An Interview with Ed Cormier

Celebrating JLA’s 15 Year Anniversary

 

When did you start at JLA?

March of 2013

 

What do you remember about those first days?

Just diving straight into working on the Sun Prairie ice arena. I had never done anything like that before, so it was quite the challenge, to say the least.  To top it off, they were busting at the seams at that Wall Street office space—there was room for about four people, and I was employee number six. They had one person up at a high counter, like a transaction counter and then they set up this long card table for me right inside the door of the office.One of JLA Architects first offices in Madison, WI

 

 

 

What has been one of your most memorable projects?

Well, my biggest project to date, was Synergy. It was unique in that we typically would design precast support systems until we get to wood and then it’s like whatever precast is there. For budget reasons, they wanted precast for the lower-level parking and then structural steel on the first floor retail areas and then wood above that. So, it was a combination of three different materials, which included a lot of special detailing and fireproofing, adding some extra challenges to the design.Synergy at the Mayfair Collection

 

Any notable stories, funny moments, or lessons learned along the way?

Michael Lynch [one of the original JLA team members] was quite the character. He could do all these different voices or impersonations of people and had us laughing on many occasions. He had a quick mind and a sharp memory to just spit off all these different phrases from movie scenes or television, in character.

There have also been a lot of ‘small world’ stories.  Like after I started, Joe and I figured out that we both went to high school at LaFollette here in Madison.

 

 

What makes JLA unique and sets us apart from other firms?

I think it’s Joe’s understanding of people’s personal lives—there is a lot of flexibility in accommodating life outside of work. That is probably the main thing that I think sets JLA apart.

 

Ed Cormier & Megan Brooks collaborating on a materials boardMore about Ed:

With over 25 years of experience in the architectural industry, Ed has established himself as a well-rounded, results-oriented senior project specialist. His technical skill set and attention to detail have led him to serve as JLA’s in-house BIM manager.  In his roles, he has managed some of JLA’s most complex projects.  Ed exemplifies the JLA client service philosophy and is always going the ‘extra mile’ to please his clients.

 

Project Highlights:

Synergy, Mixed-use | Wauwautosa, WI

Middleton Station, Multi-family | Middleton, WI

Factory District, Mixed-use | Madison, WI

Garver Point Apartments, Mixed-use | Madison, WI

One Glenn Place, Stacked Flats / Townhomes / Apartments | Fitchburg, Wis.

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