Building Envelope Consultants

Jeffrey Phillip Weinstein, AIA, a California licensed Architect and Construction Project Manager since 1982, with a Masters Degree in Real Estate Development from USC, is actively involved with development, design and construction management. Mr. Weinstein provides preconstruction (entitlements, plans, permits) through on-site construction administration services (change order analysis, cost evaluation) on a wide range of building types.

Expertise: Mr. Weinstein has extensive experience in real estate development, acquiring government approvals, entitlements and permits, architect's standard of care, construction management, claims & defects, and A/E/C agreements. His expertise includes scope of services and design fees, zoning and building codes, errors/omissions, construction defects, destructive testing and repairs. Previous positions include Director of Operations, Preconstruction Director, Senior Project Manager, Construction Manager and Administrator for Nadel and Callison Architects, Tishman Construction, Trammel Crow Company, California State University and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital.

Project Experience: Jeff's project experience includes high-rise residential and mixed-use developments, multi-family residential podium-type apartments and condominiums, retail, big box, neighborhood shopping centers and regional malls, corporate and tenant improvements, hospitality including wineries and breweries, themed resorts and casinos, K-12 and university buildings, hospitals and medical facilities, custom and production homes.

Professional Licenses / Certifications / Affiliations:

• California Registered Architect, License #12822
• AIA Certified in Construction Management, Contract Administration and Specifications
• Member, American Institute of Architects, Urban Land Institute, Construction Specification Institute
• Member, North Santa Barbara County Board of Architectural Review

Professional Services Include:

• Architectural, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) Project Management
• Owner’s Representative / Real Estate Development / LEED Design-Build
• Director of Operations and Pre-Construction Services / Construction Administrator
• Forensic Architect / Construction Expert Witness

View Jeffrey Weinstein's Expert Witness Profile.

Toossi and Associates, Inc. (TAI) is a full-service General Contracting, Construction Management, and Consulting firm with expertise in high-profile, complex projects for both public and private sector customers.

Headquartered in the Washington metropolitan area, TAI specializes in providing Construction and Consulting Services in connection with new facilities as well as additions, renovations, restorations and modernizations of small and large-scale commercial, institutional, and government buildings.

TAI's specialization and in-depth experience in consulting and construction enable them to value engineer a project from start to finish providing client's the opportunity to identify potential savings and avoid costly delays.

Building & Construction Services:

• Best Practices
• Preconstruction and Bidding
• Construction Phases

Construction Management:

CQC Compliance and Consulting Forensic Engineering and Analysis Critical Path Method (CPM) Scheduling Construction Monitoring, Testing, and Inspection

Value Engineering Constructability / Feasibility Review Program / Construction Oversight Assistance Quantity Take-off and Cost Estimating Services

Hamid K. Toossi, BSCE, MBA, EIT, M ASCE, TAI's founder and CEO, has over 35 years of academic and hands-on experience in the design, build, and management of heavy Civil and Commercial Construction projects.

Mr. Toossi's experience includes Critical Path Method (CPM) Scheduling, Engineering, Construction Management, Contract Administration, Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, Claims Analysis, and Expert Services for Construction Claims and Contract Disputes, in the United States as well as overseas.

Mr. Toossi has participated in numerous Continuing Professional Education courses, both as an instructor, and as an auditor, in Contract Law, Construction Law, Business Law, Leadership, Management, Engineering, Construction Management, and Construction Claims. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the founding member of the American Society of MBA Executives.

View Hamid K. Toossi's Expert Witness Profile.

Gerald M. Halweg, CTC, CSI, TTA, President/CEO of the TILE INSTITUTE of AMERICA, has earned the recognition of being an internationally acclaimed Master Expert Witness and Consultant. He has over 45 years of experience specializing in Ceramic and Natural Stone Tile.

