Member Spotlight: Eric Miranda
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) dives inside the career of Eric Miranda, Project Manager for Onyx Building Group, Inc. in San Diego, CA. In this feature interview, learn what made him become an ABAA member, what led him on his career path, and get his perspective on the future of the air barrier industry.
Eric Miranda
With over 20 years of experience in the construction Industry, Eric has been recognized as an Industry Expert in Lath and Plaster by the California State License Board. As a product specialist, he has been called out as an Inspector for the Associated Plastering and Lathing Contractors of San Diego where he sat as President from 2011-2013. Prior to joining Onyx, Eric was the President of SoCal Commercial Exteriors where he oversaw the day to day operations of his venture which continued his family’s legacy of plaster expertise and quality. Eric also holds Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) Quality Assurance Professional and Certified Installer Certificates. He is listed as a Certified Commercial Installer for DuPont Tyvek Air Barrier and Fluid Applied Membranes. He maintains his OSHA 10 certification and is a Certified Installer for Dryvit, Omega, Senergy, Sto, and is a Parex Medallion Applicator. He also holds a C35 and B Contractors License.
Name: Eric Miranda
Title: Project Manager
Firm: Onyx Building Group, Inc.
City: San Diego, CA
What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession as a Project Manager?
A: I am the third generation of my family in the Lath and Plaster industry. My father had a lath and plaster company in San Diego and I began to work for him full time in 1997 at the age of 21.
Is there anything that you believe everyone in this industry should be working towards?
A: Standardized Lath and Plaster systems to meet Title 24 requirements.
What role have peers, mentors, or advisors played in your career?
A: I was lucky enough to have been taught and influenced by great people, teaching me that hard work and integrity will follow you through this industry. Always follow through with what you say you will do.
What led you to become an ABAA member?
A: A good friend of mine at Tyvek gave me the opportunity to get my level 2/3 and QAP Administration Certification in 2014. I had been reading and researching air barriers for about a year and felt it was the next step for me at the time.
Are you involved in any ABAA committees? Do you have any ABAA certifications?
A: I am a level 2/3 installer as well as the Quality Assurance Administrator for Onyx Building Group.
How long have you been in the industry?
A: 26 years.
What major changes have you seen?
A: The biggest change I have seen is the move to rigid insulation out board of the studs creating a lot of challenges with Lath and Plaster systems.
What traits or skills do you think are necessary to be able to succeed in your industry?
A: For me it was important to always be willing to learn and adapt to our ever-changing systems and industry products.
Do you have any advice for anyone starting out in your field?
A: Read as much as you can to gain as much knowledge about the products and systems in your field. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up.
How much demand do you think there is for people in your profession?
A: In Lath and Plaster, specifically, I think there is high demand. It is a specialty trade that not anyone can just step in and do. It takes years of field experience and technical knowledge to do it right.
What do you think the industry will look like in five or ten year’s time?
A: My hope for this industry is that we continue to have the younger generation enter into the Lath and Plaster trades and in turn we continue to train and teach the art of lathing and plastering to preserve this truly unique scope of work