Take the Time to Listen and Find the Right Inspirations
Just the other day I happened to wake up early. That is unusual for an engineering student. After a long time I could witness the sunrise. I could feel the sun rays falling on my body. Usual morning is followed by hustle to make it to college on time. This morning was just another morning yet seemed different.
Witnessing calm and quiet atmosphere, clear and fresh air seemed like a miracle to me. I wanted this time to last longer since I was not sure if I would be able to witness it again, knowing my habit of succumbing to schedule. There was this unusual serenity that comforted my mind. It dawned on me, how distant I had been from nature. Standing near the compound’s gate, feeling the moistness that the air carried, I thought about my life so far.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking.
Steve Jobs
I was good at academics, so decisions of my life had been pretty simple and straight. Being pretty confident I would make it to the best junior college of my town in the first round itself, never made me consider any other option. I loved psychology since childhood, but engineering was the safest option. Being born in a middle class family, thinking of risking your career to make it to medical field was not sane. I grew up hearing ‘Only doctor’s children can afford that field’ and finally ended up believing it. No one around me believed in taking risks. Everyone worshiped security. I grew up doing the same.
‘Being in the top will only grant you a good life’ has been the mantra of my life. But at times, I wish I was an average student. I wish decisions would have not been so straightforward. Maybe I would have played cricket- the only thing I feel passionate about. Or maybe I would have studied literature (literature drives me crazy). Isn’t that disappointing- me wishing to be bad at academics. It’s like at times I hate myself for the stuff I am good at.
When you step out of these four walls on a peaceful morning, you realize how much nature has to offer to you. Its boundless. Your thoughts, worries, deadlines won’t resonate here. Everything will flow away along with the wind. And you will realize every answer you had been looking for, was always known to you. It would mean a lot to me if you recommend this article and help me improve.
Architecture Walks are Popular, Find One in Your City
Many years ago, I worked for my parents who own a video production company. Because it is a family business, you inevitably end up wearing many hats and being the czar of many different jobs. I mainly managed projects and worked as a video editor. On production, there were times that I was called on to work as an audio tech and was made to wear headphones on long production days. In those days, having a really good set of headphones that picked up every nuance of sound was essential to making sure the client got what they needed. Naturally, my first impression of these headphones is based off of the look of them. They have a classic over-the-ear style that is highlighted by a blue light that indicates the power for the noise canceling. The padding on the ear pieces seems adequate for extended usage periods.
They are wired headphones, but the stereo mini-plug cable is detachable. Something else I noticed right of the bat was the very nice carrying case that comes with them. It has a hard plastic exterior with a soft cloth interior that helps to protect the surface of the headphones from scratches. I never truly appreciated cases for headphones until I started carrying them from place-to-place. Now I can’t imagine not having a case. Once I gave the headphones a thorough once-over exam, I tried them on. As I mentioned, they have a classic over-the-ear style and just looking at them, the padding on the ear pieces seem adequate and the peak of the headband seemed to be a bit lacking, but you don’t really know comfort unless you try on the product. So, I slipped the headphones on and found them to be exquisitely comfortable.
If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough.
Oprah Winfrey
Now that I had the headphones on my head, I was finally ready to plug and play some music. I plugged the provided cable into the jack on the headphones and then the one on my iPhone. Then I called up Pandora. I tend to have a very eclectic music purview and have many stations set up for different moods. the sound quality of these headphones was remarkable. There is an amazing depth of sound and incredible highs and lows that make listening to music a truly breathtaking experience. In order to test how voices sounded, and the overall art of mixing, I pulled up Netflix on my iPad Air and watched a few minutes of a movie to hear all the nuances of the film.
None of them were lost. In fact, I ended up hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard before. Echoes…birds chirping…wind blowing through trees…breathing of the characters…it was very impressive what the headphones ended up bringing out for me.
Mariano Aldanondo STYLE ONE
Mariano Aldanondo
Senior Designer / Architecture
Has been with the firm since 2008.
Mariano studied Architecture and Design at the University of Buenos Aires, where he graduated from in 1999. During his academic career, he worked for several architectural firms as an intern, which taught him valuable experience in working in the architectural industry.
Before joining Aufgang, Mariano relocated to Spain where he worked for two leading architectural firms in the city of Marbella. He then relocated to the United Stated where he has worked in architecture for more than 12 years, joining our firm in 2008.
Mariano is highly experienced in hand renderings, having taken courses in design and drawing while attending a technical high school where he earned the degree of construction manager.
Mariano is a skilled designer and an excellent team player, he believes that working as a team is crucial in order to complete a project, meet specific deadlines, and exceed a client’s expectations.
Outside of work Mariano enjoys drawing, outdoor activities and reading.
Alexandra Abreu-Pina
Alexandra Abreu-Pina, RA, AIA
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2015
Education and Certifications:
- Spiros Mentzelopoulos Award for promising design achievements in architecture, 2013
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Iowa State University 2016
- Member: Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter AIA
- Licensed Architect in state of NY
Professional Background: Alexandra’s passion for architecture began during her childhood in Puerto Rico, where she was born and raised. Her family then moved to Canada before settling in New Jersey, and her passion has followed her every step of the way. As a student at Iowa State Alexandra spent a semester abroad in Italy where she studied sustainable design while immersed in the historic architectural styles of Rome and Florence. Alexandra began her career at Aufgang as an intern in the summer of 2015 while she was a student.
Position: As a Project Manager at Aufgang, Alexandra is responsible for project design and development as well as facilitating construction administration.
Personal Life: She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and in her spare time she loves to draw and explore her artistic side. She believes these collective experiences have given her a unique perspective towards architectural design that she carries through to her everyday work.
Daniela Gonzales
Daniela Gonzales
Assistant Project Manager
Planning and Community Development
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, San Martin de Porres University 2010
- Obtained architectural license while in Lima, Peru, 2015
- Diploma: Digital Media, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Canada, 2018
Professional Background: Daniela has vast experience in both retail and corporate architecture; before moving to the United States, she was an architect for large companies in Peru which specialized in opening stores around the country and also designed innovative office spaces.
Position: In her position, Daniela 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: Daniela also enjoys clay and concrete pottery, has a knack for graphic design and loves to design and explore 3D printing.
Khady Niasse
Khady Niasse
Job Captain
Architecture
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
Architecture
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
Planning and Community Development
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.