Mr. Bezue is a licensed professional architect with more than twenty-five years experience in design, construction, and construction management. Since 1999, Mr. Bezue’s focus has been on forensic architecture. His years of experience in the building industry enables him to develop comprehensive analytical and statistical analyses to differentiate between design intent, work in place and rate of occurrence for alleged construction defects. Mr. Bezue develops and coordinates subcontractor apportionment allocations based on a review of contract terms and the industry standard of care for a variety of trades. Mr. Bezue provides detailed repair scope analyses and cost estimates for repair and remediation. He has participated in dispute resolution mediations, mandatory settlement conferences, has deposition experience and has testified as a designated expert witness in the field of general contracting, standard of care and contract interpretation.

Prior to beginning his tenure at Bert L. Howe & Associates, Mr. Bezue was a forensic architect at Lombard Consulting Service. Joining Lombard in 2005, Mr. Bezue participated in site inspections for the purposes of providing damage assessments, analysis of as-built materials and analysis of construction methods. In addition to his investigative role, Mr. Bezue provided technical evaluations of alleged defective conditions, review of plans and construction documents, applicable codes, ADA requirements as well as special regional regulations. Drawing from his architectural background, Mr. Bezue also provided written repair scope for implementation into repair estimates and remediation of defects.

In 2002, Mr. Bezue joined Marx/Okubo Associates, LTD., as a senior associate. In addition to his forensic duties, Mr. Bezue provided owner representation in the reconstruction of several multi-family projects that were converting to condominiums. As conditions dictated, Mr. Bezue was instrumental in recommending viable construction options to resolve issues relating to the conversions. Often, Mr. Bezue’s recommendations would not only mitigate any problems with the conversion, but would also create added value to the project. His work at Marx/Okubo would result in regular interactions with a gamut of individuals, from lenders, investors and loan officers to contractors, developers and government inspectors.

Mr. Bezue’s career in forensic architecture began at McGinnis Chen Associates, LLP. Initially at McGinnis Chen, Mr. Bezue specialized in multi-family low-rise buildings that were experiencing deterioration from various sources of water infiltration. Mr. Bezue expanded his role at McGinnins Chen to include development and design of various waterproofing details for several new high-rise residential and commercial buildings. These waterproofing details included below grade, exterior wall and roofing. In addition to his forensic and design work, Mr. Bezue conducted bid walks, prepared construction contracts, and provided on-site construction oversight.

Mr. Bezue’s foundation for forensic architecture was forged from more than 20 years as a design coordinator, project manager and staff architect. As a design coordinator, Mr. Bezue organized and prepared cost budgets and estimates for construction, negotiated contracts with outside consultants and interacted with subcontractors. Additionally, his duties required him to be intimately familiar with UBC, BOCA, SBCCI and local building codes for project conformance on a variety of residential, commercial, institutional and medical buildings.
As a project manager, Mr. Bezue managed and supervised design, consulting and construction teams on a variety of public and private projects. The projects included the 100,000 sq ft Delta Airlines Federal Inspection Station (FIS), 55,000 sq ft renovation of the American Airlines Operations Facility, the 500,000 sf George Brown Convention Center, and a 680,000 sq ft shopping center.

His design architect work included participation in the 65-story Transco Tower, the 55-story 1600 Smith Street Office Building, along with the design of custom single-family homes. As a design architect, Mr. Bezue worked for the University of California, Berkeley. At the university, Mr. Bezue was charged with the responsibilities of on campus capital improvements. His day-to-day duties included preparation of documents for the selection of design professionals, management of consultants from document preparation to the completion of construction and overall project management of major capital improvements from the initial assessment throughout construction.

As a construction consultant for Bert L. Howe & Associates, Mr. Bezue can draw from his more than 25-years experience to analyze and develop protocols for repair and identification of defects and standards. Mr. Bezue also conducts analysis of construction documents pertaining to existing construction and compliance with applicable building codes appropriate during initial construction and evaluates ramifications to repairs by the present codes. His understanding of design and construction requirements enables him to develop repair methodology as well as alternative repair scope responsive to the issues and as appropriate to the conditions of dispute.

Mr. Nardella is a licensed professional architect with experience in trial and mediation as an expert witness. Throughout Mr. Nardella’s more than twenty years in the design, construction, and consulting fields, he has served as a designer, construction manager, construction monitor, estimator, and litigation support analyst for numerous residential and commercial building projects. Developers, general contractors, design firms, and real estate consultants have employed Mr. Nardella for his diverse experience and abilities.

