Eric brings a unique specialization to the design and integration of highly sophisticated building systems. He helps craft project details that respond to technical requirements while reinforcing the design intent of the project. With a passion for both design and working across interdisciplinary, multi-firm project teams, Eric is an advocate for the design vision of the project. He understands the importance of that vision, and the practicality of addressing intricate details on a daily basis.
What excites you about design?
I have a passion for design, and love seeing how that translates into a constructed product. In graduate school, Jim Shields was my studio professor and ultimately, my final thesis advisor. As a practicing architect and educator, he's developed a methodology that integrates his design vision and technical knowledge and puts them on an equal playing field. Being able to work with Jim both in grad school and professionally has enforced those values in me. My job is rewarding in that I’m always learning something new. With such deep cross-disciplinary collaboration here at HGA, it never gets boring. Being able to look over a mechanical engineer’s shoulder to try to understand how things are fitting together and working… That’s exciting, and makes my job more of an adventure.
Featured Projects
What are some of your hobbies?
I am sort of a hobbyist musician. I grew up taking piano lessons, and played trumpet in middle school and high school bands. The past three years, I’ve picked up trumpet again. Not with an end goal, but for the mental exercise. It works my brain in a different way. I think there are certain aspects of music that help me in my career in architecture. Like jazz… Thinking quickly, or being able to improvise an outside of the box solution at the last minute. Architecture is a lot like music—there has to be an underlying structure and logic, but balanced by moments of artistic expression.