bios
RICH HILER
President
Rich has worked for essential design + build and has been a member of the ATCO Organization since 1999. His commercial and residential interior work spans projects both large scale and intimate from warehouse-to-office conversions, corporate interiors and elaborately designed residential homes. Rising through the ranks of the organization his experience and leadership now steers the ed+b team- a position he has held since 2013.
Rich holds a BS in Construction Management from Roger Williams University, and is an active fundraiser for several charities throughout the NYC community. Passionate about interior design and sustainability, he is a LEED Accredited Professional, a NYC Home Improvement Salesperson and a Certified Passive House Tradesperson. He resides in Brooklyn with his wife and two children.
CHRIS PETTUS
Senior Project Manager
Chris brings to essential design + construction 21 years of experience with Atco Construction and over 38 years of experience overall, having worked as a laborer, carpenter, foreman, field supervisor and project manager.
He has extensive knowledge of new construction and commercial and medical facilities renovations, and has overseen the lobby renovations of 630 3rd Avenue and 20 West 57th Street, the gut renovation of Atlas Cafe on Central Park South, and high-end residential renovations and commercial build-outs in properties throughout the city.
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ZACH EMERY
Project Manager
Zach brings over a decade of construction management experience to Essential Design + Build, having completed a wide range of projects in the New York Metropolitan area, including many highly technical projects for universities , hospitals and commercial buildouts that require attention to detail, professionalism, and a clear understanding of the specialized requirements necessary to ensure a successful project. His quick response to field conditions and calm, thoughtful responses to challenges that occur help to deliver projects on time.
Zach is knowledgeable in all aspects of construction management, having worked as a laborer, site superintendent, and assistant project manager, prior to becoming a project manager. As an NYC Department of Buildings licensed superintendent of construction, and site safety training supervisor cardholder, Zach prides himself on maintaining safe construction sites and a working knowledge of the NYC building codes.
A 2008 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Zach enjoys staying active in his alumni association and is a booster for UMass Athletics. He resides in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.
PETER CRUZ
Accountant
Peter has 17 years of experience working for Atco, and 19 years of overall knowledge of the construction accounting industry. He handles accounts payable, accounts receivable and collections for the department. He insures that all subcontractors are properly licensed, insured, and paid on a timely basis. He oversees the preparation and processing of purchase orders and change orders and helps ensure that all projects remain within budget. His project management experience allows him to support the construction team in the field and in the office whenever the need arises.
Peter has an AA in Business Administration from BMCC and is a licensed New York real estate agent and notary public.
PADDY LO
Cost Estimator
Paddy has worked as a senior cost estimator / quantity surveyor for more than 30 years for a variety of establishments. These establishments include cost consultant firms, general contractors and developer in U.S., UK and Hong Kong and have a wide experience in both building and civil engineering. During the period of his employment he has been involved in offices, residences, hospitals, schools, hotels, churches, retails, marine work and BP oilfield development.Paddy has a bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Westminster in the U.K.
ESTHER TORRES
Administrative
Esther has 19 years of experience working for Atco and 28 years of overall administrative experience. She supports our entire office staff and field crew. Esther handles all administrative duties on all jobs including payroll, correspondence, filing, Submittal Logs, scheduling appointments and more. Esther is the glue that keeps our team together.
MIGUEL RUIZ
Field Superintendent
Miguel has over 32 years of experience in the construction industry
He began his construction career as a laborer for a residential/commercial fire restoration company. Miguel advanced to become a Finish Carpenter for a high-end construction company, working on various projects to “commercial, retail & high-end residential.
This experience provided him with practical & hands-on experience in managing all types of construction projects.
Miguel's high standards and exceptional motivational skills earned him a transition to the role of Site Supervisor.
As Site Supervisor, Miguel manages projects from the start of construction through completion; his ability to work with architects and sub-contractors gives him the necessary traits to complete projects accurately & in a timely fashion.