Passion for Failure | Eric de Waal | TEDxRegina

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Creative, chaotic and funny, Eric takes us on a journey to discover the tremendous benefits and challenging side-effects of being a creator.

Like an aged cheese, Eric has a potent flavour that is hard to forget. For years, Eric's parents spurred on his childhood tendencies to create and build, buying scotch tape in alarming quantities. Years later, he traded scotch tape for nails and screws: Eric naturally transitioned into the carpentry trade.
Eric completed an Alberta apprenticeship in 2005 receiving a scholarship and, Interprovincial Certification as a Certified Journeyman Carpenter. After completing his institutionalized training, he began his informal training in alternative building technologies, sciences, and processes. Whether attending workshops, reading the seemingly endless flow of books, or discovering new building methods from around the world while travelling, his passion for buildings all but consumes his life.
Eric founded Walnut Construction Corporation in 2008 in Regina. The company holds Earth Conscious Building, a philosophy recognizing the importance of attitude, as the cornerstone to providing energy efficient, non-toxic, environmentally responsible spaces.
Drawing on the experiences gained through his work with Walnut Construction, he created the Smart Stud®, a hybrid stud that limits heat loss through the frame of a building. He has also developed a new construction method known as Integrated Framing Member Technology and completed design work on a pilot project.
Eric spends any free time he can find marinating in the steam room at the local YMCA dreaming up new ideas.


About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)