Forensic Architect

Intro / Job Brief

The Technical Expert, Architect leads forensic building investigations, authoritatively analyzes complex construction defect matters, and provides expert witness testimony in mediation, arbitration, deposition, and trial.

Operating at the intersection of technical architecture, hands-on construction, and dispute resolution, this professional formulates actionable, cost-effective solutions for property stakeholders and defends technical opinions under legal cross-examination. The ideal candidate brings extensive field credibility, mastery of building codes and standard-of-care practices, and the presence required to communicate complex structural and architectural concepts clearly to juries, judges, and clients.

Responsibilities

1. Expert Witness Testimony & Dispute Resolution Support

   1. Provide authoritative expert witness testimony in depositions, arbitrations, mediations, and trial proceedings.

   2. Formulate, defend, and substantiate independent expert opinions regarding standard of care, design deficiencies, construction defects, and failure causation.

   3. Consult directly with retainers, legal counsel, and insurers to provide strategic litigation assessments and risk evaluations.

   4. Rebut opposing expert opinions, cross-examination materials, and conflicting technical analyses.

2. Forensic Building Inspection & Property Condition Assessment

   1. Lead comprehensive on-site visual and destructive investigations of residential, multi-family, and commercial properties.

   2. Direct testing protocols, sample collections, moisture investigations, and architectural surveys.

   3. Systematically document physical findings utilizing detailed photography, diagrams, standard field checklists, and comprehensive inspection narratives.

3. Forensic Document Analysis & Standard of Care Review

   1. Review and interpret extensive project records, including construction contracts, architectural plans/specifications, submittals, RFIs, daily field logs, and change orders.

   2. Evaluate case-specific legal records, including pleadings, complaints, depositions, and adversary expert disclosures.

   3. Conduct code research across historical and current model codes, local jurisdictions, and industry standards.

   4. Synthesize large volumes of data using PFCS systems to present verifiable timelines and responsibility matrices.

4. Forensic Technical Reporting & Deliverables

   1. Author objective, trial-ready Rule 26/expert reports detailing investigative methodologies, building science principles, causation analyses, and professional opinions.

   2. Develop clear graphic exhibits, schematics, and summaries suitable for non-technical audiences, mediators, and jurors.

   3. Collaborate with internal project coordinators and technical staff to ensure deliverables consistently meet quality, accuracy, and deadline standards.

5. Cost Estimating, Repair Scoping & Reconstruction

   1. Develop detailed, realistic scopes of repair for post-litigation and defect remediation projects.

   2. Prepare cost estimates, bid packages, and repair cost comparisons to evaluate claim damages accurately.

   3. Guide implementation strategies to verify that proposed remedial designs are practical and constructible in the field.

6. Project Leadership & Client Engagement

   1. Lead client briefings, meet-and-confers, and technical site meetings.

   2. Mentor junior consultants and technical staff in forensic procedures, building science, and reporting standards.

   3. Manage case budgets, achieve billable utilization targets, and ensure timely invoicing.

Qualifications

• Active, valid Architect license (AIA or state board registration required; CA license preferred).

• Additional credentials preferred: CCCA (Certified Construction Contract Administrator), CDT, NCARB, General Contractor license (B), or ICC certifications.

• Minimum 10–15+ years of combined architectural practice and hands-on construction field experience.

• Demonstrated track record preparing expert reports, attending depositions, and testifying in court/arbitration.

• Proven background in construction defect litigation, forensic investigations, and large-scale residential/commercial projects.

• Deep mastery of building science, building envelope systems, waterproofing, and water intrusion causation.

• Strong knowledge of historical and current building codes, ASTM/AAMA testing standards, and construction industry standard of care.

• Proficient in architectural drawing analysis, scope preparation, and cost estimating.

• Exceptional verbal articulation with the ability to maintain composure, credibility, and authority under adversarial questioning.

• Excellent technical writing skills with an emphasis on clarity, precision, and objectivity.

• Ability to perform physical on-site inspections (climbing ladders, walking steep roofs, navigating crawlspaces, lifting equipment).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and specialized forensic documentation tools.

Pete Fowler Construction Services, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.