J.S. Held Acquires GLI Advisors, Strengthening Our Construction Project Support Services in the Western US and Hawaii
Read MoreOur forensic architects and expert witnesses evaluate property damage, building envelope failures, roofing systems, waterproofing issues, building materials, and construction defects in construction claims and disputes.
Leveraging decades of hands-on experience in design, construction, and forensic analysis, our experts investigate architectural deficiencies, construction failures, and material defects. Our expert forensic architects, based in the United Kingdom and United States, have advised and provided testimony in litigation, two-party and multi-party mediations, adjudications, and arbitrations across commercial, infrastructure, and heritage projects. We deliver clear, independent assessments that support complex claims and dispute resolution across jurisdictions.
We conduct in-depth forensic architecture investigations into failures of building envelope systems, including facades, curtain walls, cladding, and waterproofing assemblies. Our experts assess architectural detailing, interface transitions, anchorage methods, and environmental exposure to determine how and why systems fail.
These investigations often respond to water intrusion, air leakage, thermal inefficiency, or delamination. With significant experience in UK and US building practices, as well as international performance standards, we perform site inspections, design reviews, and field testing to identify causation. Our findings support litigation, adjudication, and insurance claims where responsibility and remedial strategy must be clearly defined.
Our experts evaluate the integrity of roofing systems, including flashing transitions, parapet interfaces, and waterproofing membranes, to identify the causes and contributors to water ingress, blistering, cracking, or premature aging.
Using forensic techniques, we investigate whether failures stem from design flaws, poor detailing, improper slope and drainage design, or installation defects, including latent defects in construction.
We also assess compliance with manufacturer specifications and industry standards to deliver independent expert analysis regarding liability and performance. Our evaluations support claims involving consequential interior damage; material degradation; and disputes between architects, contractors, and building owners. Our findings include detailed root-cause attribution; comprehensive performance documentation; and expert recommendations that underpin legal arguments, insurance evaluations, and effective remediation planning.
Our experts trace, document, and analyze moisture ingress across roofs, walls, subgrade assemblies, and openings, providing expert support in disputes involving concealed damage, mold growth, corrosion, or interior deterioration.
Our investigations aim to identify pathways, contributing factors, and timing of moisture-related failures. We help determine whether architectural design decisions such as detailing continuity, material selection, or drainage strategies played a role in the water intrusion or damage. In many cases, we undertake further assessment as to whether workmanship, external exposure, or lack of maintenance compounded the damage. Our reports address construction claims and disputes requiring precise defect attribution and scope of loss.
We conduct detailed standard of care evaluations to determine whether architectural services spanning design development, documentation, consultant coordination, and field involvement met the level of diligence required under applicable codes, contracts, and professional expectations. Our assessments form the foundation of many negligence and liability claims.
Our experts examine construction drawings, site records, and meeting minutes to assess if design intent, coordination processes, or critical decisions deviated from expected norms. We also consider good practice, code evolution, and local guidelines and recommendations. These evaluations result in formal, civil procedure rules (CPR) compliant reports; expert “hot-tubbing”; declarations; and, when necessary, courtroom testimony in litigation, arbitration, or professional discipline proceedings.
Our UK and US-based architecture expert witnesses provide independent written reports, declarations, and oral testimony in construction-related disputes and professional indemnity insurance matters across litigation, arbitration, and adjudication.
We opine on a wide range of architectural matters, including design and workmanship issues, Standard of Care issues, building code compliance, and construction defects. Our team brings deep technical knowledge, as well as extensive litigation support and expert witness experience in alternative dispute resolution, courtrooms, and hearings internationally.
We ensure that our findings are clearly articulated, supported by evidence, and withstand legal scrutiny. From pre-action analysis through expert meetings, trial preparation, and testimony, we support legal teams with impartial, practical advice and qualified expertise grounded in industry standards and project realities.
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