
Our Team
Our team puts the client first. Our collaborative work environment keeps projects moving forward.
We look forward to serving you.
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Brian Castro, PE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
As CEO of AAA Engineering, Brian is responsible for all facets of the firm’s operations
A civil engineer with nearly 15 years of experience, prior to joining AAA Brian provided preliminary design engineering, construction and program management, and owner’s representative services for numerous transportation-sector clients.
His extensive experience includes serving as the Owners’ Representative Design Manager for the Illinois Tollway’s ambitious $4 billion program to widen I-294 from Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street.
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering,
Iowa State UniversityREGISTRATIONS
Profession Engineer
State of Illinois -
Shyam Raj, AICP
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
As the Chief Operating Officer supports all facets of the operations of the firm. Prior to joining AAA, Shyam consulted and served in executive roles with some of the largest engineering firms in Midwest.Shyam has extensive experience in renewable energy and has worked in multiple countries.
At AAA, he is committed to growing the company by providing its clients a trusted resource.
EDUCATION
Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence, University of Texas.
Master of Business Administration, University of Florida
Bachelor of Urban/Transportation Planning, University of Cincinnati
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Rachel Borenstein
PRESIDENT
Rachel Borenstein is president and owner of AAA Engineering. Rachel works hard to create an environment which emphasizes the strengths of each employee.
Through Rachel’s leadership, and the diverse group of talented engineers, AAA Engineering has built an enviable portfolio of complex projects, and in a short period of time, has become one of the most sought after MEP engineering firms in the Chicagoland area.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago
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Alex Farekas, PE
SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER/ENGINEERING MANAGER
Alex Farekas has over forty years of professional engineering experience. Alex manages resources, scheduling of staff, defining priorities, and performing QA/QC activities to ensure clients are well served.
Alex also develops engineering proposals for new work in conjunction with our business development staff. Throughout his professional career Alex has designed and implemented unique customized systems to catalog and track technical activities, enabling the smooth, efficient flow of the production of projects.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer
State of Illinois
State of Indiana
State of Ohio
State of Wisconsin
State of Florida
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Sheldon Kirshner, PE
SENIOR TRACTION POWER ENGINEER
Sheldon is a client focused expert in the field of Traction Power engineering design and construction oversight for the DC railroad industry. He has over forty years of experience with multiple transit agencies.
Sheldon has worked for several City of Chicago departments. He developed electrical design criteria and specifications used throughout the CTA and roadway lighting in use today.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer
State of Illinois
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John Varley, PE, LEED AP BD+C
MECHANICAL DISIPLINE MANAGER
John has more than thirty-five years of mechanical engineering experience in both the public and private sectors. He is an ASHRAE Fellow, an author and a gifted speaker.
With vast experience in managing complex mechanical projects, he is an asset to any team or project. He translates the big-picture vision into practical, strategic action plans for success.
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Chemical Engineering, Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, The University of Akron
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer
State of Illinois
State of Florida
State of Georgia
State of Iowa
State of Michigan
State of Minnesota
State of Ohio
State of Texas
State of Wisconsin
ASHRAE Certification - High Performance Building Design Professional
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Pradip Desai, PE
SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Pradip has over thirty years of professional engineering experience in electrical engineering. Pradip is experienced in the following sectors: Aviation, Roadways, Bridges, Rail, Industrial, Commercial, Educational, Convention Center, Hospitality, Healthcare, Facilities, Wastewater and Telecom. Pradip is a successful project manager from concept to construction. He works well with all team members to deliver projects on-time and in budget.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Indiana
Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer
State of Ohio
State of Maryland
State of Virginia
State of Wisconsin
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Angela Giovannone, PE, LEED AP BD+C
ELECTRICAL DISIPLINE MANAGER
Angela has practiced electrical engineering in the public and private sectors since 1998. She manages a wide variety of projects. Her extensive expertise includes power design, lighting, fire alarm and security. Angela also works on design-build projects. She serves as project manager carrying the project from proposal to close out.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Iowa State University
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer
State of Illinois
State of Wisconsin
State of Iowa
State of California
State of Ohio
State of Washington
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Mohammad Hamoudeh, PE
SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mohammad has over twenty-five years’ experience as a mechanical and plumbing engineer. He has wide ranging experience in project management, planning and design of HVAC, Plumbing systems, Temperature Control and Energy Conservation Systems for various types of projects
Mohammad also has extensive experience in Construction Management services. He has served as Project Manager and Resident Engineer on many projects. He excels in the field and is recognized by various agencies for his excellent work. He successfully manages between all parties to achieve best results and stay on schedule.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer
State of Illinois
State of Indiana
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