News | May 22, 2023 | Anne Keener
Employee Spotlight: Andruw Szczawinski, Electrical Designer
1. How did you come to do what you do?
I was fortunate enough to be hired by RMF Engineering and be a part of their Internship/CO-OP program during my junior and senior years of college. When I first started, there wasn’t really any correlation between building design and the electronics/controls-based curricula that I was learning at Elizabethtown College. On the first day, I was asked to revise a Panel Schedule and I had to ask my mentor, “What is a Panel Schedule?” Fast forward six and a half years and I’m now leading the electrical design for most projects that I am a part of.
2. What are your favorite types of projects to work on?
All projects! I love how every project is different and each introduces new challenges and design parameters that us designers must be cognizant of. However, if I had to pick my favorite project so far, it would be the American Airlines Admiral’s Club at DCA. It was an amazing opportunity to design the new brand standard which ended up receiving multiple awards from the Washington Building Council (WBC) for the craftsmanship. Being able to see your design brought to life and thought of highly by passengers gives me overwhelming joy.
3. What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
The best career lesson I have learned so far is to always be receptive to everyone. I have only been in the industry since December 2016, and I’ve embraced any and all feedback from the Senior Engineers that I work under in order so I can be the best designer that I can be. There isn’t one project where I’m not asking multiple questions and trying to learn as much as possible.
4. What do you enjoy most about working at Arora?
Everyone that I work with! On a daily basis, I’m interacting with multiple people across multiple offices. I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone on a personal level as well.
5. Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?
I’m a die-hard Boston sports fan! Many co-workers at the Chadds Ford and Philadelphia offices dislike the Boston teams, but I always enjoy the Boston-Philadelphia matchups (especially when Boston wins). I’m also very big into music and love going to concerts. Not many people can say they listen to Ellie Goulding, Luke Combs, Eminem, and Metallica regularly. Lastly, I enjoy going to wineries and breweries year-round with friends and family.