Category: News & Announcements

ECMS Helps Deliver 2026 Metal Architecture Design Awards Winner

East Coast Metal Systems (ECMS) is proud to have contributed to the University of South Carolina Upstate Library renovation and expansion, recently recognized as the 2026 Metal Architecture Design Awards – Metal Composite Materials Category Winner. The award celebrates excellence in the design and application of metal composite materials, recognizing projects that demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship, and outstanding architectural achievement.

Designed by Moseley and installed by Tidewater Building Group, the USC Upstate Library project showcases how collaboration between the design team, contractor, and specialty fabricator can transform a building with a high-performance, visually striking façade.

For the project, ECMS fabricated and supplied 4,400 square feet of its EC-200 Dry Joint MCM System™ using Alucobond® 4mm FR Aluminum Composite Material (ACM). The system included 381 precision-fabricated panels—309 in New Age Dark Bronze and 72 in Oyster—creating a clean, contemporary exterior that complements the library’s modern architecture while delivering exceptional durability and long-term performance.

The EC-200 Dry Joint MCM System™ was selected for its ability to achieve crisp architectural lines, installation efficiency, and lasting weather resistance. Through precision fabrication and close coordination with the project team, ECMS helped bring the architect’s vision to life while supporting the project’s performance and sustainability objectives.

“We’re honored to have contributed to a project that has been recognized for excellence in architectural metal design,” said Kyle Sowinski, Senior Project Manager at East Coast Metal Systems. “This award reflects the strength of collaboration between the architect, contractor, and fabrication team, and we’re proud that our EC-200 system helped achieve the project’s vision.”

This recognition highlights ECMS’s commitment to delivering innovative façade solutions that combine aesthetic excellence with long-term performance. From higher education facilities to healthcare, commercial, and government buildings, ECMS partners with architects and contractors to fabricate architectural metal panel systems that bring ambitious designs to life.

Congratulations to Moseley, Tidewater Building Group, and the entire project team on this outstanding achievement. ECMS is proud to have played a role in delivering an award-winning building envelope that will serve the USC Upstate campus for years to come.

ECMS Helps Prepare Future Trades Professionals

WHEELING, W.Va. — East Coast Metal Systems’ (ECMS) Madison Dobkin, Human Resources Coordinator, recently participated in the Heavy Metal Summer Program, where she provided interview training and career-readiness guidance to local students interested in pursuing careers in the sheet metal and construction trades.

Hosted by Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 in Wheeling, the Heavy Metal Summer Program gives students hands-on exposure to the skilled trades while introducing them to the many career opportunities available within the industry. Through project-based learning, mentorship, and interaction with industry professionals, participants gain valuable insight into rewarding careers that offer long-term growth and stability.

As part of the program, Dobkin led a session focused on interview preparation, helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to make a strong first impression with potential employers. Her presentation covered interview best practices, professional communication, resume tips, and strategies for showcasing strengths and transferable skills.

“At East Coast Metal Systems, we believe investing in the next generation is essential to the future of our industry,” said Dobkin. “It was rewarding to connect with these students, share practical advice, and help them feel more prepared as they begin exploring career opportunities in the trades.”

ECMS has long supported workforce development initiatives that introduce young people to the skilled trades and create pathways to meaningful careers. By participating in programs such as Heavy Metal Summer, the company continues its commitment to strengthening the industry and supporting the communities it serves.

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience is a growing North American initiative designed to introduce students to careers in the mechanical and construction trades through hands-on learning and direct engagement with industry professionals.

About East Coast Metal Systems

East Coast Metal Systems, Inc. (ECMS) is a premier provider of full-service fabrication for engineered architectural metal and exterior envelope systems.

ECMS Wins 2025 MCA Design Award at 101 Constitution Ave

September 10, 2025

East Coast Metal Systems has proudly received national recognition with a 2025 Metal Construction Association (MCA) Design Award, earning Second Place in the Retrofit Category for their exceptional work using the OVERLY Batten B Panel System at the iconic 101 Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. This high-profile project demonstrates the transformative power of architectural metal systems in modern retrofit applications.

The MCA Design Awards are among the most respected honors in the metal construction industry, celebrating outstanding innovation, aesthetics, and functionality in metal building design. Each year, the Retrofit Category spotlights projects that reimagine existing buildings through sustainable upgrades and forward-thinking design. East Coast Metal Systems’ award-winning project exemplifies these principles by revitalizing one of Washington’s most prominent rooftop spaces.

A Rooftop Transformation at a Capitol Landmark

Located just steps from the United States Capitol, 101 Constitution Avenue is known for its commanding views and architectural significance. The awarded project focused on transforming a once-underutilized rooftop terrace—formerly covered by a temporary tent structure—into a permanent, elegant, and structurally sophisticated space using 1,435 square feet of 18-gauge bone white aluminum panels.

The design called for the perfect balance between modern visual impact and contextual sensitivity, blending seamlessly into the historic and political landscape of the surrounding Capitol Hill area.