As a member of the professional staff of Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Nardella brings a depth of experience encompassing several hundred projects throughout the United States. His comprehensive understanding of professional standards of care, regional building practices, construction methods, and remediation systems is beyond his years. Mr. Nardella understands the construction process and, with his professional experience, is quick to determine appropriate methods for remediation, completion and/or construction of new projects in the most cost-effective manner.

His background in construction includes several years of experience conducting analyses and dealing with construction defect cases, including development of protocols for repair and identification of appropriate standards by which alleged defective conditions should be evaluated. Mr. Nardella prepares protocols and conducts visual and intrusive/destructive testing developing relevant observation documentation. Mr. Nardella conducts analysis of construction documents pertaining to existing construction and compliance with applicable building codes appropriate during initial construction and evaluates ramifications to repairs by the present codes. His understanding of design and construction requirements enables him to develop repair methodology as well as alternative repair scope responsive to the issues and as appropriate to the conditions of dispute.

Mr. Nardella utilizes systems developed by BHA to capture and document conditions from inspections and construction documents, which, through analysis, often yields superior information to the client. Mr. Nardella prepares reports with responses detailed to the issues and allegations in question. He prepares repair recommendations, scope and methodology for development of cost estimates and is actively involved in expert meetings, depositions and mediation for a variety of construction defect cases and construction conditions. Mr. Nardella has extensive experience serving the support needs of developers, general contractors, insurers, attorneys, builders and lenders. Mr. Nardella brings capability and depth of management experience to his work at BHA.

During his tenure at EMG, Mr. Nardella was responsible for the supervision of more than 100 architects throughout the nation, where he was directly involved in over 1,000 real estate due diligence investigations. These cases involved determination of as-built conditions, code compliance, feasibility for construction, value of work-in-place, and development of cost estimates for completion, compliance, remediation and new development. Working for clients including GMAC, Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae, GE Capital, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, as well as numerous government entities, Mr. Nardella provided construction monitoring services, project management, program administration, and a variety of facilities assessment services to a wide assortment of project types throughout the country.

Mr. Nardella has authored industry-standard ASTM-compliant property condition assessment reports for several major lending institutions and real estate developers and has been instrumental in providing claims support services and property evaluations on apartment complexes, industrial parks, casinos, hotels, nursing homes, retail developments, schools, universities, and a great number of residential developments.

s principal of his own design firm, he was responsible for all facets of architectural planning and design, consultant coordination, and construction document preparation of his projects. Mr. Nardella’s practice included residential and commercial projects including tract homes, custom homes, restaurants, amusement parks, and industrial facilities. Everyday work consisted of design and construction management activities such as preparation and administration of contract documents and all aspects of entitlement including regional and local planning approvals, local interagency coordination, building permit processing, and project closeout documentation. He acted as the owner’s agent, prepared preliminary budget documents, and assisted in preparation of loan request budgets on behalf of the owner. Mr. Nardella developed, monitored, and maintained all relevant project documents, subcontracts, change orders, certificates of insurance, and payment requests and maintained a pro-active presence, personally managed on-site work, and exercised quality control standards during construction. He participated in scheduled observations of work in place and coordinated closely with the relevant jurisdictional agencies to ensure code compliance.

In 1995, Mr. Mancini joined the firm of Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., and now practices within the specialty of Forensic Architecture. He has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in construction defect litigation and has developed specialized protocols for investigative procedures and evidence collection. He is responsible for the preparation of detailed analytical documents and reports. Mr. Mancini has provided testimony pertaining to architectural standard of care, construction standard of care and interpretation of contract documents. He has testified on more than 100 occasions at mediations, depositions, arbitration and trial.

Mr. Mancini specializes in insurance fraud, contract fraud and personal injury cases. He has been involved in more than sixty cases of insurance and contract fraud. He has investigated and testified at mediation and trial deposition for more than ten personal injury suits and three fire-loss suits. He has also been designated as a neutral party arbitrator for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Mr. Mancini has a diverse background in master planning, building design, construction management and forensic analysis. Mr. Mancini obtained his license to practice architecture in September, 1991. He is also a commissioner on the California Architects Board and is pro-active in the development of specialized criteria for licensure of candidates. Mr. Mancini has been actively involved in numerous aspects of the construction industry for more than thirty years. In 1969, Mr. Mancini began his career in building design as an associate intern for Concept Environment, Inc., a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company. This firm designed and developed a unique factory-produced modular housing system that was based on the combination of the Warren truss and stressed-skin floor and roofing panels. The system was utilized on difficult sites and provided minimum environmental impacts on natural terrain and vegetation.

