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Erin Collins-Cecil

Erin Collins-Cecil

North Western NJ

 
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About 

I understand how building codes, structure and mechanical systems, and the technicalities of construction, can fluently be integrated with creative vision.  

I feel fortunate to have a broad background in all aspects of design and construction.  Starting out in custom residential and light commercial design-build, I also have experience in forensics architecture and building envelope consulting. As a forensics architect, I coordinated building investigations and testing, analyzed project documentation, building codes and industry standards, and developed technical reports communicating the findings and conclusions.  Through my experience in forensics, I have learned "what not to do" and what items to look for in a set of construction drawings and during the construction process.

A big aspect of my life has been volunteering.  I have been working with Habitat for Humanity since 2004.  I firmly believe that, when you have a useful skill, it should be applied to help the common good.  I have designed nine new houses and renovations for Habitat for Humanity thus far, and plan to continue providing pro-bono design services to Habitat for many years to come.

Competent in AutoCAD and the Adobe Creative Suite, with experience in Revit, I am able to develop a full set of construction drawings, and produce renderings.  As a team player, I value open communication between clients, contractors, consultants, and colleagues, which can make-or-break a project. Personally, I am creative, organized and forward thinking.  Licensed in the State of New Jersey, I am NCARB certified.



Elsewhere:

Employment 

Berman & Wright Architecture, Engineering, and Planning, Project Director

As a Forensic Architect with B&W, responsibilities included the oversight of building diagnostic investigations and development of construction documents for rehabilitation projects, as well as assistance with litigation and mediation proceedings. Projects ranged from geotechnical and foundation structural issues to in-depth analysis of building envelope systems. I compiled and analyzed data gathered in the field, compared it to construction drawings, industry standards, and building codes, and wrote technical reports to communicate findings and conclusions. Due to experience in forensics, I know “what not to do.” My success can be attributed to my ability to understand all phases of a project, coordinate and effectively communicate with attorneys, consulting engineers, clients, and contractors, to develop complete sets of construction drawings and specifications, and perform all construction contract administration duties, including shop drawing review.

A Partial Listing of B&W Projects Completed include:
Woodcliff Gardens, North Bergen, NJ - 1950’s Re-Cladding
Rialto-Capitol, Jersey City, NJ - 1930’s Waterproofing
Dominion Reserve Guardhouse, McLean, VA - Re-Cladding
Riva Pointe, Weehawken, NJ - Forensic Investigation
1100 Adams Street, Hoboken, NJ - Forensic Investigation
Presidential at Asbury Park, NJ - 1950’s Re-Cladding
Port Liberte, Jersey City, NJ - Forensic Investigation
Port Imperial, West New York, NJ - Forensic Investigation
Royal Court, North Bergen, NJ - Forensic Investigation
Stomp NYC Orpheum Theater, NY - Building Code Compliancy
Kinmonth Building, Asbury Park, NJ - Forensic Investigation
1501 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ - Forensic Investigation
Orchard Bridge Apartments, Manassas, VA - Forensic Investigation
Maxwell Place, Hoboken, NJ - Analysis of Architect Standard of Care
Hodgins Residence, Hoboken, NJ - Flood Resistant Construction Analysis
Multiple Projects - Analysis of Wind Damage due to Hurricane Sandy

Apr 2010 - current
 

Buric Architecture, Technical Architect

At Buric, I directed the development of rehabilitation and waterproofing drawings for buildings, analyzed the technical competency and constructability of details, and conducted site visits during construction contract administration. Collaboration, communication with colleagues, creativity, and attention to detail were instrumental for success in this position.

A Partial Listing of Buric Projects Completed include:
Princeton Landings, Plainsboro, NJ - Re-Cladding
Cambridge Heights at Nutley, NJ - Re-Cladding
Renaissance on the Ocean, Long Branch, NJ - Sprinkler & Structure
La Cote de Loc, Lorain, OH - Structure & Re-Cladding
Bald Eagle Commons, West Milford, NJ - Structure & Re-Cladding
Park City Grand, Union City, NJ - Re-Roofing
Inverness at Crystal Springs, Vernon, NJ - Wood Deck Replacement

Jun 2005 - Apr 2010
 

Spirk Brothers / Chesterfield Custom Homes, Design Coordinator

At Spirk Brothers / Chesterfield Custom Homes, I designed and developed construction drawings for, estimated the cost of, and was the assistant to the Construction Manager for high-end custom homes, commercial facilities, and residential additions. I took the initiative to learn design, building codes, construction techniques, cost estimating, and construction processes.

A Partial Listing of Projects Completed include:
Butera Residence, Hellertown PA - Custom Single Family Home
Kulp Residence, Hellertown PA - Custom Single Family Home
Bed & Breakfast Addition, Easton, PA
Portugese American Cultural Club Addition, Bethlehem, PA
Goosey Gander Deli Addition, Bethlehem, PA
When Residnece, Hellertown PA - Custom Single Family Home
Pillsbury, Hazleton, PA - Interior Renovations

Jan 2002 - Jun 2005
 

Education 

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) / Albert Dorman Honors College, Newark, NJ, US, BArch, Architecture

Graduate Magna Cum Laude, 2010

Sep 2005 - May 2010
 

Awards 

2010 Graduate - Magna cum Laude, NJIT/Albert Dorman Honors College, Honorable Mention

2010
 

2006 Honorable Mention - 1st year Architecture Student, Honorable Mention

1996
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills