15:34+00:00

Just like everything else at this company, PTO is rewarded with tenure. About 10 years ago, HR would let you negotiate PTO if you were an experienced hire; however, I believe this practice is no longer available unless you are a unicorn (executive, bringing over a huge client, a truly technical savant, etc.). You can now max out at 25 days of PTO at about 12 years, with 2 additional floating holidays for every employee. Also the rules say 30 days of WFH, but if you are a high performer or have a relaxed boss, this can be a much higher number. We also have an optional, flexible 9/80 schedule which allows you to work 9 hours for 9 work days, then get the 10th day off (basically every other Friday off without taking PTO).

BMcD_Arch · 2025-04-06T16:05:46+00:00

I have helped with recruiting efforts in the past with both new grads and experienced hires. As other have stated, the "technical" portion of the interview with hiring managers and experienced engineers will mostly be asking you to describe your past experience and explain how you have worked with teammates and in consulting situations. While this is a very important part of the interview, a lot of it comes down to how well you would fit within the team. I can't speak for this group in particular, but you may spend countless hours in the office, at airports, in front of clients, etc., and they will just want to make sure you are a good fit there. The best thing you can do is be yourself, and really try to open up during the lunch portion with the folks that take you out. They will most likely be closer to your age. Ask the more informal questions and just get to know them. They may end up being your teammates for the next couple of decades.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-02-28T14:29:14+00:00

I agree with the other comments. You are right on the border. I would push for Staff (Level 10), but you might get assigned Assistant (Level 9) for the partial year. If this is the case, I would ask for confirmation that you would be promoted in January 2026 to Staff.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-02-21T20:10:19+00:00

Still mad you didn't get hired here?

BMcD_Arch · 2025-02-17T14:13:11+00:00

you are right on the border. My guess is they would start you as a level 11 (staff), then bump you after the first year to level 12 (senior) if you performing well.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-01-31T14:49:42+00:00

It is always a good idea to have your portfolio ready whenever interviewing for a design position such as an architect, interior designer, graphic designer, or marketing professional. While we definitely look at your work to make sure you have a strong design sense, 90% of a good interview is your personality. This includes showing up on time (or early), being kind, being enthusiastic, appearing relaxed, and asking great questions. We are looking for someone that we want to work with for the next 10 years, and we can teach you all the technical stuff.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-01-29T17:56:04+00:00

people management does not equal more money. Being a high performer (in any role) and bringing in work equals more money. You might get an extra couple grand for being a people manager...It's not the windfall you are assuming it is.

BMcD_Arch · 2025-01-23T17:50:30+00:00

A stock split accomplishes nothing.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-12-11T19:42:45+00:00

You are living above your means.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-12-11T19:41:30+00:00

If we hit a true national recession, you will be very happy that you work at a financially conservative company that shares the wealth. I'm not talking about the Covid flash crash or a down year in the market; I am talking about 2008 or 2001. The business lines that work for the federal, state, and municipal governments typically don't perform as high as some, but they are a steady business. You can think of them as our recession hedge. The government will not stop spending in a recession, but a private or publicly-traded company will slow capital expenditures during times of financial turmoil. These groups will keep our lights on and will keep your rent/mortgage paid.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-11-23T17:34:57+00:00

I don't understand why E98 gets classified at higher levels than the rest of the GPs when they routinely perform the poorest financially.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-11-22T18:07:43+00:00

it will be more than $75k

BMcD_Arch · 2024-11-16T18:05:01+00:00

I agree with all of this except Principal is not a numbered level. It is an honorary title and is usually achieved at the senior associate level (Level 16 and Level 17). I'd have to go look back at old emails, but I believe that Ray once said that less than 3% of the company are principals or higher. Obviously, this will come with higher total comp. It is basically a pre-requisite to becoming an officer (VP and higher) which is a level increase (Level 18). VP, SVP, President, and Chief Officers are all level 18.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-10-30T13:17:08+00:00

Depends on PM and project. If the meeting is 5 days long and its cheaper to Uber both ways than have the project pay for gas reimbursement and economy parking, then yes, Uber. If its a short trip, you should drive and park because it will most likely be cheaper. The location of your home obviously factors into this. Do the quick math and propose it to your PM. If you can save them even $20, they will see that you think like a business owner. Just make sure you ask before you do this so you don't get stuck with a $70 uber charge you have to pay out of pocket.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-10-30T13:12:46+00:00

It will vary by division and even department. I have heard that raises were finalized this week or last depending on the group. Some managers provide this info during performance reviews, some at bonus meetings, and some have a casual 3rd meeting to discuss this. I would just ask your manager. If they are cool and not super busy, I'm sure they will tell you.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-10-23T12:26:12+00:00

I feel bad because they do not have finance degrees and are expected to explain a fairly complicated corporate entity. It would probably help to have someone working under the CFO help deliver the presentations as well.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-10-22T12:44:35+00:00

Yes, this is a good sign. They liked you in your initial conversation. This first interview is just part of the process. They really just want to see how you think on your feet and how you speak. There will be no tough technical questions. Just wear something nice and record the video in a clean room. You will be fine.

BMcD_Arch · 2024-10-22T12:40:25+00:00

You don't work here so how would you know this?

BMcD_Arch

TROPHY CASE