Getting to know Ali Turan

Ali Turan, Registered Architect (R.A.) is a Project Associate known for his hard work and dedication to HLZAE. He manages small to mid-scale architectural projects, while assisting Senior Project Managers with larger projects. In addition to project management, Ali reviews Alterations and acts as the Owner Representative for our clients against neighboring developers. When it comes to typical Exterior Restoration projects, Ali analyzes the existing conditions, communicates, and sets expectations with our clients, provides a scope based on discussions and refines everything in order to satisfy the buildings’ and Owners’ needs.

What Ali appreciates the most about the architectural industry is how it is inherently unique. He believes NYC is constantly seeking the next best thing while providing for the needs of today. As a part of this industry, Ali believes that he is at the forefront of the evolution in practice of Architecture and development of the built environment. He chose his profession because he felt it would be an ultimate balance between theory and practice. With six years of professional experience and two as a Registered Architect (RA), Ali feels the best part of his job is knowing that he is working towards shaping the future of NYC, but with great power comes a challenging responsibility. Because our firm handles a variety of clients and projects, Ali has been able to broaden his knowledge in order to assess and manage everyone’s specific needs. There is also the transition from a meeting in a Board Room to a field inspection 30 stories in the sky, requires exceptional mental balance.

67 East 11^th Street also known as the Cast Iron Building, is a building Ali studied as a student in NJIT. Learning about its impact on NYC and having the opportunity to work on its restoration has been nothing short of a humbling experience and it is why he considers it his favorite project. Ali and his team are currently overseeing the restoration of the building’s exterior envelope to preserve what remains of a timeless piece of NYC’s history. The restoration will include but is not limited to lead abatement, cataloging cast iron components, various cast iron and sheet metal repairs/replacement, waterproofing and recoating of all metal surfaces.

When Ali isn’t on the job, you can find him playing and coaching soccer as well as remodeling his house. He took advantage of his downtime during the pandemic and let’s just say he became a DIY enthusiast. Believe it or not, he grew out his hair for the first time in his life, which took about two and a half years. “It was an awesome journey. I donated it after reaching 14 inches in a bun.”