Spotlight: Erin Himmelberger

For more than 16 years, Erin Himmelberger has been an integral part of the Warehaus team, bringing 22 years of experience to a variety of roles.  Erin currently  manages an architectural staff of 19 and oversees project quality and client relations as Architectural Practice Lead.

Erin spent much of her early career working for a window designer, learning how to design and construct airtight and watertight buildings with a variety of window types. With a wealth of knowledge, Erin now leads project teams, with a specialization in historical restoration and envelope repair projects. Erin’s ability to efficiently solve problems, her attention to technical details and thorough understanding of proper applications of building products are considered her greatest strengths. All of these qualities help her design constructable, reliable facilities.

Erin filled us in on what she has been up to while working remotely, and what inspired her career choices.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

My father inspired me to venture into construction.  He worked full time as a fabrication supervisor in a manufacturing plant and would tackle construction projects on our home and for others on the weekends to make ends meet.  Due to the limited time at home, he would include us kids in his weekend projects whenever he could.  Together as a family, we could tackle small renovation projects.

What advice would you give to students pursuing a similar career?

You have to do it on your own.  School will only teach you certain things.  Be curious and tackle projects on your own. Do them wrong. Take them apart and fix them to get them right.  This is the way you learn and grow.

What is the most fulfilling aspect of your role at Warehaus?

Seeing all the hard work invested over a series of years flourish and turn into something grand that connects with a client’s purpose or the community.

What aspect of working from home is most challenging?

Even though we have technology that keeps us connected, I miss the personal relationships and connections we have as a team in the office.  Just being able to walk past someone and say “great job” and offer a high five can keep everyone engaged in the team culture.

What positive outcomes have you discovered from working remotely?

Working at home, undisturbed, provides better “nose to the grind stone” hours of work needed to meet deadlines.  Working from home can mean better productivity for those types of tasks.

What is keeping you busy in quarantine, in your free time?

The quarantine has offered a perfect opportunity to tackle some much needed homebase site work, landscaping and garden work.  I very much enjoy my vegetable garden each year, and I had time to expand the footprint this year along with pouring some concrete sidewalks and restructuring some flower beds.  We still have some grading, swales and a concrete patio to do yet this year.  I hope the weather cooperates with me in order to get it done!