From Values to Victory: How Above Group Became a 2025 Best Firm to Work For 

By Luke Carothers 

Earlier this year, Above Group earned recognition as a 2025 Best Firm to Work for.  They secured the 2^nd spot among firms with 10-49 employees and 3^rd among multidiscipline firms.  For Above Group, however, this honor wasn’t just a moment of celebration.  It was a reaffirmation of a culture carefully built and consistently sustained.  This marked the second consecutive year the firm placed in the top three in both categories—a rare achievement that highlights a workplace environment rooted in authenticity, care, and long-term vision.  In a competitive AEC landscape where culture often struggles to keep pace with growth, Above Group stands out for creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to grow. 

Maintaining recognition as a Best Firm to Work For is no small feat, but doing so across multiple categories over two years running speaks to Above Group’s consistency and intentionality.  The firm’s BFTWF rankings show that size is no barrier to creating an outstanding workplace experience.  Instead, Above Group demonstrates how clarity of mission, purposeful leadership, and an unwavering commitment to people can fuel sustained excellence and success.  

Rather than relying on short-term initiatives or symbolic gestures, the organization has embedded its values into everyday operations—making them a living part of its culture.  This deliberate approach has positioned Above Group as a model of how small firms can repeatedly achieve high marks in workplace quality. 

At the heart of Above Group’s sustained success is a commitment to values that guide not only its client work but also the internal employee experience.  They’ve successfully cultivated a workplace environment where principles such as integrity, collaboration, and respect are woven into daily interactions, shaping both individual and collective growth.  Their employees don’t simply reference the organization’s mission.  They experience it firsthand in the way decisions are made, projects are delivered, and people are treated.  This alignment between values and actions has created a culture where authenticity is the norm and trust flourishes.  By ensuring that core values remain more than words on the wall, Above Group has built a foundation of purpose that resonates deeply with its team and contributes to its recognition as one of the Best Firms to Work For in the AEC industry. 

Above Group’s culture is shaped from the top down by leaders who prioritize openness, accessibility, and purposeful dedication.  Transparency in decision-making fosters trust, while an emphasis on collaboration ensures that employees feel part of the firm’s trajectory rather than bystanders to it.  However, what sets Above Group’s leadership apart is a philosophy of caring for the whole person, not just the employee role.  Professional development is supported through meaningful opportunities for learning and advancement, but just as much attention is given to personal well-being and growth outside of work.  This balanced approach sends a powerful signal—success at Above Group is measured not only by projects delivered, but by the health, fulfillment, and long-term satisfaction of the people who deliver them. 

The firm’s commitment to its people extends beyond providing a supportive work environment.  Above Group actively invests in the growth of its employees.  They are given opportunities to learn new skills, take on greater responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully to the firm’s success.  Feedback is encouraged and acted upon, which creates a workplace where professional development is an ongoing process rather than a one-time initiative.  Equally important is the firm’s recognition of individual and team contributions, which fosters a sense of pride and belonging.  This culture of acknowledgment and advancement makes Above Group more than just a place to work.  It makes the firm a place where careers can flourish and where employees see a future for themselves long-term. 

Just as Above Group’s values extend beyond the workplace for employees, the same is true for their work in the broader community.  The firm actively engages in service initiatives and charitable efforts, reinforcing its mission of care and responsibility.  The firm’s employees take pride in the knowledge that their work contributes not only to clients and colleagues but also to the well-being of the communities where they live and work.  This outward focus strengthens the sense of purpose within the team, connecting professional achievements with meaningful impact.  Above Group successfully embeds social awareness into its culture, demonstrating that a successful firm is defined not only by what it delivers to clients, but also by how it gives back. 

Earning two consecutive top three rankings in Best Firms to Work For underscores that Above Group’s culture is not the result of a short-term initiative.  It’s deeply embedded in the way the firm operates.  This consistency demonstrates momentum that continues to build year over year, positioning them as a model for how smaller firms can achieve lasting workplace excellence.  With its values-driven leadership, investment in people, and dedication to community impact, Above Group is poised to not only sustain its standing among the best but also to help shape the broader conversation about what the future of work in the AEC industry should look like.