Background - Tutored by tile masters for decades, Mr. Halweg received his Ceramic Tile Consultant (CTC) degree in 1978. After receiving his degree, he taught and administered the Ceramic Tile Consultant (CTC) program (180-hour course) until 1992. Mr. Halweg worked in testing laboratories, tested materials for the construction trades, and developed test procedures. He administered the Official Quality Control & Testing Agency for the Tile Trade authorized by International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).

Litigation Support - Mr. Halweg provides expert witness services for cases involving Construction Defects and Tile Installations. His job site inspections, consultations, and research for the tile and legal industries number in excess of 200 projects per year. Mr. Halweg's services are available to both plaintiff and defendant and include site review, written reports, depositions, arbitration, and trial testimony as needed.

Areas of Expertise

Tile Installation Failures Tile Product Investigation Tile Penalization Veneer Tile Systems Marble Slabs Sound-Rated Tile Flooring Systems Tile Industry Codes Natural Stone and Allied Materials Lathe and Plaster Flooring Surfaces (Terrazzo, Pavers, etc.)

Decking and Roof Tiles Pools and Showers Mold & Mildew Testing Construction Safety Standards Slips, Trips, Falls Stairs & Ramps Coefficient of Friction Testing Leak Detection Waterproofing Concrete Slabs, Sub-Floors

Mark C. Vanderslice has been actively involved in virtually all phases of the Roofing and Waterproofing industries since 1978. Mr. Vanderslice is an active member of RCI, Inc. (formerly The Roof Consultants Institute). In 1984 Mr. Vanderslice was the 16th (to receive certification) of currently 426 nationally recognized Registered Roof Consultants in the United States from a professional membership of over 2,800.

Roofing & Waterproofing Forensics, Inc. has investigated over 5,000 roofing or waterproofing systems over the past 25 years. They specialize in finding leaks and making recommendations for permanent repair. Because of his reputation for accuracy, fairness, and truthfulness, Mr. Vanderslice is often called for the more “challenging” projects, investigating literally hundreds of wind and earthquake damage claims as it relates to roofing. He is also called on to solve long-term problems that have confounded others and have not been fixed. His clients are building owners, facility and property managers, major universities, architects, general contractors, insurance claims adjusters, and attorneys.

Mr. Vanderslice's commitment is to provide thorough and factual information utilizing state-of-the art technology as well as years of experience, education and success. He uses state-of-the-art equipment for leak investigation and documentation, including moisture meters, boroscope, digital still cameras, etc. His Consulting Services Include:

Existing Properties:

• Leak investigation
• Failure analysis
• Wind, earthquake and water intrusion damage claims investigation
• Roofing and waterproofing system evaluation
• Budgetary estimates
• Roofing and waterproofing system evaluation for commercial property acquisitions
• Development of roofing and waterproofing maintenance programs

New Construction and Re-roofing/Waterproofing Project Management:

• Specification development
• Review of existing construction documents
• Project Management
• Bid Administration – Bid review, contractor evaluation and reference check, submittal review
• Pre-Bid Meeting with prospective Contractors
• Pre-Job Meeting with Construction Team
• In-field, full-time or periodic inspections of virtually all types of roofing and waterproofing systems material application
• Final Inspection
• Verification of Completion of Final Punch List

View Expert Witness Profile.

Rieser Building Group, Inc. is a leading builder, engineer, architect, and forensic team with over 25 years of experience in management, design, and construction of over 4,000 units. These units range from custom homes, commercial buildings, and developments, to public works like Caltrans and BART construction, and roadway improvements (over 500 miles). With a full breadth of professional development services, they manage all aspects of a project, from entitlements to design to warranty.

Building Services - Design in-house, or, as licensed engineering and construction professionals, Rieser Building Group can manage an outside team of architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, and landscape architects.

Engineering and Design Services - Spearheaded by a professional Engineering & Architectural team, Rieser provides innovative designs and timely approvals in custom homes, commercial buildings, apartments, large developments, structures, topo-mapping, hydraulics, traffic engineering, and transportation engineering.

