Q&A With John Trifonoff

by Stacy Rinella | October 10, 2023 10:40 am

Metal Architecture sat down with East Coast Metal System’s vice-president John Trifonoff to discuss energy efficiency, MCM failures, and the skilled labor shortage.

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Q. In the last decade or more, it seems architects are increasingly likely to specify metal components. Is that your experience, and what do you attribute it to?

A. We have certainly observed an increase in the use of metal-based cladding in architectural designs. The shift seems to be driven at least in part by a desire for more flexible and innovative design solutions. Architects are looking for materials that are not only lighter in weight, but also more energy efficient and sustainable. Metal components often fulfill these criteria, offering a combination of strength, versatility, and environmental friendliness that aligns with contemporary design philosophies.

Q. Energy efficiency requirements are driving much of the code changes. How is that affecting products, and specifically your products?

A. The emphasis on energy efficiency has significantly impacted not only our approach with panel systems, but the approach of the entire industry as well. As architects design more buildings with a focus on sustainability, they are increasingly incorporating metal panels. An ECMS panel system that’s fabricated specifically for the project at hand can allow for design flexibility while contributing to the building’s overall energy efficiency. This trend has opened up new opportunities for us, as we’re able to align our products with both contemporary architectural demands and environmental considerations.

Q. One of the obstacles the entire industry has had to overcome is the negative publicity from some high-profile failures of Metal Composite Material (MCM) panels on the international market. How are you helping your customers understand the difference between those issues and the products and requirements you have to meet in the U.S. market?

A. It’s crucial to understand not only the concerns regarding high-profile failures of MCM panels in the international market, but to also understand what led to certain types of products receiving the go-ahead to be installed in environments or locations for which they may not have been suited or even permitted. We take these concerns very seriously.

It’s also essential to recognize that the products and regulations we adhere to in the U.S. market are distinct and often more rigorous.

Compliance with NFPA 285: In the United States, our MCM panels are manufactured and installed in accordance with NFPA 285, a stringent standard for evaluating fire performance of exterior wall assemblies. This ensures that our panels meet the specific requirements for fire safety, and every product undergoes rigorous testing to verify compliance.

Adherence to building codes: We follow local and national building codes that dictate the use and application of MCM panels in the U.S. These codes are often more robust and tailored to specific conditions and requirements within the country, ensuring that the materials and construction methods used are suitable for local climates, geography, and building practices.

Quality assurance and certification: Our products are subject to rigorous quality checks, and we maintain various certifications that verify the standard and safety of our panels. This includes third-party inspections and continuous monitoring to ensure that we meet or exceed all necessary standards.

Education and transparency: We believe in educating our customers and partners about the differences in standards, regulations, and quality. By providing transparent information, including detailed product specifications, and supporting documentation, we help them make informed decisions.

Customized solutions: We work closely with our customers to provide solutions tailored to their specific needs, taking into account the U.S. regulations and standards. This ensures the product they are selecting is not only compliant but also optimal for their particular application.

Ongoing support: Our commitment doesn’t end with the sale. We offer ongoing support, including technical assistance, to ensure our products are utilized appropriately and effectively, adhering to the U.S. standards.

By adhering to these principles, we aim to build trust and confidence in our products within the U.S. market, differentiating them from those implicated in international failures. Our commitment to quality, compliance, and customer support ensures that our MCM panels meet the high expectations that customers and regulators rightly demand.

Q. There are two sides to the skilled labor shortage affecting ECMS. One is finding workers for the fabrication process, but the other is the capacity constraint on your customers because they don’t have the workforce to do the installations. How are you addressing these issues?

A. It’s a challenge, to be sure. ECMS actively recruits from regional job fairs and colleges. We also reach out to potential future employees, including high schoolers considering careers in our industry. This helps us to tap into a younger workforce that can be shaped to meet the demands of modern fabrication.

For the training aspect, we’re offering direct training for our fabricators, aiming to shape the future of this critical area. In addition, we are providing hands-on training for our installers, both on-site and in the field. This ensures not only are we cultivating a skilled labor force within our organization, but we are also empowering our customers with the skills necessary to properly install our products.

