Arora Engineers (Arora) proudly celebrates Sheeba Money, PSP, CTS, DSCE, for her 20 years of dedicated service and leadership.  Starting her career at Arora as an intern, Sheeba has grown into a Special Systems Project Lead, building a career defined by consistency, technical expertise, and long-term impact.

Over the past 20 years, she has contributed to a wide range of projects, supporting critical systems that keep facilities operating efficiently and reliably. Her journey reflects both personal growth and the evolution of the work itself, from early learning experiences to leading complex efforts across projects.

“Sheeba’s 20-year journey with Arora is a remarkable example of growth, dedication, and impact. Starting as my intern and developing into the professional she is today, she has played an important role in our continued success. Her commitment, work ethic, and passion for what she does continue to strengthen our team and the work we deliver.”
— Manik Arora, President & CEO, Arora Engineers

We asked Sheeba to reflect on her time at Arora and the experiences that have shaped her career.

What first brought you to Arora, and what do you remember about your early days here?

What first brought me to Arora Engineers was the opportunity to work on complex airport and infrastructure projects involving Special Systems. What I remember most about my early days was how much there was to learn, not just the technical side of systems but also how all the stakeholders coordinate. It was a fast-paced environment, and I quickly realized how important communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are in delivering clear systems project design documents. I also remember learning a lot from experienced engineers and field teams. Being exposed to real-world project challenges early on helped me grow both technically and professionally.

What do you enjoy most about working in special systems?

What I enjoy most about working in Special Systems is that the work directly impacts airport operations, safety, and the passenger experience. I like the variety and complexity of systems such as Electronic Video Information Display Systems (EVIDS), Access Control, Video Surveillance, Structured cabling, and Public Address Systems. I also like collaborating with architects, contractors, and end users to deliver systems design that are both reliable and efficient. Seeing everything work together successfully in a live airport environment is very rewarding.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in this field?

My advice to someone starting out in this field would be to learn how the systems work individually but also understand how they integrate together in a real operational environment. I’d also recommend being willing to learn continuously because technology and system requirements are always evolving. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, work closely with experienced engineers, and spend time in the field with a senior personal for surveying of existing conditions and creating punchlist for completed construction projects because hands-on experience is extremely valuable. Communication is also important in this field. You’ll often coordinate with IT teams, operations, contractors, vendors, and end users, so being able to explain technical design and issues clearly can make a big difference.

Looking Ahead

From her start as Manik’s intern to her role today, Sheeba’s 20-year journey reflects the value of dedication, adaptability, and deep expertise. Her contributions continue to support both project success and the teams she works alongside.

We are proud to celebrate this milestone and grateful for Sheeba’s continued impact at Arora.

Interested in joining our team, click to explore open positions!

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The BBQ gave us the opportunity to officially welcome Holly Marrone, our new Senior Vice President of Human Resources, to the Arora team.

A special thank you to Earl Carter for firing up the grill and helping make the event a success!

From catching up with coworkers to meeting new faces across the company, it was a great way to kick off the summer season together.

Interested in joining our team? Check out our open roles here!

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In celebration of our 40th anniversary year, we sat down with Manohar (Mike) L. Arora, MS, PE, founder of Arora Engineers (Arora), to reflect on the firm’s origins. From humble beginnings to a globally recognized infrastructure solutions powerhouse, Mike shares the principles and decisions that built the foundation for four decades of exponential growth.

The Power of One Decision

In January 1971, after working on his immigration plan and paperwork for over a year, Mike Arora arrived in America with eight dollars in his pocket, which was all the exchange money he was permitted to bring.

He left behind a middle-class life in Moga, Punjab, one of six children raised in a family where education was prized and opportunity required sacrifice. He had earned his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the Karnataka Regional Engineering College, Surathkal (now the National Institute of Technology), married his wife Adarsh, and welcomed his first son, Manik. But he knew his future would be limited if he stayed.

