NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vidaris, a leading building envelope, energy efficiency, engineering, code and construction consultancy firm specializing in high-performance buildings and specialty structures, is proud to start 2017 with the announcement of five new promotions, reflecting a dedication to the firm and its culture, a commitment to providing a high level of service to its clients, and a shared belief that consulting can and does make a difference. Vidaris announced today the promotion of Jennifer Sze as a Principal of Vidaris. Jen has worked at the firm since 2009 and has risen through the organization with absolute adeptness; she is the first principal to be named in three years, and the first-ever female to be appointed principal.
The firm also announces the promotion of Andrew Graceffa to Senior Associate and Jesse Rushworth, Kevin Brennan and Antonio Luz to Associate. Each of these individuals has played a pivotal role in creating award-winning buildings, servicing clients, and demonstrating leadership both within and outside the firm. “At Vidaris, we value a culture of collaboration and we encourage everyone to offer meaningful contributions to positively impact our projects and our company. Our staff is our most valuable asset; we value the talent, initiative, and commitment of each individual in making Vidaris a great consulting firm – and a great place to work,” said Marc Weissbach, President and CEO of Vidaris.
“We are proud to recognize the professional accomplishments of our team members who have contributed to our work through consulting excellence and creating valuable client relationships. They truly represent the vitality and vision of Vidaris’ future,” said Weissbach, and added, “The outstanding leadership of our firm is the foundation of our successes and our key to the future.”
Mr. Kevin Brennan has over 37 years of experience in the design and construction industry. He joined Vidaris in 2007, and has been working as a Project Manager for roof and window replacement projects and roofing and waterproofing systems. As a registered architect in New Jersey, he previously worked on renovation projects within his private practice of Kevin Brennan Architect. He has over 15 years in sales and marketing of building materials such as roofing, windows, masonry and glass railing systems.
Mr. Andrew Graceffa has over 15 years of professional experience. As an architect, he specializes in environmentally-conscious design approaches and the evaluation of “green” materials and systems. He is currently an associate and project manager on numerous green building consulting projects. Mr. Graceffa has experience working on numerous multi-family residential buildings, schools, commercial office spaces, cultural institutions, and large urban developments. Through Mr. Graceffa’s experience in delivering well-designed, coordinated and detailed projects, he is able to bring a collaborative approach to the sustainable design and building process and help realize a client’s sustainability objectives. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, a Certified Passive House Consultant and a Green Globes Professional.
Mr. Antonio Luz has over eleven years of expertise in building enclosure systems. He has provided building envelope consulting services focusing on new construction materials including: curtain wall, window wall, point-supported glazing, brick-faced and stone-faced precast panels, masonry, architectural concrete, stone and Portland cement plaster. He has experience with roofing and below grade waterproofing design, construction documents, specifications, field inspections, shop drawing review, and construction administration. In addition, Mr. Luz has experience with Energy Code compliance analysis, condensation analysis, and investigative services such as leak investigation and remediation, and materials research. He is a Registered Architect in New York and Spain.
Mr. Jesse Rushworth joined Vidaris’ Restoration division in 2011. Since joining, he has consulted on both new construction and restoration projects, performed due diligence assessments, made forensic assessments of existing buildings for hazardous conditions and leaks, performed field test monitoring, and managed special inspection services. Mr. Rushworth is a Registered Architect in New York and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Ms. Jennifer Sze is committed to integrating energy efficiency with the building envelope. She works closely with developers, owners, and architects to develop high-performing systems that meet the industry’s most stringent criteria, including Passive House. Her expertise includes curtain wall, prefabricated metal panel, precast, and window wall. A holistic approach is the backbone of Vidaris’ work, and Ms. Sze works with clients to help them understand the interaction between the facade, the building structure, mechanical systems, and lighting systems both from a performance standpoint as well as from constructability and cost. Her early days as an inspector on construction sites and in fabrication shops provided a strong foundation for her current work. She recently assumed the responsibility as Director of Vidaris’ Special Inspection Agency and was also recently named to Top 15 Architects, Engineers and Construction Pros Under 35 Years Old by The Commercial Observer in October 2016. She is a Registered Architect in New York, received her Bachelor of Architecture from The Cooper Union and her Master of Architecture from Harvard University.
About Vidaris
Vidaris and its affiliate, LPI, help real estate owners and architects realize their goals and objectives in the areas of building envelope, energy efficiency, construction, code and engineering. The two companies employ over 200 professionals in eight offices worldwide. In Florida, professional services are provided through “Vidaris of Florida, Inc.”