Meet Eric: Signal Works founder and transformer of cities.

As our founder and principal, Eric started Signal Works in 2011 with the vision to transform run down buildings into beautiful, usable spaces that make a difference in the community. Since founding Signal Works, he also started Wide Plank, LLC, a real estate redevelopment group that repositions buildings to meet changing community and market needs.

Eric got his B.S. and M.S from Northeastern University in Boston and spent the first part of his career working for a variety of local architecture firms, specializing in adaptive re-use, historic preservation and community housing. He also had a stint during grad-school as a lighting designer, and later worked as a full-time college professor.

Now, he spends his time making sure Signal Works and Wide Plank are living out their mission and vision to transform cities into better places. When he’s not in the office, he’s spending time with family, serving on the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and the Cranston Historic District Commission, or running. A lot. 

We caught up with Eric in his busy schedule to find out his thoughts on place and the design process.

What place do you find yourself at your best?

Whether I’m pushing a stroller in the bike lane of Roger Williams Park, or traversing the rugged peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, I’m at my best when I am able to spend time outdoors with my family.  

What do you think is the higher purpose of architecture?

Once I began to see architecture—and by extension real estate development—as a way to make cities function better, the work became meaningful in a way I had not previously imagined. This has motivated me to help others align their careers with their values, as they pursue the “greater purpose” they feel called to pursue.

What’s your favorite part of the design process?

I love deal creation. Helping clients understand how they can combine their needs, their resources and their aspirations, and come out with a viable work of architecture is thrilling. Being the voice at the table that helps people raise their expectation of what is possible, while outlining the practical processes that will get them there is a blast.

Can we brag on you a bit and list out some of your accomplishments? 

• 2020 – Providence Business News “40 under 40”
• 2018 – SBA Emerging Leaders Program Graduate
• 2013 – Teacher of the Year: Johnson & Wales, School of Engineering & Design

Thanks for your time, Eric!

Eric’s just one piece of our experienced team. If you’d like to talk to us about starting a project, call us at 401.400.ARCH or email us at hello@signalworksarchitecture.com.