LAD Dallas Office Disappoints - Experienced Senior Architectural Designer LEO A DALY Employee Review

Gave a lot of opportunities to contribute to diverse projects. Everyone was open to helping young professionals learn. Good work-life balance.

A lot of marketing graphics.

Good work life balance and good benefits

Leo A Daly was acquired by a Canadian firm last year, and since then the company has been going through a major transition, shifting toward a more market-driven structure. Unfortunately, this transition has not been handled well. During this period, there were layoffs, particularly in the Los Angeles office. The process felt very impersonal, and it had a noticeable negative impact on studio morale. One example that stands out is the hiring of a Technical Director for a short-term need. After only three months—once the project was completed—the individual was let go without a clear reason. Situations like this contribute to a sense of instability within the company. Overall, upper management appears to be reactive rather than strategic, with little clear long-term vision guiding the company forward. For those considering applying to this firm, it’s important to ask direct questions about the company’s recent changes. In particular, ask about the October 2025 layoffs—how they were handled and why they occurred. Understanding management’s approach during that period can give you better insight into the company’s stability and culture.