By focusing on recruitment, education, and training, we are taking proactive steps to alleviate the skilled labor shortage, ensuring that we have a competent workforce to meet the current and future demands of our industry.

Q. ECMS manages the process from pre-construction through on-site delivery of its product when installers take over. What systems do you have in place to ensure the product is properly installed and meets your warranty requirements?

A. Ensuring that ECMS systems are correctly installed is paramount to both the integrity of the building and our commitment to quality. To ensure proper installation and compliance with warranty requirements, we implement a comprehensive and multifaceted approach:

Training programs: We provide comprehensive training to installers, particularly those working with our products for the first time. This training includes hands-on workshops at our site, tutorials, and ongoing support to ensure that installers understand the unique characteristics and requirements of our products.

Use of qualified installers: ECMS works with qualified and experienced installers, or we train them on our products. This qualification process involves a thorough assessment of their skills, experience, and understanding of our specific installation procedures.

Specification understanding: We work closely with installers to ensure that they fully understand the specifications of our products and how they align with the needs of the building. This includes detailed discussions and provision of technical documentation to make sure the right products are used in the right way.

Field scanning services: As a unique service, ECMS offers “SecureScan,” or field laser scanning, to ensure the specifications are a perfect match for the building. This involves using advanced laser scanning technology to assess the on-site conditions and make necessary adjustments to the installation process.

Field inspections: Our team conducts field inspections during the installation process to monitor progress, provide guidance, and address any issues that may arise. These inspections are crucial for ensuring everything is going according to plan and that the installation meets our exacting standards.

Warranty compliance checks: We maintain clear warranty requirements and conduct thorough checks to ensure compliance. This includes closely reviewing the installation process, materials used, and the overall workmanship to certify that all elements align with our warranty conditions.

Post-installation support: Even after the installation is complete, we remain available for any follow-up support or guidance needed. This ensures that any concerns or potential issues that may arise post-installation are promptly addressed, maintaining the integrity and quality of our products.

By integrating these measures, we create a robust system that ensures proper installation, aligns with our warranty requirements, and upholds the high-quality standards that ECMS customers expect. Our proactive approach ensures not only the longevity and performance of our products but also the satisfaction and confidence of our clients and installers.

Q. When you work with architects, what is the most common misstep you see when specifying architectural panels?

A. Often, there are discrepancies where architects specify systems that, by nature, differ greatly from what would actually be required or intended for the project. This can lead to vast inconsistencies between systems noted in the specifications versus the ones depicted in the drawings. Additionally, specifying incorrect or extremely impractical load-deflection criteria occurs quite often. This inevitably leads to misunderstandings of the performance characteristics necessary for the system and can result in using panels that are inappropriate for the intended application. All these issues can lead to confusion, delays, and potential problems in the construction process, emphasizing the need for precise communication and careful review of specifications and drawings.

Q. It seems like every building we see that features metal panels has some kind of perforated panel as part of the design. What are the big design trends you see among your clients?

A. There’s a noticeable prevalent trend for using custom perforated patterns to enhance both architectural aesthetics and functionality. Among the big design trends I see among clients, unique shapes coming together for a “bump out” feature play a significant role. This approach allows for a distinctive appearance, enabling architects and designers to craft buildings that stand out in the urban landscape. The use of these perforated elements not only adds to the visual intrigue but also offers functional benefits like controlled light and airflow. These trends together reflect a broader movement towards innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and functional designs in contemporary architecture.

Q. It’s the talk of the town, but artificial intelligence does seem to be more than a fad. Keeping atop technological changes is always difficult. What do you see happening with AI in your field? Do you think it will be a positive or negative development?

A. Indeed, artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just a passing trend, and its impact is being felt across various fields, including architecture and construction. In my field, the emergence of AI appears to be a positive development. The implementation of AI learning is set to streamline various processes, making tasks more efficient and less prone to error. One significant advancement is the ability to take drawings directly from the field to the shop.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/qa-with-john-trifonoff/

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