2019 Women in Building Services: Danita Otruba, Danita Otruba Architect

Name: Danita Otruba, AIA

Title: Owner-Architect, Master Feng Shui Consultant, Green Designer

Company Name: Danita Otruba Architect 

How many years have you been in your current field? 32

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
Without a doubt my most notable project is the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Headquarters in Garden City. I was the architect in charge as well as the interior planner/designer. Everything was demolished down to the steel and made new with an addition and the latest up to date systems. The building is now state of the art, energy efficient, green and completely ADA compliant with room to grow into future. When you first enter you can immediately see that the space is fun, bright and cheerful. It was important that it be inviting for all the young girls programs. Yet the building also maintains a professional sophistication representative of our future female leaders. 

What trend(s) do you predict to dominate your industry in 2019? 
I see a continued growth in the remodel and re-use of existing structures. Like the Girl Scouts, people are finding ways to re-work spaces they have or remodel new spaces they are moving into in order to make them work better for their individual and unique purposes. 

Which of your philanthropic endeavors are you most proud of?
For me it is working one on one with individual woman who are on a spiritual path otherwise known as life. As a spiritual counselor I assist woman in their personal journey whether it be through counseling, coaching, meditation or at times just listening. There is nothing more satisfying than to see the light go on or the change in someone as they continue to expand and grow. We all need someone and I am proud that I can be there for them. 

What does it mean to you to be a team player? 
I believe one of the reasons for my success is an ability to work respectfully with others and to be able to listen. It is important to put ego aside and have cooperative dialogue with anyone involved. As the lead on a project, I completely value and respect all the participants and their input throughout the process. This could include evaluating property from a Feng Shui and energy perspective with the Realtor, understanding the owners intentions for their project and working together with the contractor throughout the process.