Subsequent to the Concept Environment experience, Mr. Mancini accepted a position as a construction systems design analyst for Levitt Construction Systems, Inc. His primary responsibility in this position was to integrate quality architectural design innovations into the manufactured housing assembly process through development and implementation of advanced systems technology.

In 1975, Mr. Mancini became a manufacturing systems analyst for Environmental Systems International, a subsidiary of the Berkus Group, Architects. Mr. Mancini specialized in the design and development of technology relating to the unique needs of European and Japanese housing markets. During his tenure at ESI, he authored a book entitled, “Advanced Manufactured Housing Technology.” The book was translated and published in Japan.

After the manufactured housing and technology aspects of Mr. Mancini’s career, he turned his attention to the conventional aspects of architecture and construction. He became a project manager for the Berkus Group and was primarily involved in planning, design and construction document preparation for large single-family projects.

In 1978, Mr. Mancini became a project manager and associate partner for Burke-Lester & Associates, Inc., a full-service architectural firm located in Irvine, California. During the ensuing ten-year period, he participated in the planning and design of many commercial, single-family and multi-family projects throughout the State of California. As a principal associate with this firm, Mr. Mancini was pro-active in contract negotiations, interagency coordination, consultant coordination and construction administration services. During this period, Mr. Mancini was involved in the design and construction of approximately 2,500 residential units throughout Southern California. He managed several corporate clients, such as William Lyon, Pacesetter, Van Daele Development and Regis Homes.

In 1988, Mr. Mancini accepted a position with Illini Construction as construction manager for the Grand Champions Tennis Stadium, located in Indian Wells, California. In this position, he was responsible for construction coordination of a 10,000 seat cast-in-place concrete stadium with related health spa facilities. After completion of the tennis stadium, Mr. Mancini supervised construction of an 80,000 square foot retail shopping mall and an adjacent medical care facility in West Covina, California.

Mr. Mancini turned to private practice in architecture in 1991, and designed several commercial and residential projects. During this period, he was retained as a consultant for the design of the Juvenile Detention Facility in Orange County, California. He also specialized in the design of office space for several businesses, corporate clients, insurance companies and medical groups.

As a licensed architect, Mr. Gorrie provides expertise for the architectural expert analysis component of services provided by Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc. He has been involved in the construction industry for approximately eighteen years, with an emphasis in design and architecture. Mr. Gorrie specializes in construction document analysis and standard of care evaluation for architects on a variety of building and project types. Furthermore, he correlates standard of care for design professionals with issue allegations as a basis for design intent and existing conditions comparative analysis. Additionally, Mr. Gorrie is regularly involved in on-site visual and intrusive testing inspections.

During his tenure at Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Gorrie’s attention has been focused solely on construction defect litigation. Working on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants as well as owners, insurers and third party defendants, Mr. Gorrie’s construction-related claims experience extends to custom homes, production housing, multi-tenant residential, and commercial construction.

In this time he has been called on to provide research and detailed analyses concerning standard of care issues and construction practices relevant to defect claims. Mr. Gorrie has developed numerous reports for legal professionals and insurers wherein he provided repair recommendations and support for allocation/demand packages based upon his extensive knowledge of the industry standards and the Uniform Building Code.

Concurrent with his experience at Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc. Mr. Gorrie has acquired specialized knowledge concerning fenestration and building envelope issues with an emphasis on construction leakage diagnostics. Working in connection with the experts group at BHA he has been involved with visual/invasive testing on a wide variety of window products and components used in contemporary residential construction. Through this experience he has developed an acute understanding of the precise mechanisms of failure and an ability to isolate these mechanisms and apportion liability appropriately.