Expert Collaboration and High-Performance Materials

The retrofit was made possible through a collaborative effort with globally renowned architecture firm Gensler, general contractor DPR Construction, and installation partner Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, a firm respected for its precision in complex metal applications. Together, the team delivered a structure that is not only visually stunning but also technically advanced.

The chosen OVERLY Batten B System was integral to the project’s success. Known for its versatility, durability, and architectural refinement, the system enabled designers to achieve the sharp lines and clean finishes essential to the rooftop’s modern look. Beyond aesthetics, the aluminum panels contributed to the building’s energy efficiency, weather resistance, and long-term performance—key considerations for any urban retrofit project.

A Testament to Architectural Metal Excellence

This recognition underscores East Coast Metal Systems’ reputation as a leader in architectural metal design, particularly in retrofit and adaptive reuse projects. Their ability to merge technical expertise with visionary design continues to set a benchmark in the industry.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the Metal Construction Association,” said John Trifonoff, Vice President of East Coast Metal Systems. “This project showcases how high-performance metal systems can elevate both form and function, especially in high-profile retrofit applications.”

As architectural metal continues to shape the future of urban design, projects like 101 Constitution Avenue are leading the way—proving that even historic buildings can benefit from bold, innovative thinking.

To learn more about the MCA Design Awards and explore other winning projects, visit www.metalconstruction.org.

OVERLY Wins First Place at 2025 MCA Design Awards

September 9, 2025

OVERLY Wins 1st Place at the 2025 MCA Design Awards for Retrofit

We are proud to announce that the Beth EL Synagogue project has won first place in the Retrofit category at the 2025 Design Awards organized by the Metal Construction Association (MCA). This award recognizes outstanding architectural projects that demonstrate innovative and versatile uses of metal, highlighting exceptional design and the creative integration of products from MCA member companies.

A Testament to the Versatility of OVERLY’s Batten B System

Beth El Synagogue features OVERLY’s Batten B System, along with custom stucco and embossed .050 aluminum panels, ensuring a blend of durability and visual appeal. Faced with unique technical challenges—most notably the difficulty of obtaining precise measurements due to the roof’s intricate curvature and limited accessibility—OVERLY turned to advanced scanning technology. Our team transformed the scan data into accurate fabrication drawings, demonstrating both technical ingenuity and a commitment to precision that ensured successful manufacturing process. “(The project) required custom use of that metal standing seam roofing to create a slope. It was like an inverse curve. Every panel is unique to the slope it’s on,” commented awards judge Kevin Wagner, AIA, associate principal at Substance Architecture.

Blending Innovation with Tradition: Marrying Modern Performance with Historic Design

Metal was selected as the ideal material for this project thanks to its unmatched durability, design flexibility, and ability to meet the synagogue’s unique architectural vision. The roof’s complex tapered concave radius required precise fabrication while ensuring long-term structural integrity—a challenge our team embraced.

The Batten B embossed .050 aluminum panels played a key role in the project’s success, delivering:

  • Long-Term Durability – Engineered to withstand Minnesota’s harsh winters, including heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
  • Architectural Versatility – The Batten B system enabled a seamless, elegant curved design that preserved and enhanced the synagogue’s striking aesthetic.
  • Lightweight Strength – Aluminum provided a lightweight yet durable solution, minimizing structural load without sacrificing stability.

This award celebrates more than just technical achievement—it recognizes the thoughtful integration of form and function. Through the use of metal, the Beth El Synagogue project honors its historic and cultural significance while embracing modern architectural innovation.

For more information on OVERLY panel systems, reach out to our team.

Project Spotlight: Teletech Building

ECMS recently completed this design-build project on the Teletech Building in Moundsville, WV. Our team worked alongside JD&E Construction Services to install 150 sq. ft of Flat Lock Zinc Diamond Panels and (2) Zinc Column Covers.

Chris Beall and Greigh Richardson, both ECMS employees, did an outstanding job on the installation and even helped fabricate the materials used on this facility. The two were integral throughout the design process with our sheet metal shop and we are grateful for the hard work they put in to make this project a success!

ECMS Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day

On April 2nd, the East Coast Metal Systems team showed their support on World Autism Awareness Day by wearing the color blue! Blue is not only the color associated with “Autism Speaks“ , but it also can symbolize a feeling of calm and acceptance in a world that can be very loud and challenging sometimes. Way to go, East Coast!

Women in Construction Week

During the week of March 7-13th, East Coast Metal Systems took to social media to show support for our “women in construction!”

The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for the NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. We are grateful to have each and every one of the women on our team in ALL of our locations!

ECMS: A Proud Partner on this Year’s US Building of the Year!

Esperanza Health Brighton Park is a marquee project consisting of 9,200 square feet of Alucobond’s Cupral Spectra and 1,200 square feet of OPT Mica Platinum sheets. ECMS fabricated the unique panels utilizing our EC-200 Dry Joint Rainscreen system. This landmark building in Chicago, IL meets the “bold & beautiful” design intent of the project and will most certainly bring bright and energizing vibes to all who visit!