How $8, a Dream, and Relentless Persistence Built Arora

“I was self-motivated to get ahead in America, the land of opportunity — a land of immigrants,” Mike says. “With an engineering degree in hand, I was determined to make my dreams come true.”

That steady, unshakable determination would become the foundation of Arora. This year, the firm celebrates 40 years in business. But its origin story began long before 1986.

The Power of Engineering

“In those times, there were only two professions that looked rewarding: engineering or medical doctor,” Mike recalls. His father encouraged the engineering path, and it quickly became more than obligation.

“Engineering was my passion. I always felt engineering can make a difference for the progress of humanity,” said Mike.

After arriving in the United States, Mike worked wherever he could, first in a fast-food restaurant, then at the DuPont company. He earned admission to Penn State’s graduate engineering program and completed his master’s degree while working full time.

He later joined a consulting engineering firm and then the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), including four transformative years in Saudi Arabia helping build a new military city in the desert. “It made me realize that anything is possible,” he says.

That experience stayed with him: the understanding that with hard work, persistence, and good engineering, even the most challenging projects can be accomplished, and this mindset would shape the foundation of the company he would later build.

The Power to Build Something of Your Own

“I believe taking risk is essential to maximize reward,” he says. In 1986, Mike made the daring decision to form his own engineering firm. Arora began modestly, first in the basement of his home, then in a 600-square-foot office in Media, Pennsylvania. Six or seven people, one computer, and a few drafting boards.

In those early years, Mike did everything: “I wore many hats: marketing, preparing proposals, working on projects, surveying, invoicing, client contact, even delivering contract documents personally.”

Mike’s wife, Adarsh Arora, joined the company in the late 80’s also wearing many hats supporting accounting, HR, and many other tasks. She subsequently helped grow those departments with additional staff and resources to ensure the company’s continued success.

Many firms, he was told, do not survive more than a few years. There were long hours and some uncertainty, but Mike stayed focused on his formula for success:

“Love what you do + Take risks + Work hard + Give back.”

Throughout his career, Mike remained deeply involved in professional societies, including the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Society of American Military Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the National Fire Protection Association.

He attended seminars, conferences, and industry events, committed to learning, improving, and contributing to the engineering profession. That dedication strengthened both his technical perspective and the firm he was building. Growth came steadily, not through shortcuts, but through quality work and strong relationships.

“When clients discovered that our product and services were top level, they built more and more confidence in Arora,” Mike explained.”

Reputation grew one project at a time. Trust became the foundation. And over time, that foundation proved strong enough to last.

The Power of People

If smart risks built the firm, people sustained it. “Employees are our greatest assets,” Mike says repeatedly. Much of that philosophy traces back to his father, who ran a retail store in India.

He taught me how important customers are: professional services, good quality product, and customer care.”

Mike applied those same principles internally: “We treat employees with respect and consider them part of the Arora family. Job satisfaction is key.”

As the company grew from Media, PA to our current 26,000 SF Chadds Ford, PA headquarters, then to offices across the U.S. and overseas, this commitment to quality and respect remained constant.

Arora’s reputation was not built on a single project. It was built on consistency.

The Power of Transition

In 1993, Mike’s eldest son, Manik K. Arora, joined the firm after graduating from Drexel University with a degree in electrical engineering. He began in the field at Philadelphia International Airport, learning firsthand how infrastructure performs in real-world conditions.

Mike empowered him early. “I was giving him more opportunity to run the business,” Mike says. “He took that challenge.”

In 2003, Mike’s younger son, Raj, also joined the company. Like his brother, Raj started in the field, working at the airport before helping open Arora’s Newark office. He later relocated to New York City, supporting the firm’s continued expansion. After nearly a decade with Arora, Raj chose to pursue opportunities outside the firm, taking on executive leadership roles at Jensen Hughes where he currently serves as CEO.