During his professional career, Mr. Gorrie has participated in design and construction document preparation, and construction administration for a multitude of building type and multi-use projects. As a member of the planning and design staffs of several prominent Southern California architectural firms, Mr. Gorrie has developed extensive background in planning, zoning and land use criteria, and the jurisdictional restraints associated with the entitlement process.
As a project manager, Mr. Gorrie supervised staff on large-scale commercial tenant improvement projects from pre-design and program development through construction documents and construction administration. Mr. Gorrie was responsible for outlining individual departmental requirements and integrating these requirements into final building configuration parameters and outline specifications for minimum compliance project standards. Mr. Gorrie acted as a liaison between planning staff and production staff from the design development phase through the construction documents phase of these projects. He developed baseline parameters for building code compliance and coordinated extensively with local planning and building jurisdictions.

As a project architect, Mr. Gorrie was responsible for staff direction in the assembly and coordination of technical construction document packages. He coordinated the requirements of professional consultants, code compliance and the client program. He also reviewed on-site construction on a regular basis and provided comprehensive written field reports and memoranda.

Mr. Gorrie has been involved in the design and construction of professional and financial institution structures, religious structures, retail and storage facilities, restaurant facilities, medical office facilities, recreational complexes and public buildings. He has also designed and coordinated numerous residential projects.

At Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Porter provides team leadership in the investigation, analysis, testimony, and related activities of construction defect investigation. Mr. Porter develops destructive testing protocol and directs those activities when required. He provides thorough documentation of existing conditions and failure analysis. He attends and directs expert meetings and provides extensive research relating to mechanism of failure and damage assessment. Mr. Porter provides extensive analysis and research as pertaining to building code interpretation and alternative repair scope. He provides analysis of architectural and related construction documents for code compliance verification and professional standard of care. Mr. Porter prepares repair scope and related backup documentation. He participates in mediations, and provides expert testimony.

Mr. Porter contributes specialized knowledge and broad expertise in the fields of international architecture and construction management to the field of construction analysis. He is a licensed architect in California and Mexico. Mr. Porter had ten years of architectural and construction management experience in Mexico, and ten years of architectural and project management experience in southern California before joining Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc.

During his tenure at Grupo I.C.A. in Mexico, Mr. Porter provided construction management and supervision of two major public projects. He supervised the construction of the “Subway Metro Linea 4” in Mexico City, and was the project manager for bridge construction in Cancun.

As a licensed architect in Mexico, Mr. Porter was Director of Design and Planning for Grupo Mexicano de Proyectos, S.A. de C .V. In this capacity, Mr. Porter directed design and planning for residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and cultural projects. Given consideration that architects in Mexico are typically empowered with broader jurisdictional and discretionary responsibilities, Mr. Porter was directly involved in comprehensive construction management activities, from inception to completion and project close-out.

In addition to his architectural and construction management practice in Mexico, Mr. Porter held the position of Associate Professor of Design at the La Salle University, Mexico City.

In 1986, Mr. Porter continued his architectural career in the United States with MacLarand Vasquez & Partners, Inc. Mr. Porter worked in the commercial division of this firm and coordinated the preparation of construction documents for several projects. Subsequent to the MV&P experience, Mr. Porter assumed the position of land planner with Land/Plan Design Group. This firm specialized in providing residential planning services, as well as residential and commercial landscape design. He then became a job captain with Arakelian/Corstram Architects, and was involved in several projects, including schools and commercial buildings.

In 1988, Mr. Porter attained his architectural license in the State of California and became a senior project manager for Burke-Lester & Associates, Architects. Mr. Porter serviced and maintained the firm’s largest commercial account and assumed project responsibility for the design and construction coordination of several high-density residential planning and design projects. Working with a team of four to eight specialists, and a consultant team varying in size from six to sixteen, Mr. Porter spearheaded the planning, design, consultant coordination and interagency coordination for approximately 1,500 residential units in Aliso Viejo, California. He was also a member of a specialized team that master planned and designed the 1,200 unit One Park Place project in Irvine. This project consisted of a one million square foot multi-level subterranean parking garage with six residential buildings on top of a structural podium slab.

Mr. Porter continued his high-density residential specialty with Jones & Martinez, Architects in Los Angeles, California. The design portfolio of this firm further refined the high-density product type through the design and development of several urban infill projects. These projects were underwritten with a federally funded housing assistance program and the design parameters of these projects dictated maximum product yield on highly restrictive lots. Further, this type of development typically dictates subterranean garages and multi-level unit configurations above grade. As project architect, Mr. Porter directed the land planning approval process; bidding, negotiation and selection of the professional consultants; interagency approvals, including local, county, state and federal agencies; project design; construction document preparation and construction observation services.

