Design Continuum emphasizes flatness in its management structure. That doesn't mean there is no room for growth. You start as a part of the general work force, and then you get promoted to a principal. Absolutely, Johnson says. You are always humbled by the next project, client, and technology that comes through the door.
Big companies have big pocketbooks, and can afford to bankroll really talented people.
Freedom comes when you are not beholden to others, and in consulting, you are totally beholden to your clients. And as for bureaucracy, Johnson thinks there is no escape. Whenever people are not exposed to every decision made, they think there's bureaucracy. It's impossible to involve everyone in every decision all of the time. The clients Design Continuum works with who are most successful using the consulting firm shield the consultants from their corporate bureaucracy.