H2M architects + engineers wins Canstruction award

Melville, N.Y. — H2M architects + engineers received the Juror’s Favorite Award at the RXR Plaza in Uniondale on November 14. The award is equivalent of the “grand prize” for Canstruction, an annual food drive event where food is donated to those in need.

Since the beginning of Canstruction in 2007, H2M architects + engineers has participated in the event. H2M’s Canstruction team, consisting of 32 team members, created the structure called “Found Dory, Now Let’s Find a Solution to Hunger” out of salmon, tuna cans, and bottled water.

“The creativity from year to year keeps amazing me” said Tracy Lobdell executive director and treasurer of Canstruction Long Island.

H2M’s Canstruction idea began with a brainstorming session to decide on the 2016 Canstruction design. There were several fantastic ideas that were sketched and submitted. Each sketch was truly outstanding and garnered votes, but “Finding Dory” was overwhelmingly decided upon. H2M encourages its employees to work collaboratively and this process of deciding the 2016 Canstruction design perfectly exemplifies the company’s commitment to a collaborative work environment.

H2M’s “Finding Dory” structure officially consisted of 6,340 cans, but unofficially included an additional 30 cereal cups/microwaveable treats and 10 cases of water. The structure utilized 1/8-inch hard board to level out various layers, packing tape where necessary and even the occasional piece of industrial Velcro for the trickier sections.

The “Finding Dory” Canstruction Build Out took place on October 26 at RXR Plaza in Uniondale. The awards ceremony was held on October 27 and the Canstruction structures remained on display until November 14. Beyond the numerous hours spent in practice builds, design, and preparation for the actual build out, H2M employees worked on creating Finding Dory from 4:00 pm until 2:30 am, constituting 10 1/2 hours of effort to complete the structure.

H2M has a long history of supporting charitable endeavors with the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) and other community programs as well. While the primary focus of the event is to contribute to local food banks, such as the INN, it is also an event geared specifically toward the talents of the industry. The industry’s top competitors and collaborators in the area make up the teams that participate in Canstruction. Participating allows H2M to showcase the ingenuity and talent of its employees against the best within our local Long Island industry.

The 2016 H2M Canstruction team consisted of Andrea Sobocinski, James Bianco, John Koziatek, Mike Freitas, Dana Nally, Catherine Schoen, Kelly Kuplicki, Scott Lehn, Nicholas Turk, Robert Bee, Maria Di Natale Scotto (and son Michael), Robert Ikes, Kevin Medler, Linda Price, Amanda Seidel, Chris Silliman, Crystal Soudant, Glynis Vidalon, and Russell Frohberg with key assistance and support throughout from Ron Lanner, Saverio Belfiore, Steve Hearl, Clara Sipic, Rich Humann, Bob Scheiner, Phil Bianco, Liz Uzzo, Joe Manzella, Ernie Iannucci, Lori Anne De Iulio Casdia, and John Mayo.