Archinect
Erik Heuler

Erik Heuler

Bay Shore, NY, US

 

About 

I grew up with a deep appreciation for both the natural and built environments.  As a child I would spend a lot of time in the city, experiencing its gritty street culture while visiting family.  An appreciation for the street art of the 1980's drew me into many of New York's museums, introducing me to a more sophisticated side of the city.  In contrast I would often spend childhood vacations camping at National and State Parks throughout the country.  This instilled in me an appreciation and respect for nature.  Given this dichotomy pursuing an education in architecture, that also considers the environment seemed like a natural progression.

As Project Manager at Peter Caradonna Architecture and Planning (PCA) I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects, both residential and commercial.  Since joining their team in 2005 I have taken part in all phases of project management from initial client meetings and schematic design through construction documents and construction administration.  I have also worked on various competition entries and a number of LEED Certifications both for in-house and consulting projects.  I have had the chance to represent a variety of team members from owners, construction managers, and contractors.  However, it is the work I have done on projects like the Suffolk County Environmental Center in Islip, NY, and a Zero Energy House for the Town of Babylon, that helps to fulfill my ambition to work on green buildings.

Outside of the office I have lectured to architecture students and professionals on green building, the LEED rating system and the Integrated Design process.  Additionally, I currently volunteer for the United States Green Building Council Long Island Chapter (USGBC-LI).  As current Chair of the USGBC-LI Residential Green Building Committee I have participated in LEED for Homes projects with Habitat for Humanity and United Way.  Other ways I have been involved with USGBC-LI are by actively participating in events, speaking at programs, helping to build partnerships, advocating for green building practices, and serving as Chair of the Technical Committee for the Attainable Long Island design competition.  This passion for green architecture started while I was a student at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT).

While a student at NYIT I tried to find projects that were challenging and provided insight into the way decisions are made and buildings work.  The most significant experience I had while at NYIT was my involvement in the schools entry into the 2005 Solar Decathlon, a USDOE sponsored event where students design, build, and operate a solar powered home on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  My role on the team was to investigate the homes natural systems including natural ventilation, passive heating, and day-lighting.  In addition to working on the homes design I helped build it three separate times, once on the NYIT campus, again on the National Mall for the competition, and finally at its current home on the campus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, NY.  This experience has proven to be a pivotal point in my career. 

During my free time I still enjoy the places I learned to love as a child, the built and natural environments, but with a greater appreciation.  Recently I published my first book, an architectural children's book "A is for Architecture."

Elsewhere:

Employment 

H2M architects + engineers, Melville, NY, US, Project Architect

Mar 2014 - current
 

Peter Caradonna Architects, East Setauket, NY, US, Project Manager

Actively participate in all phases of projects from initial client meetings through construction administration.

Preparation of construction documents and specifications for residential and commercial projects.

Contribute to all phases of green building consulting and LEED certification including documentation preparation and site organization for commercial and residential projects

Apr 2005 - Mar 2014
 

Education 

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Central Islip, NY, US; Old Westbury, NY; New York, NY, BArch, Architecture

Graduated with honors, Summa Cum Laude
Participated in schools entry into the 2005 Solar Decathlon

Sep 2001 - May 2006
 

Awards 

AIA Henry Adams School Medal and Certificate of Merit Award Winner, 1st Place

From the award website:
"Each year The American Institute of Architects awards an engraved medal and certificate of merit to the top-ranking graduating student in each architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board."

2006
 

NYIT 50th Anniversary Showcase Celebration, 1st Place

Awarded for participation in the schools entry into the 2005 Solar Decathlon

2006
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills