Museum of Emotions #4 Honorable mention winner - Sara Hoxha and Maria A Patino-Ayavaca

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Museum of Emotions #4 competition – Sara Hoxha and Maria A Patino-Ayavaca from United States!

Sara Hoxha and Maria A Patino-Ayavaca

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Antonucci & Associates Architects & Engineers, LLP (“AAAE”) is located in Pelham, NY. The firm was founded in 1998 by Robert Antonucci, P.E. and currently has a staff of eighteen architects, engineers and support staff. Approximately 80% of our firm’s projects are restoration and rehabilitation, and approximately 20% are new buildings. The firm is registered and licensed to provide professional architectural and engineering services in the State of New York. Creative design individual solutions are a trademark for Antonucci and Associates architects with experience in working with public and private clients in a wide range of building types, including commercial, industrial, educational, residential, recreational complexes and health care facilities. The success of each project is a result of the response to the needs of each client, the unique demands of each site, and commitment to architectural excellence.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

The company gets involved in all types and sizes of projects from small rehabilitation projects to large new construction commercial/residential projects. As indicated previously, AAAE’s main focus is on building technology and the restoration of existing multi-family residential/commercial buildings and building envelope repairs.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture for us is not only art but also science that serves multiple purposes from functionality, aesthetics, environmental and social concerns. We feel that the role of Architecture has a range of fulfilling the basic needs of an intended use to impacting and building societies.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architectural competitions offers an even playing field for individuals at different stages and levels of exposure within the profession. When students and professionals compete together, the experience can push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity. This expansion can challenge preexisting concepts and ultimately propel the profession forward by sparking innovation and solving existing challenges in new ways. It is also a wonderful opportunity to network with peers while addressing interesting problems.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Our advice would be: Go for it! Architectural Competitions are worth it! These competitions are about more than just winning a prize. Architectural Competitions are about helping the community and the knowledge and skills gained along the way by the participants. Competitions provide a valuable experience that contributes to the broadening and understanding of different cultural, social, and environmental challenges.