Building Design Expert Witnesses: 25

Richard A. Young, is an Aquatics Safety expert with over 30 years of public, institutional, commercial, water park, and high-end residential pool experience. A California State Contractor, his background includes aquatic facility water treatment planning, design, equipment sales, installation, and troubleshooting.

Certifications and Affiliations

• Certified Pool Operator (National Swimming Pool Foundation)
• Aquatic Facility Operator Instructor (National Recreation and Park Association)
• Technical Adviser for the Professional Pool Operators of America
• Member, National Association of Aquatic Consultants
• Member, National Park and Recreation Association
• Member, California Pool and Spa Association

Mr. Young teaches one of the two national professional pool operators courses, develops problem solving pool mechanical equipment, and speaks at state and national conferences on pool safety and filtration systems. He has published over 30 writings in industry texts and periodicals, and is the managing editor of the 6th edition of the Aquatic Facility Operator's Manual for the National Recreation and Park Association "AFO" course.

Litigation Support - Richard Young is uniquely qualified to provides expert witness services to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. He has completed mechanical work at over 500+ public, institutional and large commercial aquatic facilities. This work included total mechanical renovations comprised of recirculation, filtration, heating, chemical control and chemical feed systems.

Services Include:

• Pool Design and Construction Review
• Mechanical Water Systems Analysis
• Accident and Drowning Analysis
• Pool Assessments and Reports

Recent Swimming Pool-Related Cases:

• Patron Injuries
• Operator Injuries
• Drowning, Near Drowning
• Pool Related Accidents
• Construction Disputes

William R. Acorn is founder of Acorn Consulting Services, LLC, an engineering firm. As a consulting mechanical engineer, Bill provides project analysis, forensic reconstructions and litigation support services relating to the design, delivery, and functioning of high-tech manufacturing facilities, semiconductor fabrication facilities, institutional laboratories, data centers, health care facilities and a variety of commercial buildings. He is a recognized expert in the evaluation of deficiencies in HVAC systems, cleanrooms, piping systems, refrigeration systems, construction defects, building and fire code compliance, and patent and trade secret disputes. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants. Bill has more than 40 years of experience as a professional engineer and is a recognized expert in assessing, evaluating, remediating and providing testimony on complex project design, construction and operational matters. His consulting expertise has been influential in shaping approaches to code compliance and life safety in semiconductor and similar advanced technology facilities.

Certifications and Designations:

• Registered as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington.
• Registered with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying NCEES (Certificate No. 6999)
• Fellow in the HVAC industry leading organization ASHRAE
• Visiting lecturer at the Arizona State University Del E. Webb School of Construction in Tempe, AZ
• Advisor to CREATE, ACE – Alliance for Construction Excellence and the IAB – Industry Advisory Board, all affiliated with ASU

Building Systems Analysis:

HVAC and Refrigeration Process and Power Piping Plumbing Systems Standard of Care in Design and Construction

Chemical Exposures in the Workplace Cleanroom Design and Performance Codes and Standards Patent and Trade Secret Disputes

Litigation Support: Bill’s pragmatic approach to both forensic and litigation consulting as well as project consulting is based on more than 40 years of real-world experience as a design professional, mentor and forensic analyst, as well as many years as an instructor in professional and academic settings. Represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of jurisdictions throughout the US and Asia. Bill’s ability to explain complex issues to non-technical audiences, including juries, mediators and judges, is a key to successfully solving your litigation challenges.

• Forensic Analysis
• Strategic Litigation Consulting
• Trial Demonstratives
• Expert Testimony

Acorn Consulting Services

Consulting Services: Services range from peer review to conceptual design to development of strategies and programs for expedited project delivery.

Bill frequently acts as an owner’s agent and mentor, functioning as an extension of the owner’s project team. On other projects, Bill serves as a subject matter expert assisting project delivery firms in their development of viable solutions and review of construction documents.

As a project consultant, Bill assures the project gets off to the right start and provides his expertise through completion and operation to maximize return on investment.

Consulting Expertise Includes:

• Project Design and Management Consulting
• Forensic Analysis and Litigation Consulting
• Mentoring & Advanced Education

Anthony Bruttaniti, AIA LEED AP BD+C, is a registered Architect in business for 30+ years in Philadelphia with experience in both Residential and Commercial Building Design.

For the last three decades, Mr. Bruttaniti has offered space planning and design, site planning, and zoning, architectural detailing, construction drawings and construction administration. His responsibilities and duties have included project acquisition and marketing; Project Development from concept ideas thru to construction; Client interaction, communication, and proposal writing; Zoning and Construction drawings for building permits; Managing structural and MEP engineers for the project; and problem-solving during construction.

Mr. Bruttaniti was honored with an award for Excellence in Planning & Design from the Montgomery County Planning Commission, PA for an adaptive building re-use and sustainable design for a new Public Library in North Wales, PA.