In 2006, Manik Arora was named President & CEO of Arora Engineers, the same year Mike was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers and stepped into the Chairman role.

The transition marked more than generational change. It coincided with a dramatic evolution in technology.

“When I started in 1986, word processing was a big thing,” Mike laughs. “Now technology, computers, AI, everything is progressing so fast.”

 While the tools may have changed, our mission has not. Engineering remains about solving complex problems, serving our clients, and delivering infrastructure that performs long term.

The Power of 40

Forty years in business is no small milestone, especially in professional services.

“When I started, people told me companies don’t last more than two or three years,” Mike says. “To stay in business, to handle difficult situations, it’s not easy.”

From a basement office to 600 square feet in Media. From a condo in Chadds Ford to a global footprint. From typewriters to AI.

From one engineer wearing every hat to a 400-person multidisciplinary infrastructure solutions powerhouse with offices across the globe.

“Forty years… it seems like yesterday,” Mike reflects. “It has been a fun ride. I’m so proud.”

What makes him proud is not just the growth, but the people: the employees who built their careers here, the clients who placed their trust in the firm, and the next generation now leading it forward.

From eight dollars and a dream to a nationally ranked ENR Top Engineering Firm Rethinking Infrastructure® for the next generation.

“It has been a pleasure to see the company going where it is going,” he says. 

The Power of 40 is not simply about longevity. It reflects a company built by people who love what they do, work hard, take responsibility, and believe in giving back to the communities we serve.

Join our growing team, explore careers here!

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This milestone reflects both our continued presence among leading firms and the steady growth that has defined Arora over the past four decades. From our beginnings to today, our progress has been driven by the strength, dedication, and expertise of our team.

We are grateful for the team who have shaped our journey and remain committed to building on this momentum, delivering meaningful solutions and lasting value for our clients and communities.

To see the full list of rankings, click here.

The post Arora Ranks in ENR’s 2026 Top 500 Design Firms List appeared first on Arora Engineers.

As Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Holly will play a key role in shaping Arora’s culture and supporting the growth of our teams. She will partner closely with leadership to strengthen how we attract, develop, and retain talent, while fostering a workplace where collaboration, trust, and performance go hand in hand.

Holly’s approach is rooted in connection and impact. She will help leaders build stronger teams, foster a culture of accountability and support, and align people strategies with business goals. Her leadership will help ensure that Arora continues to grow not just as a company, but as a place where people want to build their careers—and where the future of our workforce continues to take shape.

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During the tour, we observed key elements of the station’s ongoing transformation, including the restoration of its original lighting and historic ceiling features throughout the grand concourse, updated office spaces, and modernized restroom facilities. We also saw enhancements to outdoor areas and new café and vendor spaces designed to improve the passenger experience and help position the station as a more vibrant community destination. Together, these updates strike a thoughtful balance between preserving the station’s iconic architecture and introducing modern improvements.

Arora was honored to help lead this tour, showcasing the work our team is doing for Amtrak at 30th Street Station and highlighting the progress of this important project. Our team is delivering Electrical, Fire/Life Safety, Mechanical and Plumbing, and Special Systems/Technology services to support this major effort. Projects like this are made possible by the people behind them, including team members like Anastacia Michigan, Mechanical Discipline Lead, and Emma Downey, Mechanical Designer, who are helping bring these systems to life.

Major transportation hubs must continuously evolve, balancing historic preservation with the demands of modern systems and passenger expectations. Experiences like this strengthen our ability to deliver innovative, resilient infrastructure solutions and continue shaping the future of transportation.

Want to work on impactful projects like this? Join our team and help shape the future of transportation.

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More than a relocation, this project reimagined how space within the Terminal D–E Connector could better serve traveling military personnel and their families. The 2,830-square-foot lounge was designed to create a calm, supportive environment within one of the busiest areas of the airport.

