Powerhouse Design founder, Michael Cherock, is an experienced engineer and designer with a broad and unique background in the electrical field. At age 18, Mike began his career as a nuclear trained electrician aboard submarines for the U.S. Navy. In this role, he learned advanced electrical distribution, operation, and maintenance in one of the world’s most complicated and sophisticated power plants. Exposed to the military’s best leaders and the demands of submarine life, Mike gained valuable experience in decision making and leadership responsibilities he would utilize to this day. Upon leaving the military, Mike continued with the electrical trade learning commercial and residential wiring under the tutelage of industry veterans. While maintaining his electrician roots by teaching classes for a local contractor association and operating a small contracting company of his own, Mike pursued his education and received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Architectural Engineering. After completing his degree work, Mike committed to a full time career in engineering leading to multiple professional registrations in the electrical field.

Mike’s project experiences are as diverse as his background. He has been involved in the engineering and design of correctional facilities, long term health care facilities, commercial office buildings, maintenance and production facilities, critical telecommunication centers, and residential projects. His designs have included paralleling generator applications, campus style data network designs, architectural lighting for professional offices, exterior and landscape lighting, medium voltage radial feed designs, lighting control systems, and a host of low voltage applications.

SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS (Previous Firms and Current) Lockheed Martin US101A Presidential Helicopter Facility, Butler County Correctional Facility, Robert Morris John Jay Center Additions and Renovations, Solar Power Industries 25kV Campus Feeder Distribution, Verizon’s Carnegie Central Office Generator and Electrical Upgrades, Strawberry Square Lighting Renovation and Controls, State College High School Renovations and Additions, Providence Point Continuing Care Retirement Community, Penn State Pattee Library Stacks Lighting Controls, New Jersey Emergency Operations Center, Freedom Square Retail Center, Verizon Oakland Central Office Electrical and Emergency Upgrades, Blair Plastic Surgery Center, and University of Pittsburgh Clapp Hall Growth Lab.

EDUCATION BAE - The Pennsylvania State University, MAE - The Pennsylvania State University, U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power Program – Electrician’s Mate.

ORGANIZATIONS Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Pittsburgh Section - Past President (2005-2007), Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, National Council for Qualifications of Lighting Professionals.

AWARDS 2003 Pittsburgh Business Times Fast Trackers Recipient.

PAPERS/PRESENTATIONS Electrical Safety, Whole Building Design Guide, National Institute for the Building Sciences 2006, Green Buildings and the Lit Environment, IESNA March Expo 2003, Green Buildings and the Lit Environment, Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference 2004.

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS Professional Engineer – Pennsylvania, Registered Communication Distribution Designer, Lighting Certified, and LEED Accredited Professional.

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