Erick Cruz is a Design Associate of Development team at Core Investments, Inc. He joined the company in July 2018.
Erick, what did you do before Core?
I was working in Quito, Ecuador. I’m from Boston, but most of my life I was living in Quito. I worked in the Metropolitan Institute of Urban Planning. It’s the urban planning department for the city. We were developing a new vision for the city in the future, called Vision 2040.
What do you actually do for Core?
I can say a little bit of everything – I have been involved doing architecture plans, construction plans, permit and leasing plans. Other assignments are the BOMA Studies, where we calculate gross square feet, rentable and usable square feet. I do that kind of analysis for our properties. Also, I work in presentations and preparation of content, like maps, diagrams, leasing brochures, coordinate renderings, internal graphics, logos, signs, and so forth. I can say my responsibilities and assignments are everything that refers to the graphic and design area.
Where did you go to school?
I was in school in Quito, UDLA – University of the Americas. I got a degree in architecture and urban planning.
And where did you grow up?
I was born in Boston, but when I was two years old my family came back to Quito, where I grew up, formed and is a place that I love. Quito is a beautiful city, in the middle of the world. My parents came back for a job and also for their family. They were studying and working for seven years here in Boston before moving back. My mother is in Quito, and I hope to have her here soon. But six months ago my wife, brother and sister came to Boston, so they are new in the city. I am very excited to have them with me here.
What do you do to have fun or outside work?
I love soccer. I spend my time watching soccer games. When the weather is fine I go outside and play soccer, with my brother and sometimes with friends. Most of the time we watch games. “El Nacional” is my team from Quito. It’s now on hard times, but I hope in one year we can come back to first place like always. They play in the league of Ecuador and sometimes play the “Copa Libertadores,” which is like the champions league of South America. We play with more teams from different countries like Brazil and Argentina. I also follow the Ecuador team. We are close to going to the World Cup in 2022. It’s very exciting. All of the country watches the games. I hope to be in Qatar next year.
Where do you live now?
I live in Allston, close to Boston University. Great area!
What’s a favorite place of yours in Boston?
I don’t know if I necessarily have a favorite place, but in general I really enjoy getting out and walking around and taking in the sights and seeing all the people. I really like it. It’s a very calm city. I like the energy and kindness of the people, the feel. It’s great to work and socialize here. But if I have to decide, I can say the Esplanade next to Memorial Drive is my favorite place. There you can see all the landscape, the Pru and the Hancock. You have a great view from there. And the Citgo sign, I love that sign.
Anything new in your life?
I got married a couple of months ago. I love her.
Congratulations!