Development Services - Developing single custom-built home or a multiphase project, Rieser will expedite the development process, establish a joint venture to share costs, or purchase the project. In addition to flexible management, they conduct property feasibility studies to calculate the right mix of homes and maximize ROI.

Mark E. Rieser, II, MS, PE, AIA, GBC, GEC, has over 30 years of experience in the Construction and Building Design industry. He provides his clients with a comprehensive knowledge of Construction Technology and Construction Standards of Professional Practice.

Background Experience - President of an active Design / Build company, Mr. Rieser has managed, designed, and constructed over 4,000 units to include high-rise, single family homes, condominiums, townhomes, podiums, apartments, and commercial buildings, His experience includes construction, management, and design of over 500 miles of asphalt and roadway improvements, tunnels, San Francisco Airport, Santa Clara Light Rail, Southern Pacific Railroad, Caltrain, and BART.

Mr. Rieser has an insightful understanding of Civil / Structural Engineering, Soil Engineering, Transportation / Traffic Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Architectural Design, Asphalt Design, Cost Estimation, Public Works Design Bidding and Estimation, General Engineering, General Building, and an Accident Reconstruction expert.

NorCal Headquarters San Jose Office 2033 Gateway Pl Suite 500 San Jose, CA 95110	San Francisco Office 425 Market St Suite 2200 San Francisco, CA 94105	SoCal Headquarters Los Angeles Office 10100 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90067	Sacramento Office 777 Campus Commons Rd Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95825

View Mark Rieser's Expert Witness Profile.

Legal Eagle Contractors, Co. is an award-winning full-service Residential Remodeling Company serving Southwest Houston since 1978. They offer professional design and construction services ranging from:

Room Additions Kitchen Remodeling Bathroom Remodeling Replacement Windows Garage Conversions Attic Conversions

Siding Interior Sheetrock Repair / Painting Exterior Carpentry and Painting Garage Doors and Fancy Front Doors Countertops Lighting Design

Principal, Daniel D. Bawden, GMB, CAPS, CGR, CGP, JD, has over 35 years of experience in the Construction Industry. He is a Graduate Master Builder, Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, and a Certified Green Building Professional.

Mr. Bawden serves as an accredited Instructor for the National Association of Home Builders, certifying other builders in his own specialties. He earned both his Bachelor’s degree and Law degree from Baylor University. He is currently serving as Vice Chair of the NAHB Remodelers Council, on track to be the national spokesman for the remodeling industry in 2017.

Mr. Bawden has been quoted and regularly appear in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Money Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes, Better Homes & Gardens, and many more consumer publications. He has made regular appearances on HGTV, and local TV live call-in radio shows in Houston. Mr. Bawden is the only builder who sits on the Board of Directors for the Greater Houston Better Business Bureau. He speaks at senior groups and support groups around town on Aging in Place design.

View Dan Bawden's Expert Witness Profile.

Paul Gentosi, CFLC, FEWA has over 45 years of very diverse and extensive General Contracting experience from journeyman tradesman to upper-level management throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. He has general contracting experience in varied disciplines including commercial, industrial and multi-family construction. Construction Managemen and Construction Oversight- Mr. Gentosi and his team at Gentosi Construction Consulting & Litigation Support have been providing CM and construction oversight services for over 10 years.  We are hands-on handling entitlement, construction document preparation, permitting and construction. With four decades of experience, they are in a strong position to provide services to developers, owner-builders and other professionals in the industry. Couple this vast experience with his 45 years as a General Contractor, there is not much that escapes his view. We make the perfect fiduciary for the user.

Areas of Expertise:

Construction defects investigations, including site inspections, destructive testing, standard of care analysis and cost estimating Construction Management and Construction Oversight All general building codes, interpretation Contracts / breach of contract issues and claims Delay claims, including scheduling and cost analysis Water intrusion investigations Developing repair recommendations and solutions Bidding repair recommendations and solutions

Implementing repair recommendations and solutions Construction Defect Contract Disputes Claims Building Code Interpretation Standard of Care / Industry Standards Cost of Repair Water Intrusion Implementation of Repairs

View Paul Gentosi's Expert Witness Profile.