Mr. Sorcinelli is an award-winning licensed professional architect with more than thirty years experience in design, construction, cost-planning and construction management. He has designed numerous projects both in the United States and abroad, and has augmented his design experience with a faculty position teaching design and professional practice at various major universities. As an expert at Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Sorcinelli experiences allows him to understand the construction process and, with his professional experience, is quick to determine appropriate methods for remediation, completion and/or construction of new projects in the most cost-effective manner.

In 1973, Mr. Sorcinelli received a Bachelor of Science degree from Lowell Technological Institute with a major in structural design and soil mechanics and a minor in transportation planning. Mr. Sorcinelli received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1977 from the internationally recognized Mackintosh School of Architecture and the University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland. In 1979 Mr. Sorcinelli acquired his Masters in Architecture from one of the world’s pre-eminent programs in design and theory, the Architectural Association in London, England. His design career began at Westcott Construction Corporation after graduating from Lowell Technical Institute. At Westcott Mr. Sorcinelli’s duties included everything from design and cost planning to site inspections, supervision and construction scheduling. While at Westcott, Mr. Sorcinelli was involved with both private and public projects that included involvement in several water treatment facilities and the rehabilitation of existing manufacturing facilities in the Attleboro area of Massachusetts.

After receiving his Masters in Architecture in London, Mr. Sorcinelli became a project architect for the Richard Rogers Partnership, based in England. His tenure at the Richard Rogers Partnership saw Mr. Sorcinelli involved in several multi-million dollar, internationally recognized projects. These projects included the $530 million Lloyds of London Redevelopment, the $56 million National Gallery Competition and the $20 million Wellcome Foundation Headquarters. All of these projects were located in England.

His design work with The Rogers Partnership received international acclaim, and by 1980 Mr. Sorcinelli’s work allowed The Rogers Partnership to capture 4 major international competitions. In addition to these accolades, Mr. Sorcinelli’s work was regularly appearing in such publications as Architectural Review, International Design, Architectural Design, Progressive Architecture and many other international publications. In 1986, Mr. Sorcinelli accepted a faculty position at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. During a 4-year stay Mr. Sorcinelli’s teaching involvements included both design as well as professional practices courses.

Mr. Sorcinelli returned to design in 1990, establishing Design Source Studios and then incorporating in 2001 to Sorcinelli Architects, Inc. His design work at Design Source Studios/Sorcinelli Architects, Inc. was a mix of private and public projects, running the gamut from single-family custom homes, design of new home tracts, commercial and school projects. His design work specifically includes two new school projects for the Los Angeles Unified School District, a new 400-person banquet facility at the Via Verde Country Club, historic home restorations, a mixed use commercial/seniors housing project for the City of San Dimas, California, and the adaptive re-use of a California Historic Landmark to a community center for at risk youths in central Los Angeles.

As a construction consultant for Bert L. Howe & Associates, Mr. Sorcinelli is able to draw from his more than thirty years experience to analyze and develop protocols for repair and identification of appropriate standards by which alleged defective conditions should be evaluated. Mr. Sorcinelli also conducts analysis of construction documents pertaining to existing construction and compliance with applicable building codes appropriate during initial construction and evaluates ramifications to repairs by the present codes. His intimate understanding of design and construction requirements enables him to develop repair methodology as well as alternative repair scope responsive to the issues and as appropriate to the conditions of dispute.

From Journeyman Carpenter to Area President of a Fortune 400 public builder, John Tolman has risen through the industry ranks and reached the peak of his profession. A licensed general contractor since 1981, Mr. Tolman brings comprehensive residential, commercial and institutional construction management experience blended with corporate profit and loss executive skills to provide credible analysis, time-honored perspective, and convincing opinions of the construction and development industries.

After earning the rank of Journeyman Carpenter, Mr. Tolman entered construction management as an assistant superintendent for Watt Industries in Santa Monica California. Tolman’s affiliation with other notable builders includes Republic Development, Triple Five Development, JD Construction and Development, Bari Industries and K. Hovnanian Homes. With these builders, he served as a Jobsite Superintendent, Purchasing Agent, Project Manager, Vice President of Operations and Managing Director leading the improvement, construction and development of: custom homes, condominiums, housing tracts, restaurants, office buildings, medical buildings, industrial tilt-ups, churches, schools and more. Mr. Tolman has worked closely with the California Division of the State Architect submitting plans, obtaining approvals and managing the construction of public school projects.

