Steve Vlaovich
Steve Vlaovich, AIA, RA
Associate Principal
Architecture
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
Planning and Community Development
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
Architecture
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
Architecture
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
Architecture
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
Architecture
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.
Maria Vera
Maria Vera
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2017
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, New York Institute of Technology
- Member: Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society of Leaders, the AIAS, and the New York chapter of the Freedom by Design program
- AIA Associate
Professional Background: She was introduced to the architecture field at a very young age, having grown up in Colombia where her father is an architect. Her growing interest and passion for architecture led her to begin learning computer drafting in high school. She is highly proficient in drafting using AutoCad and Revit software, in addition to being Aufgang’s internal BIM Lead.
Position: At Aufgang, Maria works on new construction for residential and mixed use buildings and loves to see her clients’ vision come to fruition. In her role as Assistant Project Manager, Maria focuses her efforts on projects in the schematic design phase and helps to keep them on track up to construction.
Personal Life: Some of Maria’s hobbies are tennis, cycling, 5ks and golf. She has participated in golf events to represent Aufgang.
Jodi Tyler
Jodi Tyler
Executive Administrator
Year Joined: 2017
Education and Certifications:
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management Mercy College
Professional Background: Jodi brings over 20 years of administrative experience to the firm, primarily in the engineering field.
Position: She is responsible for processing submittals, organizing shop drawings, maintaining calendars, assisting with DOB and HPD applications and notarizing essential paperwork.
Personal Life: Jodi is an avid baker as well as a novice gardener. She also volunteers with the veterans living at Rockland’s Homes for Heroes in Orangeburg, NY.
Alejandro Rojas
Alejandro Rojas
Job Captain
Architecture
Year Joined: 2005
Education and Certifications:
- Bergen County Community College, 2000
Professional Background: He began his career in construction, spending years working as a skilled welder. He then became drawn to design, and started combining his experience in the field with his knowledge of computer software to design and create Point of Purchase Display units for major retail companies.
Position: Since joining Aufgang in 2005, Alex has been using his talent and years of experience as an architectural draftsman and is responsible for developing construction documents and coordination with consultant documents on many small and large residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.
Personal Life: In his spare time he plays drums for the band “Twisting Faith,” which he co-founded, enjoys horseback riding and is an avid certified wreck diver.
Jeevan Sampangi
Jeevan Sampangi
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2015
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor of Architecture from Bangalore University in India
- Registered Architect with Council of Architecture, New Delhi
Professional Background: He brings 20 years of experience to his work with expertise in the design of residential, commercial, retail and mixed–use projects. He joined Aufgang in 2015 to expand his expertise into multi-family housing after working in Singapore and later in Chicago, New York, and New Jersey.
Position: Jeevan believes that Architecture plays an integral role in shaping the way we live, work, and socialize, and he strives to bring meaningful design solutions through strong technical detailing. He is a highly skilled technical Architect who has led several projects, overseeing design work, construction documentation, permitting and construction administration.
Personal Life: Besides his passion for Architecture, Jeevan is an avid traveler and believes travel makes you a more well-rounded human being.