Meet the Team: Ethan Mahoney

Your name: Ethan Mohoney

What do you do at Iconica?
Architectural designer.

How long have you worked here?
7 years.

What do you love about your job?
It plays to many of my natural interests and strengths. I’ve been interested in design and the mechanics of how things work for as long as I can remember. The creativity, the problem-solving, the technology, and the science all come together in this job in a way that never really gets old. Plus, I’m always learning and growing.

What led you to the design field?
I remember drawing houses in first or second grade. I took architecture courses for young kids in the summer at UW Madison, and really enjoyed it. Although architecture was not something I pursued exclusively throughout my childhood, I was always interested in it. I graduated from UW-Lacrosse with a Bachelor of Science in Art, with an emphasis in metalsmithing which arguably does not apply to architecture. I heard about Iconica from a family friend while in school and applied for their internship and quickly found out that a lot of the experience I had from school and my upbringing did in fact apply to this field. I really enjoyed working here and the work in general, so when they offered me a full-time position, I accepted!

How has design/ architecture/ interior design/ changed since you started?
I’m still fairly new to the field, but so far, the biggest changes have been the technology we use and the increased awareness of our environmental impact.

What are some of your favorite projects you have worked on?
Inspire Early Childhood Learning Center – it was my first “big” project in a lead role for design. The client and I had a common vision for the finished product which also made it exciting.

Which famous person would you like to interview or meet?
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.

What would you say to someone considering working with Iconica?
If you are interested in project variety and being able to truly take a project from concept to completion, this is the place for you.

Dream vacation?
I would love to go back to Italy and tour the country via motorcycle, or heli-ski
internationally (Switzerland, France, Austria, Japan, etc.).

How do you stay on top of architecture trends?
Mainly magazines, webinars, traveling, and social media.

Do you have a dream project?
Not necessarily a singular project, but I would love the opportunity to work on some high-end mountain homes without budgets.

If you weren’t in the design field what would you be doing?
I had the chance to race motorcycles professionally before college, so I would like to think that’s what I would I do, but more realistically I would be an industrial designer or fabricator of some kind.

Favorite snack food?
Schneider’s Pretzel Pieces or Sun Chips.

What does a regular day off look like for you?
It really varies. I’m a spontaneous person, but it usually includes a casual start to the day and then working on some of my many projects until late at night. I mix in a lot of skiing in the winter, and ride mountain bikes and motorcycles in the summer whenever possible.

What are some of the benefits of working at Iconica as a designer?
It’s a very inspiring and open-minded atmosphere. Also, the ability to collaborate and brainstorm with co-workers on personal projects and hobbies outside of work is fun.

Favorite cereal?
If I have to pick one, Chocolate Chex.

Are you a morning or night person?
Definitely a night person.

Do you have a design idol?
Yes, a few. Horacio Pagani, Christian von Koenigsegg, and the design team at Olson Kundig.

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’ve never paid a mechanic to work on any of my cars, motorcycles, or ATVs. From basic maintenance to engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds, and even paint and body work, I’ve completed all the work myself. I am running out of room for tools, though.