In 2005, John Tolman joined K. Hovnanian homes as Vice President of Operations for the Southern California Region and RME for all construction in California. He was soon promoted to Area President and in 2006-2007 constructed, sold and closed more than 700 single-family homes valued in excess of $250,000,000. As the RME for K. Hovnanian he was responsible for constructing over 4000 single family homes.

While Vice President of Operations at K. Hovnanian, Mr. Tolman implemented a comprehensive construction quality assurance program requiring hundreds of quality control inspections on every home; this program significantly improved construction quality and customer satisfaction. He initiated and taught superintendent, community manager and sales training seminars instructing and certifying associates on relevant topics of residential construction and development. During his tenure, K. Hovnanian was recognized by CAL OSHA as one of the first developers in California to qualify for CAL OSHA’s Golden State, SHARP safety designation. Mr. Tolman has worked closely with corporate and public agencies; purchasing, planning, budgeting and entitling residential and commercial developments. He has provided design, constructability and value engineering consulting for many commercial and residential structures and developments resulting in finished products that are architecturally compelling, functional and cost efficient.

From Carpenter to Area President, Mr. Tolman has performed, estimated, coordinated, scheduled, and supervised the various sub-trades for housing tracts, commercial buildings, churches and schools. He perfected his understanding of building and safety codes vigorously requiring standards of due care and craftsmanship from every manager, vendor and subcontractor. He became a specialist at estimating the cost of residential and commercial systems, components, trades and projects. He has negotiated, written, approved and executed thousands of subcontract, professional services, and national purchase agreements together with detailed scopes of work, specifications and terms for each trade or service or product. Additionally, Mr. Tolman possesses an in depth understanding of the enigmatic details of subcontractor and developer liability insurance, WRAP insurance policies and the particulars of SB 800 insurance reforms.

His extensive experience and education provides him an incomparable ability to evaluate and assess the intent of project plans, specifications, and contracts. He applies industry standards of customary practice, reasonableness and due care to determine the most cost effective construction and remediation measures necessary to perform effectual permanent solutions. Mr. Tolman is adept at communicating his views deferentially and persuasively in both written and verbal formats providing reliable analysis, precise and comprehensive remediation costs with detailed allocation documentation.

Mr. Tolman has been actively involved in many areas of expertise pertaining to subcontract analysis, contracting standards of care and cost estimating relating to construction defect litigation. Mr. Tolman’s background and experience affords him insight to conditions and standards applicable to a broad spectrum of specialty and general construction practices. Mr. Tolman participates in all types of visual, intrusive and destructive testing activities and provides protocols for testing and specialized investigative procedures. He has participated in negotiations, resolution conferences, mediations, and arbitrations addressing purchase and sale agreements, contractual disputes, breech of contract, personal injury, subsidence, major slope failures, cosmetic and structural failures, slab and foundation cracking and settlement, moisture penetration, mold, and mechanical failures.

In addition to his notable industry tenure, Mr. Tolman has earned a Bachelors Degree in Management from the University of Redlands, a Bachelors Degree in Law from Western State University College of Law and a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from Western State University College of Law. Mr. Tolman obtained his real estate brokers license in 1995, is a member of several industry associations and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Construction Management. As a Senior Consultant with Bert L. Howe Associates John Tolman serves as an expert witness providing analysis and testimony for developers, general contractors, architects and subcontractors. Additionally he conducts seminars for industry professionals relating to construction defects and SB 800 insurance claims.

Mr. Sturm has been a construction industry specialist holding a General Contractor’s license for nearly 20 years. Mr. Sturm’s background in rough framing, finish carpentry, tubs/showers, doors, windows and electrical provides Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., with several areas of expertise pertaining to the standard of care aspects of construction defect litigation. In addition to his General Contracting background, Mr. Sturm has more than a half-decade’s experience in insurance adjusting. These experiences include both residential and commercial projects, with extensive mold remediation/restoration and water intrusion experience. Mr. Sturm’s experience as a General Contractor and insurance adjuster has required him to participate in all manners of visual, intrusive and destructive testing activities.

