Erik Verboon, a prominent director and cofounder of Walter P Moore's New York City office, passed away on September 21 at the age of 46. The distinguished facade engineer was known for leading complex enclosure engineering projects, including multiple stadium developments throughout his career. He leaves behind his wife, Michelle Bauer Verboon, and their children.
Verboon served as the head of Walter P Moore's enclosure engineering practice, where he was elevated to senior principal and national director of enclosure engineering. His expertise in facade engineering made him a respected figure in the architecture and engineering community, particularly for his work on high-profile stadium projects that showcased his technical prowess and innovative approach to building enclosures.
Beyond his professional achievements, Verboon was deeply committed to education and mentoring the next generation of architects and engineers. He held teaching appointments at several prestigious institutions, including Pratt Institute, Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), University of Pennsylvania, and Stevens Institute of Technology. His dedication to academia allowed him to share his extensive knowledge and passion for facade engineering with countless students.
Verboon maintained a long-standing relationship with The Architects Newspaper, serving as a jury member for their Best of Design awards and speaking at various Facades events. Diana Darling, CEO and creative director of The Architects Newspaper, paid tribute to her longtime friend and colleague. "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," Darling said. "Perhaps he was running too fast—always everywhere, to everyone, giving so much of himself."
Darling reflected on their two-decade friendship, recalling Verboon's early connections with Pratt Institute and his involvement from the beginning of Facades events. "He was always kind—to me personally and to The Architects Newspaper. He welcomed our energy, our sometimes crazy ideas, and supported them in every way he could," she continued. "Eric's generosity, enthusiasm, and presence left a mark that cannot be forgotten. His light burned bright, and though his passing leaves an absence, the warmth of his spirit remains."
Born in New Jersey in 1979, Verboon pursued his passion for architecture and engineering through rigorous academic training. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in architecture, demonstrating his foundational understanding of design principles. Four years later, in 2007, he furthered his expertise by earning a Master of Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology, focusing on the technical aspects that would later define his career.
Verboon's professional journey began at Michael McInturf Architects, where he gained valuable experience in the architectural field. He then joined Buro Happold, a renowned engineering consultancy, where he spent eight years developing his expertise in facade engineering. During his tenure at Buro Happold, he rose to the position of associate, establishing himself as a skilled engineer with a deep understanding of building enclosure systems.
Following his successful career at Buro Happold, Verboon took on the entrepreneurial challenge of cofounding Walter P Moore's New York City office. This venture allowed him to shape the direction of facade engineering projects while building a team of like-minded professionals. His leadership and vision helped establish the office as a significant player in the New York architecture and engineering scene.
Dionne Darling, vice president of brand partnerships at The Architects Newspaper, also shared her memories of Verboon. "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," she said. "Working with Erik was always a pleasure. His talent, vision, and leadership were matched only by his humility and warmth."
Darling fondly remembered their personal conversations, highlighting Verboon's devotion to his family and his zest for life. "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."
Verboon's passing represents a significant loss to the architecture and engineering community, where his contributions to facade engineering and education have left an indelible mark. His legacy lives on through the projects he completed, the students he taught, and the colleagues he inspired throughout his distinguished career.
