Eastman Cooke Construction

As vice president, April plays a key role in Eastman Cooke’s industry growth. She leads the firm’s business development, strategic planning and brand and talent management initiatives. Her unlimited energy, meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills help make our firm a trusted advisor and partner to so many clients. Her in-depth knowledge of all facets of the business make her an invaluable resource for ensuring ECA’s business operations are aligned with the company’s long-term strategic plan. Active in the community, she is on the Board of Trustees of Family & Children’s Association and a member of numerous professional and charitable organizations. Her many industry accolades include SmartCEO’s 2016 Brava Award and Schneps Communications’ 2017 Power Women in Business Award.

“We’re here to build our clients’ vision. We listen to their needs, come up with a solution, and build the job together. As a client-focused company, we have the freedom to do whatever it takes to get there. We’ll go to the end because we want our clients to be satisfied.”

Peter comes from a long line of contractors. Growing up just outside Boston, he watched his father, grandfather, uncles and cousins build the business by managing workers’ personalities, keeping the equipment running and living up to clients’ expectations. He learned a lot in those formative years, and never doubted that construction would be his life’s work. Peter studied Construction Management and Engineering at Roger Williams University and headed south to New York shortly after graduation. After 10 years as a construction manager, director of operations and chief operating officer for a leading NYC contractor, Peter started Eastman Cooke in 2009.  Taking great pride in his team and projects, he runs the company with a focus on collaboration, innovation, safety and reliability.  He believes in asking clients the right questions, creating solutions, and delivering projects without surprises.

“Using the experiences we have as a foundation, we build on a client’s individual needs. We always want to create value in everything we do.”

As a Senior Estimator at Eastman Cooke, Isabelle is recognized for the quality of her work, garnered from nearly a decade of estimating and project management experience in residential and commercial construction. For Eastman Cooke’s potential client projects, Isabelle is responsible for conceptual and hard-bidding. For awarded and proposed projects, she creates and maintains budgets during pre-construction/project development. Throughout her distinguished career, Isabelle has been vital to the success of build outs and renovation projects. At Eastman Cooke, she has played a role working on behalf of clients such as New York University, Central Assisted Living, Greystone, JLR, and our extensive list of healthcare clients. Isabelle is a member of the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), North American Women In Construction (NAWIC), American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

“I love working in construction because it’s a very humbling profession that calls for honesty and integrity with every detail. Knowledge may come from books and reading, but quality work comes from experience.”

Aschelle Ferdinand brings nearly two decades of construction experience to Eastman Cooke. From pre-construction and design review to field supervision, project turnover and closeout, Aschelle’s outstanding work touches every facet of the industry. After a short hiatus from the company in 2018, Aschelle has proven that you can go home again. Inspired by Eastman Cooke’s strong sense of structure, Aschelle continuously provides valuable support to our project teams, ensuring that our clients’ needs are met (and surpassed) every step of the way. Her excellent organizational skills, quality control and safety expertise, vast knowledge of contract administration, and inspiring “can do” attitude constantly steer our projects in the right direction. While contributing to the successful completion of many large-scale projects, Aschelle is always very detail-oriented and has helped to build and maintain excellent relationships with clients and architects. Audi of Queens and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) are among many Eastman Cooke projects Aschelle has worked on, as well as the construction of a national used car dealership in East Meadow and multiple medical facilities for a leading healthcare provider. When she’s not showcasing her exceptional project management skills, you’ll often find Aschelle giving back to the community to help others in need. When Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica and other Caribbean islands in 2017, Aschelle led a large relief drive to help victims of the hurricane. She also donates to local food pantries and shelters. Aschelle holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of the West Indies in Trinidad.

“Grasping what’s important to a client is key to the ECA approach. Our open communication and outstanding problem-solving skills lets our clients know that we’re always here for them. While working closely with their design teams, we strive to provide an end result beyond their expectations.”

Imani joined Eastman Cooke as a results-oriented leader, who brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the project management team. She has two decades of experience in both general business management and project management, including several years in the construction industry and two years as an owner representative. Whether working on core and shell/new build projects or medical interiors, Imani anticipates stumbling blocks and coordinates day-to-day activities to stay on target. Imani’s well-rounded education includes earning a B.A. in economics from Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, as well as an MBA from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She also received a Construction Management Certificate from the Mechanics Institute in New York City. Imani is no stranger to volunteering, as she demonstrated by helping rehabilitate homes, businesses and parklands in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

“Eastman Cooke is unique in that clients get a focused team that works well together to solve problems and deliver successfully. To every project, we offer a well-tested approach that brings consistency, while allowing for creativity. What further differentiates Eastman Cooke from competitors is its willingness to drive the success of a project by thoroughly understanding a client’s expectations.”

With an eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, Michael is an asset to any construction project at Eastman Cooke. His 30+ years of experience, expert coordination of team members and subcontractors, and strict adherence to project schedules ensure that our projects run seamlessly. He has been instrumental to the success of many of our projects, including the construction of state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery centers in Manhattan, a 25,000 sq. ft. office renovation for Family & Children’s Association (FCA) in Garden City, New York, and a new build ground-up and renovation of an approximately 80,000 sq. ft. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) dealership in Glen Cove, New York. Prior to joining Eastman Cooke, Michael played an integral role in large-scale renovations at multiple hospitals across Long Island, an extensive office renovation at Columbia University, and several construction projects for Bank of America, to name a few. Michael’s drive, passion, and commitment extend to the sporting world – when he’s not overseeing a major building renovation or infrastructure upgrade, you’ll probably find him on the golf course or playing softball. Michael holds a BS in Business Management from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Diploma in Construction Management from New York University.

