Established in 1910, TKDA is a 100 percent employee-owned company of engineers, architects, planners, and specialized experts. We solve client challenges across the industrial and manufacturing, transportation, building and sites, and water markets. Our multi-disciplined teams form a strong firm, cohesive enough to draw on each other’s strengths and versatile enough to adapt to changing business climates. We are committed to improving communities, helping businesses and industries grow, and building long-term client relationships. With offices in Chicago, Duluth, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Bernardino, and Seattle, we work with clients from border to border and coast to coast.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
12
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: TKDA offers a great environment for learning the ropes in the A/E industry. I've had the chance to contribute to significant projects, and the teamwork is excellent. Colleagues are supportive and willing to share knowledge, which really helps in skill development. The firm's stability is also reassuring.
Cons: While there are opportunities, the path for rapid career advancement isn't always explicitly defined, and sometimes workload can become intense during critical project phases. Communication about long-term career planning could be more consistent across different teams.
Advice to Management: Consider implementing more structured mentorship programs and clearer, transparent career progression frameworks. Regular check-ins focused on individual development goals would also be beneficial for employees seeking to grow within the firm.
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Pros: I've appreciated the challenging and diverse project portfolio available at TKDA, especially the work in municipal infrastructure and industrial sectors. The technical expertise within the engineering and architectural teams is impressive, and learning from experienced professionals has been invaluable. My colleagues are generally supportive and collaborative, which makes tackling complex design and engineering problems much more manageable. The company culture encourages a commitment to
Cons: While there's a good degree of autonomy, sometimes project timelines or resource allocation can feel tight, leading to periods of intense workload. This can occasionally strain work-life balance, especially during critical project phases. The administrative support could sometimes be more streamlined to help manage the project demands more effectively. Finding dedicated time for internal training or skills development outside of client-facing work can be a challenge.
Advice to Management: Continue to invest in robust project planning tools and resources to better manage workloads and prevent burnout. Ensuring adequate staffing and administrative support for critical project phases will help maintain quality and employee well-being.
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Pros: TKDA offers a stable environment within the architecture and engineering sector. There's a strong emphasis on teamwork and learning from experienced professionals on complex infrastructure and building projects. The hybrid work model provides a good degree of flexibility, making it easier to manage personal commitments and professional responsibilities, which contributes positively to work-life balance.
Cons: While work-life balance is generally good, there can be periods of intense workload, especially nearing project deadlines. Communication across departments could sometimes be more streamlined. Some team members may find the pace demanding during peak times, and occasional long hours might be necessary, impacting personal time. Improving inter-departmental coordination could enhance overall efficiency.
Advice to Management: Consider implementing more proactive communication strategies between project teams and departments to mitigate potential bottlenecks and reduce last-minute rushes. Also, further exploring flexible work arrangements where feasible could boost morale and productivity.
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Does TKDA offer good commuter benefits for its Minneapolis employees?
Yes, TKDA provides excellent commuter benefits, including subsidized transit passes and secure bike storage, which really helps when working at their large downtown Minneapolis engineering firm.
What's the communication style like for category management leaders at TKDA?
Category management leaders at TKDA emphasize clear, direct communication, fostering open dialogue to drive strategic decisions in the retail industry. They value proactive updates and collaborative problem-solving.
What's the typical salary range for a project manager at TKDA in Minneapolis, considering their size in the architecture industry?
For project managers at TKDA, a large Minneapolis-based architecture firm, salaries generally range from $90k to $120k, depending on experience and project scope.
What's the career path like for category managers at TKDA, and how do they set goals within the retail industry?
At TKDA, category managers often start with a focus on specific product areas and work towards broader strategic oversight, setting quarterly goals tied to sales growth and market share within our large retail environment.
What is the commission structure like for sales roles at TKDA, a mid-sized architecture firm in Minneapolis?
At TKDA, sales roles typically have a base salary plus commission based on project acquisition, which is quite standard for the architecture industry in this region.
What is TKDA's reference check process like for architectural roles in Minneapolis?
For architectural positions at TKDA, they do conduct reference checks, typically asking for 2-3 professional references to verify your experience. It's a pretty standard part of their hiring process for roles within the firm.
What's it like working as an architect at TKDA in the Twin Cities?
Working at TKDA as an architect in the Twin Cities offers diverse project opportunities, from educational facilities to commercial spaces, fostering professional growth within a large, established firm.
What's the interview process like for an entry-level graphic designer at TKDA in Minneapolis?
My interview for a graphic designer role at TKDA involved an initial screening, followed by a portfolio review and then a panel interview with the design team. It felt thorough and gave me a good sense of the collaborative culture within their large architecture and design firm.