Q&A with Eric Reinsch, new client executive for structural
IMEG Corp. has promoted Eric Reinsch, PE, SE, to the role of client executive, leading one of the firm’s structural teams.
Eric, also a new principal with the firm, is experienced in the design of structural systems for various building types in markets including healthcare, education, industrial, municipal, and commercial. He most recently served as a project executive working out of IMEG’s home office in Rock Island, IL. He took time out recently to answer the following questions:
What drew you toward structural engineering?
“I’ve always been fascinated with construction. I was the kid with my nose pressed to the car window as we drove by road or building construction. Throughout my childhood you could usually find me making creations, such as blanket forts, treehouses, and various structures for my GI Joes with Lego bricks and Construx. I always knew I would be in the AEC industry, and my enjoyment of physics and math led me to structural engineering.”
What is one of your most memorable projects?
“Deaconess Gateway Hospital Patient Tower B addition in Newburgh, IN. It was a six-story patient tower addition with consideration for a seventh floor located in a high seismic zone. It was one of my fist major projects as a young structural engineer and I was teamed with my longtime friend and IMEG coworker, Katie Goldberg. I found it very rewarding to be a two–year engineer leading the superstructure design and construction administration on a large project. I learned a lot about design, project management, and construction through that project.”
What’s your approach to the consultant-client relationship?
“Frankly, the strongest client-consultant relationships occur when you become friends. I also try to make clients successful with their business and with the various stakeholders of their projects even if it doesn’t always involve engineering. I joke that you know you have a good relationship with a client if you can text them in the evening about something and they reply with a meme. This past year we had some fun conversations about how everyone was dealing with 2020.”
What trend or technologies will affect structural design in the future?
“Modular and pre-fabricated construction, a higher degree of virtual design and construction, and automation and artificial intelligence in design and construction. I think the next five years will be revolutionary in how technology is expanded in the AEC industry. It will lead to more efficient designs, buildings, and AEC process; owners having a greater understanding of their building or process in design and final operation; and pushing buildings and structures beyond today’s perceived limits.”
Describe the qualities and capabilities of your team.
“My team is in four offices in four different states, which is a bit unique. I believe this geographic diversity has allowed us to hire and develop great people who have vast experience in a wide variety of market segments. We’re highly knowledgeable in the subtleties of the various markets and building types; we bring unique perspectives and high collaboration to our designs; and we can adapt and respond quickly to project needs. A recent example of this was the team rallying to design a new, three-story, 73,000-square-foot YMCA in roughly five weeks to meet the aggressive schedule for opening prior to January 2021. It opened December 21st and is already having a great impact on the community of Davenport, Iowa.”
What do you do in your free time?
“Bit of a cliché here, but I enjoy spending time with friends and family – albeit, it has been a lot of virtual hangouts this past year. I enjoy doing various home improvement projects, playing games and doing various activities with my two boys in the backyard, and playing Sunday night sand volleyball with friends. I’m also passionate about getting the next generation interested in STEM fields and enjoy talking with kids through various volunteer opportunities.”
