Every Building Has Secrets: Facade Engineering with Tali Mejicovsky | Episode 12

Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest: Tali Mejicovsky - Associate Principal Facade's - ARUP New YorkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tali-mejicovsky-9b4727/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, where I aim to connect the global façade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the solutions helping to move the industry forward.This week, I’m joined by Tali Mejicovsky from Arup New York.Tali has been at Arup for nearly three decades and has worked on some of the most recognisable cultural and civic projects in the US and abroad. Her focus is simple. Get in early, define what the facade wants to be, and make sure the design intent actually makes it through construction.We get into existing buildings, reclads, dealing with heritage and landmark bodies, how to improve performance without killing the architecture, and what makes a great relationship between facade engineers and glazing contractors.It is a proper masterclass in performance-based facade design.Quick shout-out to the sponsors of the podcast, Architectural Glass and Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA.They are a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years.More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftsmanship.I am delighted to have them as a partner of the pod.In the meantime, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus Podcast with Tali Mejicovsky.00:00 Introduction to Tali Mejicovsky and Her Journey03:03 Exploring Facade Engineering and Project Involvement06:03 Challenges in Existing Buildings and Facade Renovations08:54 Balancing Design Intent and Performance in Facade Engineering11:58 The Emotional Connection to Historic Buildings15:02 Navigating Design Constraints in Facade Projects18:01 The Role of Performance in Facade Design21:01 Circular Economy and Sustainable Practices in Facade Engineering23:54 Collaboration with Glazing Contractors26:59 Improving Bid Documents for Glazing Contractors32:38 Integrating Engineering Disciplines34:52 Advice for Glazing Contractors35:44 Importance of Mock-Ups and Testing38:06 Quick Fire Questions: Personal Insights43:08 Reflections on Loss and Awareness46:42 Learning and Mentorship47:25 Travel Aspirations and Bucket List