Litigation Support  -  Mr. Bruttaniti has Architect licenses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and has vast experience and knowledge of the architectural profession, with the expertise and qualifications to speak with integrity and proficiency in all aspects of building design and construction. He has education and training as an expert witness and is available for case consultation, case review and analysis, expert witness reports, depositions, and trial testimony, for both plaintiffs and defendant cases.  

Areas of Expertise:

Construction Defects Slip and Fall Accidents ADA Compliance Building Product Liability Building Personal Injury Building Collapse Building Envelope Construction Accidents Building Demolition Building Code Analysis

New Construction Rehab Projects Fire Damage Moisture Problems Zoning and Land Use Building Material Specifications Energy Compliance On-site Problem-Solving During Construction Historical Renovation LEED Design

 

Sanford C. Loy , CCM, B.Arch, MSCE, has over 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 and as Director of Construction and Development for Belz Enterprises, the largest development company in Tennessee, before founding Construction Strategies in 1988.

Litigation Support - Mr. Loy provides Construction Claim and Dispute Analysis services, with special expertise in Concrete Design and Design-Build. Having been a teacher of many of the principles and processes used in the industry he knows how to explain the difficult technical aspects of the information and analysis in a way which makes the facts understandable and believable to opposing counsel, insurance companies, judges, and juries. Mr. Loy has experience and provides assistance with various dispute resolution approaches, such as Owner / Contractor dispute resolution boards, arbitration, mediation, and provides expert witness testimony if necessary.

See services offered at https://www.construction-strategies.com/what-we-do 

View Sanford Loy's Consulting Profile.

James Rappoport, AIA, NCARB is Principal and Architect of Record at Daroff Design Inc. + DDI Architects PC, a full service Planning, Architectural & Interior Design practice founded in 1973 and specializing 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. Mr. Rappoport has successfully provided technical consultation, expert witness opinions, affidavits, certificates of merit, depositions, mediation presentations, testimony and trial support in more than 190 legal cases, engaged by both defendants' and plaintiffs' legal teams. 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 Consulting Profile.

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. As President of The Diehl Group Architects, Inc., Mr. Diehl is:

• Responsible for field investigations, failure analysis, building code research, and development of repair solutions
• Performs technical investigations and research of suspected design and construction problems
• Verifies and compares as-built conditions, design parameters, building jurisdiction requirements and applicable industry standards of care
• Provides construction administration and quality control review for Type I and Type V building types
• Provides quality assurance, evaluation, and supervision of in-progress construction for major commercial and high rise structures for conformance to design, material, and workmanship standards

Litigation Support: Jack Diehl has provided trial preparation services and expert witness testimony in over two hundred (200) cases, residential or commercial, in support of construction defect litigation. He offers his expertise to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. His services include arbitration and mediation. 

Areas of Expertise:

Forensic Architect Architectural Professional Liability Building Envelope Water Intrusion and Damage ADA Consulting Slip and Fall Building Code

Construction Defects Waterproofing Roofs Fenestration Construction Administration EIFS Consulting Construction Standards

View Jack Diehl's Consulting Profile.

David M. Bekus has over 35 years in the Construction Industry specializing in home design, construction, and remodeling. Mr. Bekus has been a project manager, overseeing all aspects of construction from conception and approvals to final sales for single homes and developments.

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.

Litigation Support - As a seasoned expert in the construction field, Mr. Bekus adheres to building code practices and high construction standards to provide reliable advice and credible expert witness testimony. His services include project evaluations, building code inspections, and clearly and precisely written reports. Mr. Bekus' expertise is available to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant and has testified in NJ superior court Areas of Expertise:

Industry Standards Building Code Compliance, Specifications Contract and Plan Specifications New Construction Defects Roof Issues Water Issues

Framing Defects Siding Defects Concrete Defects Insurance Claims Poor Workmanship Home Owner Association Issues

View David Bekus' Consulting Profile.

Vincent A. Ettari, P.E., P.C. specializes in many fields of Civil, Structural, Site, Coastal, Safety & Environmental Engineering, including the Design & Analysis of:

