Erik Verboon, a director of Walter P Moore’s New York City office, died on September 21 at age 46. At Walter P Moore, Verboon helmed complex facade engineering projects, including multiple stadiums. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Bauer Verboon, and children.
Verboon led Walter P Moore’s enclosure engineering practice. He was also an educator, with appointments at Pratt Institute, Columbia GSAPP, University of Pennsylvania, and Stevens Institute of Technology. Verboon was likewise a longtime friend of The Architect’s Newspaper, having served on Best of Design juries, and as a speaker at Facades+ events.
“There are only a handful of people in this world who truly shine with a bright, unmistakable light. Erik Verboon was one of those rare stars,” said AN CEO and creative director Diana Darling. “Perhaps he was running too fast—always everywhere, to everyone, giving so much of himself. I had the privilege of knowing Erik for more than 20 years, from his early days and connection with Pratt and the beginnings of Facades+.”
“He was always kind—to me personally and to The Architect’s Newspaper. He welcomed our energy, our sometimes crazy ideas, and supported them in every way he could. Eric’s generosity, enthusiasm, and presence left a mark that cannot be forgotten,” Darling continued. “His light burned bright, and though his passing leaves an absence, the warmth of his spirit remains.”
In 1979, Verboon was born in New Jersey. In 2003, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in architecture. He subsequently earned a Masters of engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2007.
After a stint at michael mcinturf ARCHITECTS, Verboon worked at Buro Happold, for eight years, where he served as an associate. Following his tenure at Buro Happold, Verboon cofounded Walter P Moore’s New York City office. There, he was elevated to senior principal and national director of enclosure engineering.
“It is with deep sadness that I reflect on my friend and industry icon, Erik Verboon. He was one of a kind and taken from us far too soon,” said Dionne Darling, AN vice president of brand partnerships. “Working with Erik was always a pleasure. His talent, vision, and leadership were matched only by his humility and warmth.”
“I will miss our conversations about his family, and the adventures they shared. He lit up when speaking about them,” she added. “I’ll miss hearing about his latest brewery discoveries, and his ever-thoughtful, often humorous, reflections on the world around him. Rest easy, you are deeply missed and forever remembered.”
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