For Shawn McCormick, architectural design manager for Clopay Corporation, architecture is about triumphing over obstacles to create functional and beautiful spaces.
He guides his dynamic team in designing custom commercial garage doors. Using common door components, they are able to take a standard door and make it unique, aligning with architects' design visions, while ensuring functionality.
“Teamwork isn't just a buzzword; it's what makes Architect Design Services (ADS) so successful,” said Shawn. “I take pride in watching our new team members grow, learn, and take on tough projects.”
In his role, Shawn oversees daily operations, guaranteeing the flow and efficiency of the department. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, he has successfully navigated his team through some of the most challenging projects.
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“The unique doors that we design are installed and functioning across the country, symbolizing purpose-driven and creative work. These doors serve as a testament to the dedication and expertise that define our team,” Shawn remarked.
Shawn aims to grow and train ADS associates for future projects to help the design community understand Clopay Corporation’s commercial door products and specify them wherever they’re needed. Read on to find out more!
What led you to your current position as the architect design manager for the Clopay ADS team?
I graduated from Kutztown University with a degree in fine arts. In 2003, I saw an ad in the paper looking for drafters for the Contract Engineering department at Clopay Corporation. As time went on and my knowledge grew, I accepted my current position. ADS began with one person, grew to three by the time I accepted my position, and now I’m leading a team of nine associates.
What has been the most exciting project that you have worked on?
That would easily be Park Plus in New York, a condominium parking garage. For this project, we developed a fixed panel door which didn’t coil like a standard door, but lifted straight up vertically on the wall. The door needed to be a high speed, high cycle model and also needed to match the exterior of the building.
What project has been the most challenging for you?
The Heart of Doha where the client needed large fire doors to enclose an atrium space. This project required a unique layout where they needed the doors installed in a precise location. This included precise tube cutouts in corner conditions to allow the doors to fit and drop into the exact location that they needed them. What made this difficult was the coordination required between us and the end user because they were in another country.
Where do you see yourself in five years? What is your dream?
Dreams change as the years go by. My dream now is to raise my children to be successful in their own careers. I also hope to advance my own career by increasing my role with our architectural group and helping it grow into a larger success than it is today.
What advice would you give to someone interested in a career as an Architectural Design Services person?
Spend time learning the product that you are representing. Not only through reading literature, but also taking the time learning to build it, sell it, install it and service it.
What makes Clopay Corporation unique and sets it apart from the competition?
Clopay Corporation has a keen understanding of the demands of the market. We invest resources in developing products that cater to the evolving needs of the design community. In ADS, we boast a unique team with a cumulative experience of 225 years, a testament to our commitment to staying ahead and delivering professional expertise to the design landscape. This, to me, is what makes Clopay Corporation stand out— our unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
