As a young boy, Eric Hewlett lived next to an art teacher who took an interest in his sketches of house plans and military planes. She often encouraged him, believing he would become an architect one day. Later, when she became his art teacher in high school, her belief in his potential remained strong. Initially, his dream was to work for Boeing. However, a discouraging comment regarding a career spent designing landing gear parts shifted his focus. The first job he landed was for a small mechanical engineering firm in Boise, Idaho, where most projects catered to the local sawmill in Emmett. “I was thrilled to get paid to draw mechanical plans by hand,” he recalls.
Now, a Senior Mechanical Engineering Designer at CSHQA, he specializes in HVAC and plumbing systems design and construction administration, bringing projects to life. For Eric, working in a team-oriented, family-like environment is crucial. He’s dedicated to creating projects that are not just bid on, but successfully built and maintained. The thrill of stepping onto a job site he contributed to is unmatched.
Over the past 30 years, Eric has been involved in many large projects. One notable undertaking was the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, which posed significant challenges. Work began in 2007 but paused for 14 years. Eric spent six months assessing the ghost building, conducting due diligence reports on HVAC and plumbing equipment that had been dormant for years. He then set up an office on-site for the following two years, navigating a busy construction environment alongside general and subcontractors, architects, and owner reps. “It required a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but it was also a fantastic experience, and I made several lasting friendships. I vowed to see the project through to completion, and I take great pride in being present when the first customers arrived on opening day.”
When he’s not working, Eric enjoys playing golf, fishing, and watching college football, but spending time with his kids and grandkids is his top priority.
Education
AS, Computer Science/CAD, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls