Rendering Insights with Leonardo “Len” Maldonado

What inspired you to pursue this career, and how did you get started in the industry?

I've always had a passion for art, and drawing. At a young age I began to appreciate creating art that incorporated very straight lines. Upon learning that one could use a t-square and straight edge to create perfectly straight lines, my passion for drafting began.

Len on one of his weekend hikes

Visiting his son in Florida

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Ireland, Northern Europe.

What motivates you to come to work every day, and how do you stay engaged and passionate about your work?

I find myself motivated by learning new information about the technology of the clients I work with, recently electricity has really captivated me.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and why?

Flying!!! Obvious Reasons of Course

How do you approach problem-solving in your work, and what methods do you find to be most effective?

I find myself reaching out to others who may have shared the same design issues, or have experience in the area where I may be having problems solving an issue. I find speaking directly with individual over the design issues and sharing design sketches, help with communication.

What is one challenge you think our industry faces, and how do you think it should be addressed?

The financial aspect of our industry. I believe we've allowed the architectural profession to accept a degraded value for our work, and hence required to accept a lower fee for our services. I believe all architects and the AIA should establish minimum fee structures for services.

What is one skill or practice from your profession that you believe is crucial to your success, and how do you apply it?

Attention to detail, and requiring drawings to contain very detailed information. In telecommunications, accurate and detailed drawings are a must, and I leverage my passion for detailing into my work.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I love animals

What is one thing that you would like to achieve in your career in the next five years, and how are you working towards that goal?

Greater understanding of electrical engineering. Online study courses.

Len - Ready to hear the best advice he was ever given…

What’s the best advice you were ever given?

Life is hard enough, being mean to people doesn't help anyone - be nice.

If you had to go with a different career path, what would it be, and why?

Farming, I enjoy working with the earth.