FERMIN ARAGON

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Fermin has been in the construction industry for over 42 years performing work on complex commercial and residential projects and has been a licensed contractor since 1979.

In 1989, Fermin began his career with the State of New Mexico, Construction Industries Division, and was assigned general construction field inspection duties in Santa Fe and segments of Northern New Mexico.  Fermin was one of the first building inspectors to attain State and national certifications. Throughout his career, he obtained certification in plan review, accessibility/accessibility plan review, plumbing, and mechanical.  He acquired certification from the International Code Council and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.  He performed inspections in general and plumbing/mechanical as a primary inspector.

In 1996, Fermin accepted the duties of acting General Construction Bureau Chief and In July 1997, he was selected to fill the position permanently.  He has held that position for 16 years until December 31, 2013 when he decided to retire.

As the General Construction Bureau Chief, Fermin was charged with managing the New Mexico General Construction Bureau’s daily operations of performing building inspections of permitted and unpermitted construction around the State. His responsibilities included interpretation of the code, policies and procedures and the administration of all general construction plan review activity. Fermin oversaw the technical development of the general construction licensing requirements and developed examination for building contractors and general specialty classifications contractors. Fermin organized committee’s that reviewed the national building codes for adoption by the State of New Mexico.

Fermin had oversight of many large commercial and residential projects throughout the State during his 25-year career.  Two examples of this are the UREMCO, Uranium Enrichment Facility, located in Eunice, New Mexico and Space Port America, located in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

At the national level, Fermin participated in the Major Jurisdiction Committee of the International Code Council. The Committee reviews and discusses activities in every State and in other parts of the world. Fermin was also recognized for his participation as a peer reviewer and commentator of the International Code Council, Building Department Administration, 3^rd Edition currently used by building departments throughout the United States.

Fermin is known nationally as a building code and standards expert and his leadership has elevated the State of New Mexico, Construction Industries Division to the forefront of model organizations in the Country. Fermin considered his service to the Construction Industries Division as the highest honor and was proud of working with many talented people within the Division and the construction industry in New Mexico. He enjoyed the many challenges undertaken by the Division and always enjoyed being part of the team.

Fermin is a member of the Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association, the New Mexico Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.  Fermin is currently a member of the NMHBA Building Issues Committee that handles building code and related issues.  Prior to becoming a member of the various Builders Associations, Fermin was presented with the first every “Marcia Beal” award that is given each year to a non-member of the NMHBA who best works with the Home Building Industry.