For this month's Q&A I interviewed Mamata Malla, a Consultant in Vidaris' Existing Buildings' group, and I am happy to share some things about her you may not know already.
Where do you live? What's your commute like?
MM: Woodside-Queens. If lucky with the trains, door to door takes me 30-35 minutes.
What are you currently reading?
MM: Currently reading Outliers- The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell; not that I am trying to chase a ‘type’ of success, but this book was recommended to understand corporate vision.
What's the food you can't live without?
MM: After doing a 28-day detox diet, I’ve learned that I won’t be able to live without sweets (brownies, cake, cupcakes, muffins, ...), spaghetti, and good beer.
What do you do when not at the office?
MM: I like to meet up with friends/cousins over good beer and food; bike/run; and try making fun food or drinks.
What inspires you?
MM: Positivity, good company, challenge, and laughter - life is too heavy without it!
Favorite building?
MM: 40 Bond (modernized interpretation of historic features – I find it refreshing and architecturally rewarding to watch!)
If you weren't a Consultant at Vidaris, what would you be doing?
MM: If I weren’t in the Construction/Design field, I would be a Doctor.
Favorite lunch spot?
MM: Industry City Food Court - their outdoor courtyard is amazing.
Best piece of advice you ever got?
MM: I have three: be broad-minded; try to learn why your competition is as good as or better than you; if you fall, I will hold you, but plan not to fall.
Favorite vacation spot?
MM: Europe; I have been to Rome and Venice so far. But more on the list…
Animal you most resemble?
MM: Rabbit - due to my ears and front teeth.
3 things you can't live without:
MM: Family, friends, and sense of humor.
Favorite subject in school:
MM: Either Math or English.
What's the most extravagant thing you've ever purchased?
MM: Purchasing my own $1,900 airline ticket from Chicago-Kathmandu.
Early riser or night owl?
MM: Both if I am working on my laptop/computer. Early riser if I need to study.
iPhone or Android?
MM: Both. My work phone is Android, and personal is iPhone. Lately Android has been impressing me more due to the carrier cell phones. For my next upgrade, I'm debating between iPhoneX and SamsungX.
Defining moment at Vidaris:
MM: One of my first projects was 40 Mercer Street; I felt like I was a kid in a candy store! It was in that moment that I could understand why Israel Berger loves glass so much. I would also say being a mentor to new colleagues, as part of Vidaris MAPS program, has been very rewarding and defining moment.
Favorite office memory:
MM: Attending client meetings with Stan; and watching how impressive he is with his high knowledge and presentation and how he navigates the project. I’ve learned to ask the right questions, which is a critical aspect of being a good Consultant.
Tell us more about your position:
MM: Currently I am Consultant/Project Manager at Vidaris, specializing in Existing Buildings Division.
Why Vidaris?
MM: To work with Stan and be part of a bigger platform. As part of the Existing Buildings team, I’ve been introduced to the world of glass – which has been a bigger challenge and achievement at the same time. Knowledgeable people are the best part of Vidaris, and I enjoy every minute of sharing the knowledge.
