Team

William Mandara Jr., AIA

Principal Bill Mandara comes from a family in the business: both his father and grandfather were general contractors. During his teenage summers, at his father’s job sites, he got the most thankless tasks. In retrospect, it was a great way to instill understanding and respect for the profession. It was also a not-so-subtle hint from his father that he should be thinking about architecture school instead.

Today, Bill heads our New York architecture studio, where he spends his time leading much of our efforts in new building design and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, such as our work on 125 West 25th Street and 575 Lexington Avenue in New York City. He’s no stranger to interiors work, either, having served as Project Manager for our stylish headquarters build-out for Peloton.

He had been at TSC Design for five years when the firm’s assets were purchased by Mancini•Duffy in 2011, whereupon he was named a Senior Associate. He was later named a Principal in 2014, became an owner of the firm in 2017, and named Chief Executive Officer in 2018.

Throughout his career here, Bill’s believed in having a consistency of vision and of values: that we should never put ourselves or our vision ahead of the client’s. This consistency lets us respond to our clients quickly, with clarity and authority.

Bill lives with his wife and two children in Paramus, New Jersey.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Music. I played drums in a cover band in the early- and mid-90’s throughout New Jersey.  I currently write and record my own music in my home studio, playing all of the instruments and getting some vocal help from my son.  I’ve released music which is available on Spotify, Apple Music etc, and have several upcoming releases planned.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1NOSjHEbxAtgWPD3ZP4ODb

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bill-mandara/1546531350

What would Spotify say is your most-played track?

“Cypress Grove”—Clutch

What’s the best thing about working at Mancini Duffy?

Great clients and co-workers. Before Mancini Duffy, I spent many years dreading going to work every Sunday night. I love that we’ve created an environment without roaming ogres, unlike most architectural offices.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t send emails when you’re angry. I wish I heeded this advice earlier in my career.

What’s one accomplishment you’re most proud of?

Watching my two sons grow into remarkable young men.

Any other interesting fact about you?

I’ve seen Rush about 26 times since 1987—at least once on every tour in the New York metro area.