Our People | Abhi Ayyannagari – Hungry for Noodles, Thirsty for Knowledge
Meet Abhi, Electrical Engineer and early bird that gets the worm. Abhi has been at iFactor for over four years and loves the opportunity to grow in his career through challenging projects. Read on to learn more and see what you have in common with Abhi!
How did you decide to have a career in the AEC industry?
My first internship was at a Construction company that was designing and building an automated Metro Rail System. The sheer scale of the project, and the impact it would have on the lives of people once complete, fascinated me and led me to pursue a career in the AEC industry.
Did you have a mentor in your early career? How did they help shape your career?
My Dad is a Mechanical Engineer in the AEC industry, and he has always been one of my biggest mentors. He taught me the importance of hard work and discipline.
What is your favorite project you’ve worked on, and why?
Upgrades to the Emergency Distribution system at a major healthcare facility in Southern California. This was one of my first large scale projects in the healthcare industry, exposing me to a lot of new aspects of design engineering. With iFactor being the Prime consultant on this project, I was involved in coordination with multiple design firms, vendors, contractors, and AHJs.
How would you describe your job to a 3rd grader?
I design the Electrical systems that make your TV and air conditioner work.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Brainstorming with the team to achieve the most efficient and economical design.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the engineering field, what would it be?
Ask lots of questions, even if you think it’s silly, and never stop learning.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you’re not learning, you’re not growing.
If you could professionally be anything else outside of the AEC industry, what would you be?
Probably a doctor.
How many stamps do you have in your passport, and what stamps do you hope to add in the next five years?
7 stamps so far – Qatar, U.A.E., Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands. Spain and Portugal are next on my list.
As a kid, I thought we would have _____________ by now.
Flying cars as a standard mode of transportation, like in the Jetsons.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hiking, attending concerts, watching Formula 1 or an NFL game.
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Bern, Switzerland
What’s something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an early bird, most of my days start at 4:00 AM.
What is your favorite go-to meal?
Pad Ekkamai noodles from Ekkamai in Culver City, or Chicken Popcorn and a Panini from Bounce Boba Lounge near CSUN.