architectural project manager

project manager

senior technician

department manager

entry level staff accountant

Colliers Engineering & Design

In large universities where there are thousands of mouths to feed, you hear stories of the kitchen staff not fully cooking everything, because they just don’t have the time or capacity to do so – food is in high demand and with the pressure, it’s has to get served. That’s like CED. Senior leaders are pursuing hyper-aggressive growth at the cost of quality, a healthy/positive workplace culture, training, and essentially, of all else. When I was hired, I received the standard orientation but afterwards was given no formal training for my department, role, or expectations to meet. Weekly, I was told “you’re doing a fantastic job,” “you’re a rock star,” “we’re so appreciative of you being here.” What followed was both managers complete absence and unavailability and team members working remotely with a high lack of support. When I asked for training or help, I was brushed aside and told that it would come but they’re busy and I have to wait. Even though my direct supervisor provided positive feedback each week, he spoke negatively about me behind my back. From there on out, I was the recipient of constant negative feedback about my role and when I finally brought my concerns to HR, I was given a cursory “do what you can,” “it’s not our place to help you.” In a short period of time, it was clear to me that hardly anyone at the leadership level knew what they were doing – no structure or organization – hence not being able to train me. When a senior leader publicly and internally takes sole credit for successful work, but immediately throws people under the bus, that’s your indicator for a HUGE RED FLAG. When a senior leader allows everyone else on the team to work remotely or leave for appointments, etc., but you have a health-related emergency and are told if you leave, you’re fired, that’s a HUGE RED FLAG. When a senior leader tells you to copy projects/assignments/applications EXACTLY as done in previous years, thus encouraging plagiarism, or making you re-do the work, telling you “It’s wrong,” and coming down harshly, is a HUGE RED FLAG. Such leaders are tenured, immune to accountability, pick favorites, and will use members of their team as scapegoats, often stating they “sabotage.” There is very much a culture of “let them learn by failing” – and when you fail, then comes all the negative comments and actions – meets “do as I say or be fired.” 

On the brighter side, if management in your department likes you, you can count on them to let you live a quality life in balance with work. If they don’t like you or trust you, you’ll see the difference of treatment between coworkers. The team seems understanding until they stab you in the back. 


For the past few years, and for the foreseeable future, this company has been pursuing hyper-aggressive growth at the cost of all else. When I was hired, I received the standard orientation but afterwards was given no formal training for my department or expectations to meet. I was told "Just help". What followed was my supervisor's absence for multiple months and other employees taking advantage of my newness by shoving their workload onto me. I was the recipient of constant negative feedback about this work and when I finally brought my concerns to upper management I was given a cursory "Just do what you can". Over time, it became clear to me that hardly anyone at the leadership level knows what they are doing in a company of this size. Such leaders are tenured, immune to any accountability, and will use members of their teams as scapegoats. There is very much a culture of "let them learn by failing" meets "do as I say, not as I do" where thoroughly tested solutions and policies are ignored in favor of rapid, and often politically driven, short-sighted fixes.

On the brighter side of things, you can count on Colliers letting you live a quality life in balance with work. During my time there, I was baffled at how understanding the team was whenever I had to take time off for errands, appointments, etc. Also, depending on your role, a purely remote position is not out of the question. I hope more companies follow their example in this regard. It helps that I got along greatly with most other team members in my department, developing some long-lasting friendships and having super fun memories.

I wish I could set this review at 2.5 stars, perfectly in the middle, because that's where Colliers belongs.

Interviews, including a call with the recruiter, promised on the job training, a supportive environment, a great culture, and more. Recruiter shared this was a hybrid role, but it is not. The role is entry level with 0-5 years of experience, which already doesn’t make sense, but expected you to be an expert off the bat. If you have questions, they won’t get answered and when you make any mistakes, you’ll get reprimanded. Severe lack of diversity in every sense. Many people are nice but others are belittling and disrespectful. A LOT of family members work here - many of whom discuss their privilege of not getting fired or treated the same as others without family present. I’ve witnessed first hand employees getting made fun of by other employees, many who have family working there, and it’s tolerated even though it goes against what CED stands for. Toxic communication and lower management. If you’re thinking this will be a great place to work based on a great interview, do not make the same mistake as I did. Workload is not as challenging as the people you work with, which ultimately makes the culture here overwhelming, stressful, and hostile. Good benefits but low pay. Most are required to work 9 hr days, and overtime without pay, and you can leave early or come in late for an appointment/other but that’s it. Everything is tracked - including any meetings you may have so if you have something happening you don’t want others to know about, make a note. There’s a reason why there’s a high turnover rate and job openings. 

Like any job, if you are working with a great team you will enjoy it. The people are great, and there are good opportunities for mentorship, however there is high turnover. Some key positions have been open for a year. It takes a month or two from someone to apply and get an offer. Competitors can do it within the week for better pay, so it’s hard to fill positions. Colliers has acquired a good firm and gotten rid of the culture. Pay decreased after acquisition and job roles changes, especially if you are on the corporate side of the business. The benefits are minimum, not standard for this industry. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
the salary was very good - people were nice

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
they failed to keep me fully bust - I had to invent my own work

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
individual offices were good, but the overall company was not

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
they had no work for me to do - very tedious

Is a lil hectic company is very serious about clients needs and can get rid of you if client doesn’t like you. Managers are nice but they can be also very threatening and it can sometime be toxic to work. But overall ita fine to work here. Dress code is taken too seriously specially at clients offices. Therefore it tells me that they don’t feel proud in the work they do for clients rather how to make them and keep them happy.  

You control your destiny.  It's hard work, but if you speak up and promote your strong skills to people and engage in the company's well being (work on the company), you will do well.  Our CEO is driven, and 100% on his game 24/7.  His executive team is diversified and they are strong willed to do what is right, and make sure it's a great place to work.  We are getting larger fast, so all of us have to chip in and keep things awesome so we truly can be the best!

It was an ok job. I had some cool experiences but it’s not sustainable and you don’t get paid unless you are traveling. Poor communication, you would show up to a different city and nobody would know you were there and you would just sit there. It was worth it when you work 80+ hours a week but it’s not worth it when you only work 40

Don’t join this mess. The company prior to the acquisition (KFW) was a breath of fresh air when everyone enjoyed coming into work, enjoyed events, and of course the half day fridays. Since the acquisition, turnover is high, everyone is looking to leave, and the corporate culture has taken over. Do yourself a favor and look into another employer.

If you’re looking for a place to grow, this company provides that opportunity. You’re given a lot of independence, so being self-motivated is essential. If you appreciate having space to do your work without someone hovering over you, this is a great fit. Just keep in mind that you must take ownership of your work and be accountable for your results

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Architectural project manager 350 salaries reported	$103,197 per year
Project manager 168 salaries reported	$130,693 per year
Senior technician 103 salaries reported	$35.84 per hour
Department manager 94 salaries reported	$173,906 per year
Entry level staff accountant 85 salaries reported	$68,797 per year

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