Archinect
Eric Menz

Eric Menz

Rochester, NY, US

 

About 

Background
Relevant Work Experience
I am an intern architect, as well as an entrepreneur with my own freelance photography business. I am the ideal addition to any team because I am organized, flexible, adaptive, determined, and efficient. I often complete tasks well in advance of expected deadlines, and with a higher level of quality. My mission is to bring the principles and practices of sus- tainability to mainstream architecture.
Apprentice
Earthship Biotecture (headquartered in Taos, New Mexico): Huntington, Vermont build
July 2012
• Worked for three weeks alongside architect Michael Reynolds, members of the Earthship team, and other volun- teers to build a radically sustainable residence in Vermont.
• Used repurposed and new materials for foundations and walls to create a fully functioning house that relies on no outside utilities.
• Specifically assisted the solar installation team and plumber on the construction and installation of the PV cells, grey water, and water collection systems. Also assisted the framing crew to create an integrated greenhouse that runs the length of the building.
Architectural Production and Support
Polhemus, Savery, DaSilva Architects Builders: Chatham, Massachusetts (psdab.com) January 2007 – April 2009 • Worked alongside project managers at an award-winning design/build firm to develop and produce construc-
tion documents for fast-track, high-end residential and commercial properties. • On a larger scale, designed complete custom homes, hospitality complexes, and businesses for high-profile
clients. On a smaller scale, designed interior elevations and detailed built-in cabinets, pedestals, columns, benches,
handrails/ balustrades, and storage systems that created unique, well-organized, and intriguing spaces. • Especially enjoyed working with clients, managers and estimators to develop lighting layout and design:
selected fixtures for both interior and exterior use to best highlight functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. • Coordinated with consultants for electrical, mechanical, civil, and structural integration. • Coordinated with construction supervisors on the revision of designs, shortening delays and resulting in cost
saving solutions of up to 85%. • Performed site visits and evaluations to identify errors and omissions, as well as developed and implemented
solutions to keep projects on budget and on timeline. • Also assisted the team through model-building and photography.
Designer/Drafter
L.F. Giampietro Architect PC, Falmouth, Massachusetts
September 2002 – September 2006
• Worked with the principal architect and project manager to produce designs and plans for new construction, tear down/rebuilds, and renovations.
• Met with clients to discuss needs and design revisions. • Facilitated projects from start to finish: Documented existing conditions, made demolition plans and schematic
designs, and coordinated design development through a working set of construction documents. • Collaborated with outside consultants to integrate their expertise as needed (kitchen design, electrical, me-
chanical and structural). • Followed building codes for single and multi-family housing units, as well as commercial projects including
religious structures, restaurants, medical buildings, and retail spaces.
Carpenters Apprentice
Frametastic Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia
Summer 2001
• Worked with licensed carpenters to build wood-frame custom homes. • Assisted with the installation of all components, including floors, walls, windows and doors, and roofing systems
(sheathing, asphalt shingles, and proper ties and hangers as required by code). • Experience gained resulted in a diverse knowledge of methods and materials carried forward into future design
and construction documentation.
Other Work Experience
Education
Activities and Memberships
Publications
Skills
Team Member
Target: Rochester, New York
December 2011 – Present
• Worked with the remodel team to upgrade store to a new layout according to corporate guidelines. • Quickly learned company standards, and began training new team members on proper procedures for display-
ing product within the first week of employment. This resulted in a quicker turn-around time for trainees and a smoother, cleaner transition as the store continues to operate during construction.
CEO/Photographer
Eric Menz Photography: Mashpee, Massachusetts and Rochester, New York
April 2006 – Present
• Worked alone (and lead small crews) on freelance photography assignments relating to architecture, portraiture, sports and special events.
• Clients have included local newspapers, architectural firms, schools, and individuals. • Finished pieces have been published in regional magazines, monographs and museum exhibits about architecture. • Became an active member of the American Society of Media Photographers in 2009 in order to share knowl-
edge and collaborate with peers. • Successfully managed projects and staff, delegated responsibility, handled logistics, and created technical and
artful final products that often exceeded clients expectations. • View full portfolio of work at EricMenzPhotography.com
Technician Assistant
Cape Cod Alarm Company: West Yarmouth, Massachusetts (capecodalarm.com) January 2011 – March 2011 • Assisted a supervising technician with the installation and replacement of door/window contacts, trouble-shot
additional technical problems as they arose, answered service calls, and helped with inspections. • Recorded notes, findings, and repairs clearly and concisely, resulting in a more productive workflow for techni-
cian and office personnel.
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture
SUNY University at Buffalo - School of Architecture and Planning: Buffalo, New York
Sept 1998 – May 2002
• Studies focused on conceptual design and structural applications, working on projects alone as well as in teams. • Work completed in final semester lead to studio team projects built in the city. • Designed and built concrete forms, poured footings, and retaining walls for studio designed bus shelters and
gardens resulting in beautification of Buffalo communities. • Was part of a group of students that teamed up with Habitat for Humanity, resulting in three newly constructed
homes in downtown Buffalo.
• Board Member and Rochester Social Committee Chairman, ASMPWNY, 2011-2012 • Associate Plus Member, American Society of Media Photographers, 2009 - 2012 • Board Member, Rochester Young Professionals, 2011-2012 • Member, Cape Cod Young Professionals, 2010 – 2011
• Member, Falmouth Young Professionals, 2011 • Member, Cape Cod Green Drinks, 2010 - 2011 • Member/Volunteer, Mashpee Dog Park Committee, 2010 – 2011 • Member, American Institute of Architecture Students 2001 - 2002 • Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, 2001
• Cape Cod View Magazine, April 2011 • Chatham Magazine, 2009 • Architecture of the Cape Cod Summer: The Work of Polhemus Savery DaSilva, 2008
Architecture: Architectural Design (Commercial and Residential), Construction Documentation, Site Planning, Kitchen and Bath Design, Lighting Design, Graphic Presentation and Layout, Model Building, AutoCAD Proficiency, Hand Drafting
Technology: MS Office Suite, Mac and Windows operating systems, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
Construction: Wood Frame Construction, Electrical Wiring, Plumbing, Insulation, Roofing, Siding, Windows/Door Installation, Drywall, Tile, Alarm Systems, Landscape Design and Construction

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