In 9th grade,
artist
Eric Hoff received the Scholastic
Excellence Award for work displayed in New York. In High
School Eric was actively involved with the IFHS Art Committee. He became a member
of the Idaho falls art guild at age 18.
He was tutored by Idaho Artist Marylin Hansen.
He attended Utah State University Art Advertising/Design summer
courses while operating an Aviation Art business. He promoted and displayed his work at air shows
and airports.
Eric’s art endeavors gave him some preliminary
understanding of business, marketing and sales as well as a developing artistic
view in all aspects.
In part to earn money for College at Boise State University, Eric worked for
Signature Homes Construction company in Idaho Falls during the summer months,
first as a laborer and eventually as an
apprentice carpenter. He discovered that artistic expression could be
portrayed and experienced through architecture and while in the trade he also gained an excellent
understanding and appreciation of high quality workmanship and the importance of
a good upfront design/plan.
While with Signature, he pinned plans to the walls in
his home and studied them. At the jobsite he experienced the space as it was
being constructed. He was intrigued by the magical
transformation from paper to reality.
What initially brought Eric to Boise State University was
Artist John Killmaster. Eric considered John to be one of the finest Art
Professors in the NW. John helped Eric to overcome what every artist has
struggled with...starting. (The ominous white canvas) He said, "Do not
fear the canvas, kill the canvas!" What he meant was to cover the canvas
with color, anything...at least if you don't like it you will want to fix it,
and...thus you have started. This advice saved Eric countless grueling hours of
staring into the depths of the dreaded empty white canvas.
Boise State University commissioned Eric to create four
paintings which were displayed in Morrison Hall.
During one college school year, Eric helped to design the
layout of Milfords Fishhouse at the 8th street Market Place, located
in Boise, then
assisted in construction.
If you sat on the deck, or walked the floor, or ate at one of the booths,
you inevitably touched his work.
In his early 20's Eric successfully completed hands-on construction of his first
whole house project from the ground up. Eric has built and designed many
homes and remodels since that time.
For approximately 10 years, while operating E. R. Hoff
Remodeling Company, he focused on the importance of a good upfront design and
added the finishing touch by personally providing much of the finish carpentry
and cabinet woodworking for his clients. Hands-on experience has
given Eric a very clear understanding of all aspects of residential construction.
Jim Strite, with Strite Design Remodel (SDR), pulled Eric over on the road and invited him to
lunch one day. (See June issue Remodel Magazine) They
discussed the business of Remodeling and Jim introduced Eric to Stoppleworth
(Remodeling Businessman and author) and to NARI (The National Association of the
Remodeling Industry).
Eric earned his first certification through a course given
by the University of Illinois in 1996 via NARI. This CR certification
(Certified Remodeler) study encompassed a full overview of design, construction
practice, business understanding, management and required a minimum of 5
years experience in the industry.
After subcontracting services to SDR, Eric briefly stepped out
of his role as an independent business owner to work with Strite Design + Remodel in the
capacity of a Production Manager employee for a little over a year and found that his
love of art and design were not being fully realized in this type of position.
He then continued on with E. R. Hoff Remodeling company, and began to see
what what truly drove him
... art,
design and creativity. Eric decided to focus specifically on Architectural
Design by working with homeowners and with several local Remodeling contractors,
providing design services.
In 2000, Eric accepted an offer to hire on in a design/Sales position
for Strite Design + remodel. He worked with SDR for over 5 years + and found his work very challenging and enjoyable.
Eric received his CKBR certification (Certified
Kitchen and Bath Remodeler) in 2003, a 13 wk course study given by University of
Illinois (through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry).
He is a native Idahoan (a 22 year Boisean)
and father of 4 (two adopted) and step father to 2 for a total
of 6 children. One is serving in the Coast Guard
in the Pacific Ocean. Eric is Husband to a very lovely and
graciously supportive wife.
On Jan 1, 2006 ER
Hoff went into business as Hoff Design.
HOFF
Design has developed into a design company
dedicated to helping clients
envision their dreams and assist them in transitioning those dreams
into
reality.
