Khady Niasse
Khady Niasse
Job Captain
Arquitectura
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- New York City College of Technology
Professional Background: After returning from Senegal for 11 years to the states, Khady attended the Art & Design High School where her passion for architecture began.
Position: Khady’s position includes production of construction documents, collaborating with consultants in the construction administration phase, and handling the day-to-day needs of an active project.
Personal Life: Her passion for architecture continues to evolve as she enjoys travel to pursue learning about architecture and enjoying cuisines from around the world and exploring many cultures.
Jorge Yparraguirre
Jorge Yparraguirre
Project Manager
Arquitectura
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- University of San Ignacio in Lima, Peru 2013
- Licensed architect in Lima, Peru
- Working towards obtaining full architecture license in the United States
Professional Background: Jorge has vast experience in design and construction administration for residential, retail, commercial, corporate interiors, and restaurant architecture.
Position: In his position as Project Manager, Jorge oversees all elements of a project’s development, from schematic design through construction documents, guiding consultants, and coordinating with the owner and contractors.
Personal Life: Jorge enjoys traveling and practicing trumpet in his free time.
Muskaan Pathak
Muskaan Pathak
Job Captain
Planeación y Desarrollo Comunitario
Year Joined: 2023
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Syracuse University 2023
Professional Background: Being from Panama, Muskaan’s passion for architecture began during her childhood there, as she witnessed the transformation of Panama City into a current metropolis. During her time at Syracuse University, she developed an interest in the intersection of law and policy with architecture, which formed the basis of her thesis. She spent a semester abroad in Italy where she studied the classical architecture styles. She was also involved with student organizations that emphasize mentorship, inclusivity, and diversity on campus.
Position: At Aufgang, Muskaan works on projects through detailed zoning analysis and design development. She contributes to early-phase feasibility studies and designs visually engaging materials for potential new projects.
Personal Life: In her personal time, Muskaan enjoys traveling, cooking and exploring new cuisines, and spending time in nature.
Sam LaMontanaro
Sam LaMontanaro, PE, CEM
Director of Engineering
Building Systems Advisory Unit
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Licensed professional engineer in the state of New York
- Certified Energy Manager
- Certified Green Building Engineer
- LEED Certified
- Member: ASHRAE
- Member: AEE, Association of Energy Engineers
Professional Background: Sam’s first exposure to the construction industry came working at his family plumbing company. There he learned multiple facets of design and construction of various plumbing and mechanical systems. After college Sam started his career at a large firm designing mechanical systems for combined cycle power plants. From there Sam went to the NYC market where he designed MEP systems for mid and high-rise multi family dwellings, commercial office buildings, hotels, medical, and NYC schools. Throughout his 20 years in NYC he has worked in all aspects of project design and administration.
Position: As the Director of Engineering at Aufgang, Sam works with his team to explore new avenues and technologies to help create a more efficient and healthy building environment. He understands that bringing more efficient technology into everyday design will not only save the client money but also conserve valuable energy.
Personal Life: In his spare time, Sam is an avid gardener.
Steve Vlaovich
Steve Vlaovich, AIA, RA
Associate Principal
Arquitectura
Year Joined: 1997
Education and Certifications:
- Associate’s Degree in Architectural Technology, State University of New York at Delhi
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY
- Licensed architect in the state of New York
Professional Background: Steve joined the firm in 1997, and over the years he has led the development of a multitude of projects throughout New York City and the surrounding area, including new and existing structures consisting of commercial buildings, community facilities, multi-family residential structures, and educational occupancies of varying sizes. He also has extensive experience in building rehab projects.
Position: As an Associate Principal at Aufgang, Steve is responsible for overseeing the development of varying projects, including initial zoning analysis, project development from schematic phase to construction documents, project management and coordination, agency filings and approvals, and construction site oversight.
Personal Life: In his personal time Steven likes to spend time with his family traveling and enjoying the great outdoors.
Chris Walker
Chris Walker
Project Manager
Planeación y Desarrollo Comunitario
Year Joined: 2015
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor of Architecture degree, Syracuse University 2017
- Member: American Institute for Architecture Students (AIAS) and the Architecture Student Organization (ASO)
Professional Background: Chris has studied in Florence, Italy and participated in a Concrete Fabrication Convoy study in Switzerland in the summer of 2015. Prior to working with Aufgang, he worked for Real Data Management (RDM) where Christopher surveyed existing buildings and new construction to produce Fire Prevention Plans (FPP’s), Emergency Action Plans (EAP’s) & Sprinkler/Standpipe Riser Diagrams currently utilized by FDNY.
Position: Chris is responsible for developing feasibility studies across the tri-state area and the five boroughs. He works on both As of Right Developments as well as Rezone applications. One of his greatest accomplishments was the successful rezone of Edgemere Commons. The site, once a defunct hospital, is now rezoned for 10 apartment buildings, totaling over 2000 units in approximately 2 million square feet.
Personal Life: Chris enjoys sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He is also a member of a kickball league in Hoboken.
Daralynn Wiener
Daralynn Wiener, AIA, RA
Project Manager
Arquitectura
Year Joined: 2014
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelors Degree in Architecture, Temple University
- Licensed architect in the states of NY and NJ
Professional Background: She spent years working freelance for firms around the area gaining experience in designing various types of residential structures, before accepting a full-time position at Aufgang.
Position: At Aufgang, Daralynn employs her knowledge and experience to draft and design residential and mixed-use buildings. She ensures that her projects stay on track and addresses any issues and roadblocks that may arise during the process.
Personal Life: Daralynn enjoys spending time with her pets and riding quads in the woods.
Laura Werkmeister
Laura Werkmeister
Assistant Project Manager
Arquitectura
Year Joined: 2019
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, New York Institute of Technology 2014
Professional Background: Her prior experience in engineering and hands on working knowledge in field construction has given her a well-rounded solid understanding of all aspects related to project management and the complexities therein.
Position: In her position, Laura designs and composes compelling graphic presentations for planning and architectural competitions and municipal approval for projects all over the New York City region. She also prepares zoning and feasibility studies for potential new projects, and expands the social awareness and impact of our public realm design through research.
Personal Life: Laura enjoys traveling in her spare time and is influenced by the various types of architecture while actively pursuing her architecture license.
Dominika Tyburczy
Dominika Tyburczy
Assistant Project Manager
Arquitectura
Year Joined: 2021
Education and Certifications:
- Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning, Gdansk University of Technology, Poland
- Diploma in Accounting, New York Institute of English and Business
Professional Background: Dominika has worked in the architectural industry for over 19 years with extensive experience in all phases, not limited to conceptual design, construction administration, project management, in addition to field inspections and most recently specializing in luxury, high-end NYC residential construction.
Position: At Aufgang, Dominika manages client relations, consultant coordination, construction administration, and construction documents. She manages staff members and relationships with clients and consultants from inception of a project, through all required approvals and eventual construction.
Personal Life: In her spare time Dominika enjoys running, swimming, skiing, and cooking and has competed in challenging triathlons/marathons both in the US and Europe in addition to scuba diving.
Aaesha Tobias
Aa' esha Tobias
Job Captain
Arquitectura
Year Joined: 2021
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor of Architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology 2018
Professional Background: Her passion for architecture developed in high school after searching for a profession that is both creative and makes a physical difference. Her prior experience includes designing houses of worship and affordable housing.
Position: Aa’esha’s position includes production of construction documents, collaborating with consultants in the construction administration phase, and handling the day-to-day needs of an active project.
Personal Life: Outside of architecture, Aa’esha enjoys biking and eating foods from different cultures.