TONO Profiles: Monica Pacyna, Architectural Designer


Get to know our Architectural Designer, Monica Pacyna!

My name is Monica Pacyna.

I have worked at TONO Group since July, 2018.

It is my job to help create the documents needed for a design to go from start to finish.

Something you’ll always find on my desk is a coffee from Mean Cup and hand lotion!

Something I’ve learned from a co-worker is the importance of communication and working as a team.

I’m currently working on several healthcare projects with LGH and Virtua.

What’s one part of your daily routine that you’ll never change?

Taking a short walk during lunch. It’s so easy to get caught up in the task at hand, but it’s important to remember to take a little mental break! Moving around and getting fresh air helps me re-energize and refocus to finish the day out strong!

Why did you decide to go to school for Architecture?

Art and has always been a big part of my life. Whether I was painting or playing the piano, being able to artistically express myself was important to me. I decided to go for architecture so I could continue to create and design but in a more structured manner. It’s a like a big puzzle, trying to come up with something visually pleasing, functional, and still code compliant.

Name an achievement, inside or outside of work that you’re proud of.

I’m most proud of all I accomplished this past year. I graduated with an architecture degree from Marywood University, moved from Scranton, Pa to Lancaster, started my first job and recently passed the one year mark! There has been a lot of change, but it has been a good step in my life and allowed me to learn more about myself and learn what keeps me going! I’m lucky to have a supportive family who always encourages me to do my best and keep me motivated!  

monica and family

Monica and her five siblings!

What’s a trip that changed you, and why?

One of my favorite trips was when I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Being there for a semester allowed me to really integrate myself into the culture and feel like I was a real Italian! I was there for enough time that I was not only able see all of the famous architectural works of the city, but I was also able to explore areas not as well publicized and appreciate Florence at a different scale. Wandering through the streets was one of my favorite things to do and allowed me find some of the most interesting and unique spots!  Experiencing the city in person helped me better understand the concepts we were learning in school and allowed me to better appreciate the work of the architects and crafters of this era. Everything is so intricate and precise even without all the technology we have today.

  • Duomo Florence Italy
  • Statue Florence Italy
  • Florence Italy

Florence, Italy: Fall, 2016