Gene Farmer, AIA, NCARB, LEED-AP, is president of Gene Farmer and Associates, Architects and Planners an award winning architecture firm. He has over thirty years of experience in the Design of numerous Residential and Commercial Projects in Florida, Texas, Illinois and Minnesota. His work has been published both locally and nationally and he has received numerous awards including two F.A.M.E. awards and the prestigious Price Waterhouse South Florida Business Journal "Up and Comer Award for 1990."

Mr. Farmer holds a license to practice architecture in the State of Florida, an N.C.A.R.B. Certification, and a Dade County Sub-Builder Certificate. He is also a certified Florida Building Inspector, a certified Florida Building Plans Examiner, a certified International Code Council ICC Commercial Building Inspector and a certified International Code Council ICC Building Plans Examiner. Mr. Farmer currently holds an OSHA 30 hour certification and has been a certified OSHA 500 instructor.

Mr. Farmer has served as an Expert Witness in numerous cases ranging from Construction Defects to Construction Claims Analysis.

Gene Farmer is a Professor Emeritus in the Moss School of Construction, in the College of Engineering and Computing at Florida International University. His teaching specialties include Principles of Construction Management, Building Construction Materials, Sustainable Construction, Building Codes, Quality Control in Construction, and Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Systems in Buildings.

In addition to his book entitled Architectural Detailing for Commercial Construction, published by McGraw Hill in 1991, he has a book entitled “A Contractor’s Guide to LEED Certified Construction” which was published in 2013 by Delmar-Cengage.

Erickson Structural Consulting Engineers, PC, (Erickson Structural) is a consulting Structural Engineering firm focused upon existing structures, including forensic investigations of buildings, structural construction defects and design error assessments, remediation designs of distressed buildings, structural analyses of existing buildings, designs of structural renovations and modifications to existing buildings, evaluations of insurance claims involving structural loss, and seismic evaluations and rehabilitation of existing buildings. Services Include:

• Structural Analyses of Existing Buildings
• Structural Renovations of Existing Buildings
• Remediation Designs for Structurally Distressed Buildings
• Seismic Evaluations & Rehabilitations of Existing Buildings
• Structural Forensic Investigations

Brandon W. Erickson, PE, SE, principal of Erickson Structural, has over 22 years of experience in  Structural Engineering. Mr. Erickson received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Brigham Young University and his M.S. in Structural Engineering from Stanford University. Mr. Erickson is licensed in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, California, Idaho, Utah, Alaska, Montana, Arizona and Nevada. Mr. Erickson's main office is located in the Portland, Oregon metro area. Mr. Erickson also maintains a satellite office in Kihei, Hawaii, from which he provides services throughout the state of Hawaii. Mr. Erickson has published several articles on such topics as Seismic Upgrades and Building Failures. He has been engaged to speak about Structural Engineering issues at universities and professional conferences around the nation. View Brandon Erickson's Expert Witness Profile.

Drebelbis Engineering is an Architectural and Engineering firm specializing in Forensic Engineering. Their combined background in architecture, engineering, and business make Drebelbis Engineering uniquely qualified to address the complexities found in forensic engineering assignments.

A Dallas-based company founded in 1996, their focus is structural, architectural and civil engineering as applied to buildings and site systems. They bring technical engineering knowledge, testimony, and remedy when construction fails to perform and when construction processes derail.

Principal, James R. Drebelbis, AIA, PE, is an Architect and Structural Engineer with over 40 years of experience in all phases of building construction and performance, project management, and producing documents for building construction (drawings, specifications, change orders).

Litigation Support - Mr. Drebelbis specializes in Forensic Engineering for attorneys and insurance companies. His understanding of building types and construction systems includes site construction and earth retaining structures as well as residential, commercial, manufacturing, and institutional buildings.

