Getting to know Dillon Galvis

Dillon Galvis, Project Associate is known for his enthusiasm and determination at HLZAE. With six years of professional experience, he manages small to mid-scale architectural projects, while assisting Senior Project Managers with larger projects. Dillon provides support to various project types, including facade restoration, exterior rehabilitation, and historic preservation. He is responsible for the coordination of all project efforts, administrative and technical, to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective execution of assigned projects. Dillon also assembles construction documents, prepares site specific details for repair, and performs quality assurance inspections. In addition to project management, he performs inspections via suspended scaffold, boom truck, pipe frame, and industrial rope access. When it comes to typical Exterior Restoration projects, Dillon analyzes the existing conditions, communicates, and sets expectations with our clients.

Dillon has his college professor to thank for leading him down the path of historic preservation.  5 years later with a BA in Architecture from SUNY University at Buffalo and an MA in Historic and Sustainable Architecture from New York University, let’s just say the rest was “history” (pun in intended). Dillon’s passion for architectural history eventually brought him to HLZAE where he is the go-to person on his team for understanding construction materials and how to properly repair them. The best part of Dillon’s job is being on site. He enjoys performing inspections so that he can accurately assess and produce appropriate repair details. Ironically, this can also be the most difficult part of his role, especially when it comes to assembling specific details, but the end result is always rewarding.

874 Broadway is Dillon’s favorite project at HLZAE. He describes the building as elegant while also being one of the oldest in the city, dating pre-1900. Its intricacy is what he appreciates the most but has also proven to be challenging due to the many specific details that need to be incorporated in the repairs. Dillon and his team finished the façade repairs in early 2021 and they are currently working on a roof replacement, so you’ll have to stay tuned for the results!

As far as NYC architecture is concerned, nothing beats the TWA Terminal at JFK, which has always caught Dillon’s eye. What he finds so interesting about this structure is that it truly represents the idea of “form follows function.”  Although concrete typically appears to be heavy, that isn’t the case when it comes to this building. Its use of concrete appears to be light and floaty, which truly represents a terminal. As a fun fact, Dillon wrote his school thesis about how this building was created for a very specific purpose, which makes it difficult to find a new purpose for. It was vacant for years and was recently redeveloped as a boutique Hotel.

When Dillon isn’t on the job, you can find him hiking, traveling, enjoying concerts and exploring hidden gems in the city. He is also a super fan of the CBS reality show Survivor, which he has applied to three times! Maybe the fourth time will be a charm? He’s definitely got our vote at the final tribal council!

At HLZAE, we integrate our inspection, design, and construction services to prolong the lifespan of buildings. With each project, we evaluate the alternatives for traditional versus contemporary repair techniques and advise clients on decisions subject to landmark requirements. When it comes to executing project plans and generating project deliverables, you can always count on Dillon Galvis to work collaboratively with our team of architects and engineers to meet your project schedule and budget!