In addition to his site investigation role at Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Sturm provides contract analysis and subcontractor apportionment allocations. Additionally, Mr. Sturm is active in providing detailed repair scope analyses and cost estimating for repair and remediation. His work in generating actual repair scope has Mr. Sturm regularly interfacing with forensic engineers and laboratory analysts.

Prior to accepting his current position with Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Sturm worked as an independent adjuster for Farmers Insurance. As an independent adjuster, Mr. Sturm became involved in both residential and commercial mold claims. His work with Farmers would eventually see him working with claims related to Hurricane Wilma in Florida. In subsequent years, Mr. Sturm was part of Farmers’ Customer Response Network. His duties as part of this team included assisting Farmer’s PMK’s in litigated files as well as reviewing and responding to California Department of Insurance complaints.

Before Mr. Sturm began his insurance adjusting work, he operated his own general contracting and remodeling company for more than 11 years. His projects were primarily residential, and included custom entries, overhead doors, showers, tubs, retrofit of windows, kitchen remodels, electrical and lighting. As a tradesman, Mr. Sturm spent three years with Advance Overhead Door, Inc. There he was as a journeyman/union carpenter. Prior to this, Mr. Sturm worked for Treise Engineering. At Treise, his duties involved working with sheet metal fabrication, cabinets, welding and electrical.

Mr. MacGregor is a licensed General Contractor who brings a highly developed understanding of the dynamics involved with contractor/developer/subcontractor interface, the conditions influencing results as well as design and construction requirements. The ability to understand these variables is an important tool to be used in analysis of damage for many different building types, as well as soils-related cases and public utility infrastructure. Mr. MacGregor is actively involved in onsite analysis and documentation of existing conditions; analysis and interpretation of related construction documents and subcontract agreements; reporting; graphic presentations; and participation in expert meetings and mediations and settlement negotiations.

As an ICBO/ICC Certified Building Inspector (IBC and UBC), Mr. MacGregor applies a diverse background in the construction industry to the field of forensic investigation. He has been the project manager for numerous forensic cases involving developers, general contractors and subcontractors for thousands of residential units in California, Arizona and Nevada. Mr. MacGregor’s forensic experience includes advanced research and analysis of code, materials and building practices, as well as the development of comprehensive repair methodologies for maximization of remediation efficiency.

Mr. MacGregor has successfully participated in dispute resolution mediation, arbitration, and settlement procedures on numerous occasions and he has testified in deposition in both Nevada and California, and in trial in California as expert on construction defects, cause, liability, cost of repair, standard of care, and standard of practice.

Mr. MacGregor’s construction background includes ten years of fieldwork and approximately seven years of design, administrative and technical work. His field experience included involvement of all aspects of residential and commercial construction and remodel work. During this period, Mr. MacGregor developed a comprehensive knowledge of the coordinative aspect of subcontractor scheduling and interface with contractors and developers. This background experience has a direct parallel and organizational relationship to the field of forensic remediation with respect to the logistics of owner-occupied remediation efforts.

Mr. MacGregor’s construction and forensic experience ranges from multi-family residential development and single-family detached tract housing, to high-end custom housing. His commercial experience includes several hotel projects, strip-mall construction and remodel work, involvement with medical office improvements for Kaiser Permanente and an extensive operating room expansion at Western Medical Center in Buena Park, California.

Mr. MacGregor’s design experience includes work with Berryman and Henigar, a southern California design firm that specialized in civil engineering, master planning, freeway, highway and landscape design. During his tenure with this firm, Mr. MacGregor held an administrative position and was involved in the preparation of several design presentations for local high profile public projects. Additionally, Mr. MacGregor developed a comprehensive knowledge of computer system operations, including specialized graphics programs.

Mr. MacGregor has also satisfied all education and work experience requirements for licensure as an Architect in the state of California and is an active and registered candidate for licensure with the California State Board of Architectural Examiners.

Mr. Viau has more than fifteen years of experience in construction systems analysis and construction management. He is a certified building inspector and is licensed as a general contractor with training and experience in mold remediation. His extensive knowledge pertaining to construction methods, practices and protocols has been acquired through his management of a variety of construction projects. This serves Mr. Viau well with respect to the analytical elements of investigations and resolution of issues pertaining to construction defects and/or losses associated with earthquake, fire or flood and job site operations.