Mr. Drebelbis is retained for Cause and Origin of Structural Failures and disputes about construction performance that often emphasize the obvious (leaks, cracks, collapses). His expertise is available to attorneys representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. Services include engineering investigation, documentation, testimony, and preparation of Certificates of Merit.

Education/Licenses: - BS Arch. Engineering, MBA, Professional Engineer (Texas, Alabama, Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico), Architect (Texas)

Areas of Technical Experience and Expertise:

Construction Technology Building Codes Forensic Engineering Fire, Weather, Disaster Related Damage Roofing & Waterproofing Systems Water and Moisture Intrusion Stair Construction Performance of Building Materials Retaining Structures Application of Building Materials

Selection of Building Materials Structural Engineering Site and Building Drainage Foundation Design Soil Behavior Concrete Workmanship and Design Contract Documents Professional Ethics Slip, Trip, Fall Corrective Construction

DM Bekus Construction is a New Jersey Home Design, Construction, and Remodeling Contractor. For over 30 years they've been helping homeowners throughout the area improve properties and build homes. DM Bekus Construction delivers high quality, reliable construction services that help homeowners get more pleasure and enjoyment from their homes and buildings.

Services Include:

New Home Construction Interior Remodeling Exterior Remodeling

Construction Project Management Homeowner Association Construction Expert Witness Services

Principal, David M. Bekus has over 35 years in the Construction Industry specializing in home design, construction, and remodeling. He offers services to homeowner associations, housing communities, townhome complexes, property managers, and individuals.

Mr. Bekus is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a building inspector (RCS, ICS, and HHS), a licensed home remodeler, and a licensed new home builder. He is also certified in Project Management, Cost Estimating, Construction Methods, Construction Site Safety, and is a EPA Lead Safe Certified Contractor.

Mr. Bekus has been a project manager, overseeing all aspects of construction from conception and approvals to final sales for single homes and developments. He has designed and built over 100 custom homes.

View David Bekus' Expert Witness Profile.

The Diehl Group Architects, Inc. is a full-service design and consulting firm specializing in Forensic Architecture, quality assurance, and expert witness testimony. Their services `include:

• Architectural Design - With years of traditional architectural design experience includes residential, commercial, and institutional projects, they focus on unusually challenging building types, including aviation aircraft and pilot support facilities, a contemporary single family home, and support services for a subterranean wine cellar
• Quality Assurance - Identifying potential shortcomings of construction documents prior to breaking ground which allows them to review drawings before construction even begins and continue to monitor building techniques and processes to provide compliance and ensure construction accountability
• Construction Administration - Monitor construction schedules, cost, progress and quality while providing support services such as instruction or clarification to contractors as required
• Reconstruction Services - Reconstruction designs and building details solve existing problems while addressing future needs. By evaluating a range of building methods and materials through their forensic engagements, their team possesses a unique advantage over traditional architecture firms
• Forensic Architecture - The Diehl Group Architects, Inc. goes beyond standard investigative methods and procedures with state of the art technologies to ensure accurate reporting, lower costs, and side-step unnecessary intrusive testing methods
• Expert Witness Testimony - Diehl has a broad range of experience as designated architectural experts for plaintiff parties and developers in defense of plaintiff parties, in addition to a host of sub contractor disciplines

President, John (Jack) P. Diehl, AIA NCARB LEED AP, has over 40 years of experience as an Architect. Mr. Diehl currently specializes in Forensic Architecture and Construction Defects. He is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Mr. Diehl is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the International Code Council (ICC). He is also a LEED AP Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, Construction Document Technician, and General Contractor California, "B" License.

View Jack Diehl's Expert Witness Profile.

Daroff Design Inc. + DDI Architects PC, Architects, Planners, Interior Designers, and Consultants, partner with their clients such as Comcast, NBCUniversal, Disney, Marriott International, Hilton, and Ritz Carlton to create innovative environments that thoughtfully respond to their strategic branding, cultural, and operational objectives. They specialize in ground-up, renovation and historic adaptive reuse projects for office facilities, hotels, resorts, restaurants, meeting, conference and training facilities, aviation terminals and entertainment projects throughout the USA and Internationally.