Serving as prime design-builder, Arora Engineers (Arora) led the project from early planning through final delivery. Working within an active terminal, the team balanced design intent, operational constraints, and user experience to deliver a space that is both highly functional and meaningful.

“This project reflects what Arora delivers as a prime: bringing together engineering, project delivery, and design to create spaces that not only function well but truly support the people they’re built for. In this case, we established a design-led, design-build approach, ensuring the design process received the emphasis and attention it deserves for such a unique space.” – Sikander Jain, PE, CM, SVP Global Construction Services & NY Market Lead, Arora.

Learn more about the USO Lounge project at PHL here!

Photo Courtesy of D&R Construction

The post PHL USO Lounge Named 2026 Project of the Year by Airport Business appeared first on Arora Engineers.

As part of our 40 Acts for 40 Years initiative, Arora Engineers (Arora) launched 40 Acts for Pets and the Planet during Earth Month, encouraging our team to take simple actions that support both animal welfare and the environment.

From small, individual efforts like walking dogs and picking up litter to sharing ways to give back, the initiative focused on making impact accessible and achievable.

Through small, individual actions completed by our team, we reached our initial goal of 40 acts, unlocking a $1,000 donation from Arora.

That contribution was distributed as:
$500 to the ASPCA, supporting efforts to protect and care for animals in need.
$500 to The Nature Conservancy, helping protect lands and waters around the world

These organizations play an important role in protecting animals and preserving natural resources, aligning with our broader commitment to sustainability and community impact.

Learn more about Arora’s philanthropy and community initiatives here Philanthropy!

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Arora, supporting KSS Architects, led the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design for this 87,000+ SF, state-of-the-art middle school. Designed to meet LEED v4 BD+C: Schools Gold standards, the project transforms an aging facility into a high-performance, student-centered learning environment focused on efficiency, wellness, and long-term impact.

Through innovative engineering and integrated design, the project delivers measurable environmental benefits:

• 18.3% reduction in energy use compared to baseline standards
• 5 million gallons of annual water savings through efficient systems
• 58% daylight autonomy in learning spaces, enhancing the student experience
• 100% LED lighting for energy-efficient illumination
• 78% construction waste diverted through recycling and reuse

From energy modeling to high-performance building systems, Arora’s MEP design supports healthier indoor environments while reducing long-term operational costs.

Projects like AMY at James Martin demonstrate how thoughtful engineering can help build greener schools, benefiting students, communities, and the planet for years to come.

Explore the full project details and impact here!

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This year, we’re proud to celebrate Jared Lynch and Katie Kent for earning their LEED certification, an achievement that reflects their initiative, professional growth, and commitment to sustainability.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification demonstrates a strong understanding of environmentally responsible design and construction. Through this accomplishment, Jared and Katie are strengthening Arora’s ability to deliver innovative, sustainability-focused solutions to our clients.

Their achievement highlights the kind of leadership we value, team members who take initiative, expand their expertise, and bring forward-thinking approaches to their work. It also reflects the momentum we’re seeing across our teams, with professionals at all stages of their careers stepping up to lead in sustainability. As sustainability continues to shape the built environment, efforts like these help position Arora for continued impact.

Jared Lynch, Plumbing Designer, shared, “Achieving LEED accreditation is a significant step in my professional journey, strengthening my ability to contribute meaningfully to green building initiatives. I look forward to applying this knowledge to future projects, collaborating with my coworkers, and continuing to promote sustainability in our industry.” 

Katie Kent, Mechanical Designer, added, “Obtaining my LEED Green Associate certification furthers my ability to make a significant impact in green building. I am so interested in the LEED and green building sphere that I am now working towards also obtaining a certification in LEED AP BD+C to help further my impact in the green building sphere while simultaneously furthering my own professional development.” 

We congratulate Jared and Katie on this milestone and look forward to the impact they will continue to make across our projects and communities.

Interested in growing your career while making an impact? Join the Arora team and help shape a more sustainable future.

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