• Structures, Buildings, Houses, Dwellings
• Foundations, Footings, Elevators, Retaining Walls, Dams
• Development Plan & Plats for Sites, Properties, and Residences
• Underground & Subsurface Chamber / Chambers
• Scaffold, Scaffolds, Scaffolding
• Site Plans & Subdivisions: Industrial, Commercial, Residential
• Roads, Roadways, Ramps, Walks, & Man Hole Cover / Covers
• Sidewalks, Walkways, Paths & Pathways
• Lighting: Lamps, Lights, Lamp Poles, Light Levels
• Luminaries & Illumination (Specifications)
• Rock Cuts & Blasting (Topography, Specification)
• Soil Slopes / Samples / Mechanics / Geotechnical Engineers
• Sanitary Facilities, Septic Systems (Board of Health Septics Approval)
• BOHA / DEP Approvals
• Water, Drains, Drainage, Sewer & Sewage Lines & Mains
• Culvert / Culverts, Manholes (Man Holes) & Catchbasins / Catch Basins
• Inspection, Supervision, and Certification of Construction
• House Inspector & Inspections
• Road, Roadway, Walk & Sidewalk Premises Liability (e.g., Steep Slope)
• Walkway, Path, Ramp & Pathway Premise Liability (e.g., Steep Grade)
• Coefficient of Friction / Slip & Fall (Snowy & Icy Conditions)
• Vertical Discontinuity / Discontinuities / Trip & Falls
• Small Ports / Port, Marinas / Marina, Marine Dredging
• Levees, Jetties, Dolphins, Piers, Sea & Flood Walls
• Wharves, Breakwaters, Bulkheads, Weirs, & Revetments
• Groins, Dikes and Waterfront Structures
• Drainage Basin Analysis, Rainfall, Floods & Flood Plain / Plains
• Flooding Controls & Control Devices
• Storm Water Runoff (10, 25, 50 & 100 Year Storms)
• Pressure & Pressures: Wind, Wave / Waves, Ice, Snow
• Rain Fall Run Off & Storm Water Pollution Treatment
• Excavation, Grading, Fills & Filling Operations (Swales, Berms, Silt Fence)
• Erosion Control, Sediment Barriers, Sedimentation / Catch Basins (Hay Bales)
• Pumps and Pump System Line & Main
• Slope, Dam, Levee, Jetty, Dolphin, Pier, Wharf & Breakwater Collapse
• Bulkhead, Weir, Revetment, Groin, Dike, Footing & Foundation Failures
• Failure of Fire Containment Wall, Elevator or Water Front Structure
• Tenement House Façade Collapses
• Code History of Existing Multiple / Multi-Family Dwelling / Building
• Application of Municipal Building, Fire & Property Maintenance Codes
• City, Town & Village Zoning, Planning, Steep Slopes & Grades, Wetland & Wetlands Ordinances
• Testimony at Board Meetings as a Design Forensics Engineer

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.

Paul L. Johnson is an award-Winning Construction Professional with 35 years of hand-on experience. A self-made man and the founder and operator of two highly successful construction firms, his experience includes all aspects of High-End Residential Construction.

Mr. Johnson's has extensive experience with new builds and remodeling, light commercial construction, and tenant build-outs. He has completed 60 whole home remodels, over 500 kitchen remodels, almost 400 master bath remodels, numerous tenant fit out projects, restaurants, and a historic landmark complete renovation.  

Mr. Johnson is a patented inventor of cabinet installation assembly and the author of the book Residential Construction & Remodeling; Straight Talk About The Industry & Process.

Litigation Support - Mr. Johnson serves as an expert witness in all aspects of construction litigation. His services are available to attorneys representing plaintiff and defendant ans include construction site review, thorough reporting, depositions, and expert witness testimony as needed.

Areas of Expertise:

High-End New Home Construction High-End Residential Remodeling High-End Kitchen Remodeling High-End Bathroom Remodeling Cabinetry / Trim Installations Interior Finishes Exterior Finishes Masonry Construction Framing Tile & Stone Installation Schlüter Systems Design Process

Critical Path Scheduling Contract Disputes Change Orders Roof Defects Siding Defects Leaks Tenant Fit Outs Kitchens Baths Historic Buildings Restaurants Wine Cellars

View Gryphon Consulting, LLC's Business Consulting Profile.

Expert Consultant/Witness in over 70-cases; Licensed Engineer with 30 years of experience in Civil/Structural Engineering & Construction Forensics Consulting, Construction Project Management and teaching/research. Has been retained by insurance companies, law firms, construction, energy, mining, technology & manufacturing industries, governmental and educational institutions, engineering and architectural firms, and individuals. Consultant in both plaintiff/defendant cases; testimony & trial experience.

• Expert Consulting & Witness; Insurance Claim, Peer Reviews, Legal Support

• Buildings, Structures & Materials: Residential, Commercial, Institutional & Historic; Bridges, Towers, Stacks/Chimneys, Containment Vessels, Tanks, Grain Silos, Conduits & Pipelines, Retaining Walls, Foundations, Slabs & Pavements; Concrete, Steel, Composite, Wood, CMU, Brick Masonry & Adobe

• Design, Construction, Integrity, Repair & Retrofit Issues

• Construction Defects & Accidents; Defective Concrete; OSHA Standards

• Code Compliance; Seismic Resistant Design; Errors & Omissions; Standards of Care

• Damage & Failure Investigation; Due Diligence; Non-Destructive Testing; Analysis/Report

