Hoffmann Promotes Mike Criollo Lalvay, Rachael DiCristina, and Senada Dushaj
Hoffmann Architects + Engineers is pleased to announce that Mike Criollo Lalvay, Rachael DiCristina, and Senada Dushaj have earned promotions.
Mike Criollo Lalvay has been promoted to Senior Project Representative. He began his tenure at Hoffmann Architects + Engineers in 2021 in the role of Project Representative. Since then, he has worked on more than 20 projects and has gained experience with New York City Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) investigation and repairs, as well as structural evaluation and remedial design, particularly for sidewalk rehabilitation, historic roof restoration, and reroofing. Among his long list of project work for clients in a range of sectors, from corporate to educational, his notable contributions include FISP investigation and repairs at 33 Maiden Lane for CBRE Group, FISP investigation and terrace perimeter guardrail design at American Express Tower (200 Vesey Street), roof replacement and design of a custom perimeter restraint system at 5 Times Square for The Switzer Group, new structural dunnage framing design at Columbia University’s iconic Low Library, FISP repairs at Columbia’s Jerome Greene Hall, and step rehabilitation and structural repairs at Columbia’s Earl Hall.
Given the enormous responsibility of designing and rehabilitating structural systems, Lalvay’s supervisors are impressed by his precise calculations and exemplary work products, which are a credit to the firm. When he joined Hoffmann, he already had 1 ½ years of experience to his credit, which enabled him to advance his engineering practice rapidly. With the varied experiences he’s already encountered at Hoffmann, Lalvay has built on his engineering foundation to apply his skills in new and challenging ways.
A registered EIT (Engineer in Training), he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University. While at Cornell, he interned with the U.S. Department of the Interior and served as an undergraduate researcher with the Cornell Fracture Group, a scientific and engineering research community dedicated to understanding and anticipating the failure of structural materials. Fluent in Spanish, Lalvay also contributed to the education of his peers as a mentor and teaching assistant. At Hoffmann, he continues his commitment to continuing education and professional growth as a member of the Emerging Professionals Group.
Rachael DiCristina, Assoc. AIA received a promotion to Senior Project Representative. Since joining Hoffmann in 2021 as Project Representative for the New York office, she has gained experience with historic restoration, facade rehabilitation, FISP investigation and repairs, reroofing, and fenestration replacement, in addition to pedestrian and vehicular plaza rehabilitation and replacement. A diligent and eager learner, she has actively worked to expand her knowledge base in terra cotta, masonry, and roofing systems.
Of the more than 25 corporate, educational, government, healthcare, hospitality, religious, and residential projects to which DiCristina has contributed, her most memorable include historic door replacement for the New York Stock Exchange, building envelope rehabilitation at the Hamilton Avenue Asphalt Plant for the New York City Department of Design and Construction, and multiple projects at Columbia University, notably 503 West 121st Street, Butler Library, the William Black Building, the Lasker Building, and Hammer Health and Science Building. Recognized for her can-do attitude and keen attention to detail, she has become skilled in writing field and FISP reports, as well as both assisting with and leading progress meetings.
DiCristina earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Graduating with the highest academic distinction of summa cum laude, she was the recipient of many honors, from faculty awards and scholarships to commendations for leadership and design. This summer, she will graduate from Columbia University with a Master of Science in Sustainability Management. Since the fall of 2021, she has taken classes year-round multiple nights a week as part of this innovative degree program, which is offered in partnership with the School of Professional Studies and the Columbia Climate School. Her newly acquired knowledge will support Hoffmann in elevating business and technical practices to even better address environmental impacts and achieve improved sustainable outcomes.
At Columbia, DiCristina is part of the Sustainability Management Student Association’s Women & Sustainability organization, which strives to address social and environmental inequities and empower women leaders. She is also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and an Associate of the American Institute of Architects. She is an active part of the Hoffmann Emerging Professionals Group.
Senada Dushaj, Assoc. AIA earned a promotion to Senior Project Representative. She joined Hoffmann in May 2021 as Project Representative and has since expanded her knowledge and experience with roof replacements, masonry repairs, facade inspections, and water infiltration investigation and mitigation. Her contributions span more than 25 projects across the full spectrum of Hoffmann’s client base, including not only corporate, educational, and healthcare facilities, but also correctional institutions and residential buildings. Among her breadth of experience, some of Dushaj’s notable projects include restoration of Vassar College’s Main Building, building enclosure assessment and rehabilitation of Springfield College’s Marsh Memorial, masonry repairs at Cheshire Correctional Institution, patient tower facade assessment at Bridgeport Hospital, and balcony water infiltration investigation at Breakwater Bay Condominiums in New Haven.
Despite this extensive project list, Dushaj also found time to devote countless hours to support the relocation of Hoffmann’s Connecticut headquarters from Hamden to New Haven. She also joined the Hoffmann Diversity & Inclusion Committee’s Habitat for Humanity build day in New Haven, where she applied the meticulous and indefatigable work ethic for which she is known to the task of creating a new home for a family in need.
A native of Albania, Dushaj is fluent in Albanian. She graduated with highest honors, summa cum laude, from Keene State College with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and she went on to graduate with distinction from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a Master of Architecture degree. An Associate of the American Institute of Architects, she is also part of the Hoffmann Emerging Professionals Group.
Hoffmann Architects + Engineers recognizes Mike Criollo Lalvay, Rachael DiCristina, and Senada Dushaj for their valuable contributions, their experience, and their achievements.
