Totally agree. I've found they're great things when they're run like studios, with one or a handful of principles at the top that are there for the long haul a

Totally agree. I've found they're great things when they're run like studios, with one or a handful of principles at the top that are there for the long haul and then folks that come in and out as needed and available working for them. This is what I've modeled my product design consultancy around. Then there are the other ones that are often owned by private equity folks, or run by manager types that can't do the work themselves. These in my experience are not built around passion for the craft like the first bucket. These usually end up being sweatshops. My advice- hire a firm that you know the owner(s), and they're people, not a board. It's the same for Vets, doctors offices, hardware stores, etc.