“Eastman Cooke is a company with strong core values, and always looks out for their employees’ well-being. Together, we exhibit a deep dedication to our projects from start to finish. We are strongly committed to our clients while maintaining outstanding teamwork to meet their needs.”

Robert brings more than twenty-five years of construction management experience to Eastman Cooke. As a project manager and former business owner, Robert has completed large commercial construction projects including renovations and new buildings as well as multi-million-dollar public sector projects. Robert manages his work proactively, finding creative solutions and strategizing how best to get the job done. Having the support of management and his colleagues through constant communication and collaboration is critical to his projects’ success.

“Instead of saying something can’t be done, we think outside the box to say, ‘this is how it can be done.’ We are creative and we find solutions. As a result, the client knows their project means as much to our team as it does to them.”

As Eastman Cooke’s Director of Operations, Tony brings more than 25 years of experience managing major constructionprojects in New York City. While overseeing projects ranging from $15 million to $150 million in his career, Tony has been instrumental in ground-up construction and renovations of several Manhattan hotels and luxury residences, as well as large-scale renovations at LaGuardia Airport and Mutual of America Headquarters. Other clients he has worked with include British Airways, Merrill Lynch and Tiffany & Co. At Eastman Cooke, Tony works closely with project managers, superintendents, contractors and design teams to embrace innovative technology and tools, ensuring the safe, successful and timely delivery of projects. When he’s not guiding teams at jobsites, Tony supports several nonprofits, volunteers as a youth baseball and football coach and has served on the Westfield Baseball League Board of Directors for more than a decade.

Art is one of Eastman Cooke’s most seasoned superintendents, with experience managing a variety of complex and unique commercial projects. Responsible for all aspects of onsite job coordination, his calm demeanor and high level of expertise in large-scale, out-of-the-ground buildings is unparalleled.

“Our clients like the way our projects are run. We have very innovative construction management procedures in place that allow us to give them excellent service while building their projects.”

As a valuable member of the Eastman Cooke team, Eugene brings a sharp eye for detail and quality, and an unwavering commitment to exceed client expectations. With more than two decades of construction experience, Eugene has supervised a variety of jobs – from large ground-up construction projects to major building renovations. His many responsibilities have included implementing safety and quality control programs, managing subcontractors, and conducting weekly meetings to review goals, schedules, and project milestones. Among the diverse group of clients that Eugene has worked with are Equinox, Morton’s Steakhouse, the World Center Hotel, the NYPD, and the United Wire Pension Fund.

“Eastman Cooke provides a working environment where everyone cares about each other. That same care is exhibited to our clients, while showcasing superior collaboration and expertise to drive our projects across the finish line. We take great pride in building on the individual needs of our clients, and won’t stop until their vision is met.”

With 10 years of industrial, residential and commercial construction experience, Jonathan joined Eastman Cooke as an Assistant Construction Superintendent and advanced quickly to his current position of Construction Superintendent. Whether contributing to predesign planning and scheduling or working alongside a senior superintendent on site with field coordination, Jonathan values the importance of collaboration. He has an expertise in safety procedures and earned his Site Safety Training (SST) card, assuring that NYC building codes and safety procedures are followed. Jonathan has played an integral role on many demolition, renovation and building projects at Eastman Cooke – among them, Jaguar Land Rover, 75 Spring Street and various medical projects for a long-time healthcare client.

“The Eastman Cooke team is always building for the future, assuring that the best safety standards are in place, never leaving a project unfinished. It’s the people who make Eastman Cooke different from the competition. Every team member is supported and recognized. We work together to get the job done right and always on time.”

Paul Weiss brings more than 15 years of experience in residential construction to his role as Assistant Superintendent. Growing up on Long Island and working for the family business, Paul got involved with every aspect of a project. He has made a successful transition to commercial work for Eastman Cooke, currently supporting project management on site by managing reports, lists and logs, while coordinating laborers and subcontractors to keep the project on time and on budget. He enjoys the variety of project types and challenges that arise, because it gives him the opportunity to learn from his colleagues at all levels of the firm.

“As a young company, we’re adaptable to new technology and other changes in the construction business, and we work together to solve problems. Our clients see that we are all on the same playing field, and it gives them a good feeling.”

With three decades of experience working in the construction field, Philip brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to every Eastman Cooke project. His passion for construction dates back to his youth and early carpentry career, which helped pave the way to becoming a superintendent. During his career, Philip has worked on large-scale jobs with clients representing a range of industries, including financial services, transportation, hospitality, and healthcare. While supervising his teams, Philip helps to facilitate frequent meetings with subcontractors and continuous communication with owners and architects. His seamless coordination with engineers and building managers has ensured the successful installation of HVAC, electrical, and sprinkler systems. He meticulously monitors schedules and demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills to keep projects on track. In addition, Philip’s excellent carpentry skills enable him to take a hands-on approach on many jobs, while prior estimating and project management experience help to keep projects budget-friendly. His vast knowledge of “old” and “new” building techniques (including extensive experience renovating 150-year-old Manhattan structures) enables Philip to bring any type of project to life.

“At Eastman Cooke, we demonstrate a team effort in everything we do. We always keep our clients’ best interests at heart while maintaining outstanding relationships with subcontractors to complete our jobs in a timely and successful manner.”

In his role as superintendent for ECA, Ray supervises and coordinates all construction activities in the field including trades, materials, permitting and logistics.  With over 20 years of industry experience, including the construction of major new buildings and interiors for retail, commercial institutional and residential clients, Ray tackles all of his projects with a client-centric approach.

“ECA is a company that cares about its employees and its clients. It provides the environment I need to manage my projects with personal attention and exceed our clients’ expectations.”