James Rappoport, AIA, NCARB, Principal and Architect of Record at Daroff, has provided technical consultations for hundreds of clients. He is the author of several professional text books and trade journal articles, has been awarded multiple copy rights and is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the International Code Council (ICC), and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). He is certified by the National Council of Architectural Review Boards (NCARB) and licensed to practice in 31 states.

Areas of Expertise:

Architecture Architectural Codes / Design & Standards Architectural Design Architectural Practice ADA - Accessibility Compliance ADA - Accessibility Design Building Codes & Ordinances Construction & Architecture Construction Claims Construction Disputes Facility Programming Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment Specifications Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment Failures

Hotel & Resort Design & Planning Interior Design & Planning Office Building Design & Planning Owner – Architect Agreements Owner – Contractor Agreements Professional Liability (Architecture & Design) Project Planning Slip – Fall Accident (Causes) Site Assessment & Development Site Planning & Design Standard of Care (Architecture & Design) Urban Design Urban Development & Planning

View James Rappoport's Expert Witness Profile.

David Neagley, AIA, Architect: Over thirty-two years of architectural design and construction administration experience with all building types, including educational, medical, R&D, corporate, commercial, custom residential, multi-family housing, military and industrial projects, totaling over 12.4 million square feet. Emphasizing use of durable, low maintenance materials including stainless, copper, bronze, zinc, cement-fiber, plastics, composites, specialty sealants & industrial paints.

Building Reconstruction Specialist: Reconstruction design, details and specifications focused on solving complex construction problems and developing effective repairs for commercial and institutional buildings. Services include design for waterproofing, flashing, exterior finishes, roofs, decks, windows, and remediation of mold, wood rot, corrosion and structural damage.

Construction Industry Expert: Visual inspection, intrusive testing, defect analysis, repair recommendations and forensic expert services for both plaintiff and defense parties. Specialized knowledge of construction materials, industry standards, code compliance, waterproofing, vapor transmission, exterior finishes, corrosion, condensation, ventilation, mold, wood rot, suspended ceilings, interior partitions, and structural issues.

Construction Strategies and Solutions (CS&S) provides a complete range of Construction and Construction Project Management services. They offer pre-construction services for owners considering future projects who need assistance in evaluating the feasibility and conceptual costs. CS&S also offers post construction services for owners who are facing close out problems including conflict resolution, mediation assistance, close out service completion, punch lists, and warranty assistance.

Pre-Construction Services Value Engineering Analysis Constructability Reviews Design Team Management Scope Package Development Estimate Evaluations Bid Evaluations & Recommendations Contract Negotiation Support Program Procedures Scheduling Development or Analysis

Post-Construction Services Change Order Negotiation Contract Administration Dispute Resolution Management Information System Document Control Systems Post Completion Analysis Quality Control Inspections Code Compliance Inspections Close Out Evaluation

Principal, Sanford C. Loy , CCM, B.Arch, MSCE, has 40 years of experience in the Construction Industry. Mr. Loy has Degrees in Architecture and Engineering. A Certified Construction Manager (CCM), he is committed to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice established by the Construction Management Association of America. CCM is the ANSI accredited professional designation for construction management and is the gold standard for CM service providers in over 145 countries.

Background Experience - Mr. Loy's experience spans virtually every type of building and design process. His strength centers on his understanding of the dynamics and interactions of the various trades and professions unique to every building project. He has experience with Construction Management at Risk, Construction Management Agency, Design-build, and Design-bid-build.

Having successfully managed the completion of over one billion dollars of construction, Mr. Loy served as a Regional Engineer for the American Institute of Steel Construction for 2 years and as Director of Construction and Development for Belz Enterprises, the largest development company in Tennessee, for two years before founding Construction Strategies and Solutions in 1988.

View Sanford Loy's Expert Witness Profile.