Member News: BC&E members join COVID-19 response efforts

In Nick Aello’s living room, two 3D printers are working 24/7 to churn out parts for badly needed face shields for healthcare workers. An architect with Design Collective, Aello arranged to take the printers home when the company switched to telework and added them to a grassroots effort, organized by Open Works, to make personal protective gear for medical professionals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I never would have thought our printers could be used for a medical purpose,” said Fred Marino, President and CEO of Design Collective. “We’re really excited to be helping with this effort.”

Nearly 30 member companies of AIA Baltimore have repurposed their 3D printers to make PPE, said Scott Walters, AIA Baltimore President.

Other members of the organization recently responded to a request from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency to assess possible sites to establish temporary hospitals.

Other BC&E members have also joined efforts to combat COVID-19. Wagman Construction donated N95 masks and safety goggles to Well Span Health. Johnson Controls implemented new safety and operations plans to sustain delivery of mission-critical products, services and personnel to hospitals, pharmacies, police and fire stations, government offices and food suppliers.

Responding to requests from healthcare providers to help source additional beds, tables, partitions and PPE, Price Modern unearthed some unexpected sources of masks, including a childhood friend turned seamstress and a Maryland company that, in normal times, produces fabric coverings for cubicles.