• Vibration, Explosion, Impact, Earthquake, Wind, Fire, Hurricane & Flood Damage Investigations

• Pile Driving & Demolition Damage to Adjacent Facilities; Cracking & Settlement

• Dynamic, Stress & Thermal Analysis; Finite Element Method; Product Design; Failure Simulation/Reconstruction

• Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents

• Intellectual Property & Patent Infringement

Dennis E. Wilson has over forty years of experience in Land Planning, Civil Engineering, and Land Surveying. His company, Horizon Consulting Service, specializes in Entitlements, In-Fill Projects, Civil Engineering, and Land Planning and Design for commercial, industrial and residential properties. Mr. Wilson works on both private and governmental projects. As an Expert Witness, Mr. Wilson has participated in property line disputes, condemnation resolutions and land use issues. 

Professional Memberships:

• American Planning Association
• Past Chair of Land Use Committee, National Association of Home Builders
• Past Chair Land Use & Government Affairs, California Building Industry Association
• Past Chair of BIACC PAC
• Past Chair/Current Member on Land Use & Transportation Committee, Modesto Chamber of Commerce

Philip J. Isaak, PE, P.Eng., DCDC, RCDD, SMIEEE, is an expert witness, consultant & trainer in the design, construction, procurement, implementation, commissioning & operations of Information Technology, Telecommunications & Critical Data Center Facilities. 

Mr. Isaak provides clear analysis for complex disputes, incorporating industry standards, best-practices and over 20 years of consulting & training expertise working with clients located in 28 countries and territories across 6 continents. 

In recognition of Mr. Isaak’s professional standing, the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the world’s largest professional association for advancement of technology, certified him to the grade of Senior Member, a level only 9% of IEEE’s over 400,000 global members hold. Mr. Isaak is also an author of several industry standards published by TIA & ANSI/BICSI, whitepapers published by The Green Grid, and the Data Center Handbook published by John Wiley & Sons.

Expert Witness Services

IP, Trade Secrets, Contracts Analysis Design, Construction, Implementation Claims, Damages Defects, Delays, Failure & Quality Control Analysis Failed System Analysis Unfulfilled SLA Analysis

Technical Investigations Claims Preparation & Analysis Expert Reports Settlement Opinions & Strategies Deposition & Trial Testimony

Areas of Expertise:

Providing Cloud Computing Services Colocation Services Construction Data Centers Electrical Engineering Fiber Optic Cabling

Forensic Engineering IT Systems Capacity Planning & Forecasting Life Safety Systems Network Systems, Services & Infrastructure Operating Procedures Telecommunications

View Philip Isaak's Consulting Profile.

David G. Shreve, PE,  is a licensed Professional Engineer in 18 states. He holds a certification from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), is a LEED® accredited professional for Building and Construction and holds a Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) credential. 

Mr. Shreve has over 30 years of experience in design, construction administration and forensic analysis of Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Energy Management Systems for commercial, institutional and residential projects. He is also a member of American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and International Code Council (ICC).

Mr. Shreve joined Ivey Engineering in 2014. His primary responsibilities include forensic analysis of HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and energy management systems. He also performs site inspections, testing, research, product analysis and cost estimating, and is responsible for writing reports and testifying in depositions, hearings and trials.

EXPERIENCE (partial listing)
∗ Approximately 300 HVAC, fire protection and plumbing design projects
∗ Approximately 10 LEED® design projects
∗ Approximately 20 feasibility studies
∗ Approximately 125 expert witness engagements

View David Shreve's Consulting Profile.

John Gillies is a Chartered Building Surveyor and the Senior Director of Johnson Gillies. Mr. Gillies is frequently involved in dilapidation assessments for Landlords and Tenants. In addition, he is often called upon to produce opinions and evidence in matters of dispute. Mr. Gillies provides Expert Witness reports for legal issues and appears in Court as an expert on construction and related matters.


The firm's Building Consultancy and Expert Services Include:

Surveys: Building, Homebuyer, Vendor, and Measured Surveys. Planned Maintenance, Defects Analysis, and Due Diligence Investigations.

Audits: Fire, Health and Safety, Environmental, Access, and Commercial EPC.

Development Consultancy: Development Monitoring, Party Walls, Planning, Rights of Light.

Construction Consultancy: Contract Administration, Design, Employers Agent, Feasibility Study, Fit Outs, New Build, CDM Co-ordination, Project Management, Refurbishment, Repair & Maintenance.

Landlord & Tenant: Dilapidations, Services and Charges, Licences and Alterations, Photographic Schedules, Schedules of Condition.

Dispute Resolution: Expert Witness, Adjudication, and Arbitration of:

Building Contract Disputes

Cost and Quality of Building Works Disputes

Expert Reports

Legal Evidence at Court

Insurance: Building Reinstatement Valuations and Insurance Loss Assessing.