Where most see trash, Erick sees immense opportunity. With his company, VEMA Deconstruction, he is radically rethinking how older buildings are seen and used in Canada. Rather than demolishing them, he envisions a future where they are deconstructed and materials are reused. Not content just to dream, he is making this vision a reality by partnering with engineers, builders, architects and more to brainstorm new products, designs and approaches that use heritage wood. For him, Vancouver’s character homes are part of his own story. His family moved to the region when he was just 3 and a half years old, and he grew up in a three-storey character home in the Riley Park neighbourhood in Vancouver, which helped him feel connected to the Canadian experience. He believes the deconstruction sector has massive potential to divert material from landfills and build new affordable homes. While reclaimed wood has been chiefly used to create architectural elements and furniture, Erick envisions remixing these old materials to build entire structures.