As a Construction Specialist for Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc. Mr. Viau conducts investigations and prepares supporting database analyses and detailed repair cost estimates appropriate to the conditions and issues. He performs review and analysis of construction documents, contracts, and conducts existing condition surveys. Mr. Viau is proficient in the development and comparative analysis of design conditions, observed conditions and design intent. His background enables understanding of allegations, the comparison of issues with as built conditions, determination of causal and corrective measures and the skill to develop appropriate repair protocols that are effective and efficient. Mr. Viau has prepared detailed reports providing clarity to the issues or conditions. Mr. Viau has also participated in numerous mediation venues with demonstrated abilities to concisely bring forth technical arguments and demonstratives necessary to settlement discussions.

As an onsite project representative for a number of general contracting and subcontracting firms in southern California, Mr. Viau has been instrumental in project delivery for a variety of residential projects; including single-family tract development, custom single family new construction, commercial buildings and remodeling. Mr. Viau has an extensive background and wealth of experience in earthquake retrofit projects for a variety of building types. He also has specialized knowledge in rough carpentry, finish carpentry, concrete and masonry. Mr. Viau has been involved in all coordinative aspects of client program and implementation; regulatory agency entitlement and code compliance; and subcontractor field coordination.

As a project manager for Alliance Building Inc. Mr. Viau provided construction management services for several projects. In this capacity, he developed and maintained protocols and control documents pertaining to estimate preparation, project budgets, critical path scheduling and advisory reports. He also participated in insurance claim analysis and construction defect litigation support services. Mr. Viau was responsible for development of specialized inspection protocols and reporting documents.

Mr. Viau has further developed project management experience with Fowler Construction Services, Inc. At Fowler, Mr. Viau held a leadership role with the firm and was responsible for general staff resource allocation, project scheduling, support staff training, proposal preparation and project administration. He also spearheaded education and training involving mold remediation and remediation protocol development. Mr. Viau attended numerous onsite inspections, including visual, invasive and destructive testing. He provided building code research and comparative analysis of construction documents and as built conditions. Mr. Viau prepared specialized formats for different types of observation summaries, response documents, and position statements.

Additionally, Mr. Viau is the author of the publication, “New Developments in California Construction Law.”

Mr. Vann has more than nineteen years of background and experience in residential construction technology. He provides Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., with specialized analytical expertise as pertaining to materials and technological advances in building systems. Mr. Vann is a specialist in the fields of building design and systems interface, construction standard of care, and forensic analysis. He provides detailed analyses of design documents, design intent, and the relationships between observed conditions and project parameters. He evaluates details of construction on the basis of applicability and contractibility, and assesses the impacts of written specifications on material performance standards and potential conflict. Mr. Vann develops specialized parameters for the collation and evaluation of field report data in order to assist in the preparation of realistic repair solutions and protocols. He is knowledgeable in building code applications and interpretations. Mr. Vann has an extensive background in all aspects of construction administration, including estimating, scope of work, contracts, purchasing and scheduling. He provides detailed technical reports with appropriate support documentation.

More than ten years of Mr. Vann’s career has been in hands-on training in rough and finish carpentry, and all related trades. As owner of Brian Vann Designs in Cortez, Colorado, he provided the community with design/build services. He specialized in the proper use of technology and energy efficient building materials and strived for long-term sustainability in his building designs and construction. Mr. Vann has prepared and coordinated building design documents and details of construction for many of his projects. He developed an integrated approach to project delivery and is sensitive to the proper relationship of project goals, client priority, and regulatory compliance.

Mr. Vann served as an insurance adjuster, specializing in water infiltration, mold, and catastrophe claims. He is a specialist in determining the underlying cause of building anomalies and deficiencies, and further is an expert at identifying source issues of building performance failure, and the proper recommendation of efficient remediation protocols. As an insurance adjuster, Mr. Vann was not only called upon to draw from his extensive construction experience, but he was also required to provide estimates for repair based on several estimating methods including the use of Xactimate.

As a Project Manager for Living Structures Cooperative in New Mexico, Mr. Vann acquired experience with the installation and performance of complex mechanical systems, and advanced technology in steel and concrete systems. Additionally, Mr. Vann developed an understanding of the benefits of sustainable design, utilizing organic and energy efficient building materials. Further, as owner of Vann Builders, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mr. Vann was involved in all aspects of design and construction, including owner interface and coordination with governing authorities. He has also been involved in construction financing and turnkey operations.

As a construction specialist with more than fifteen years experience, Mr. Suggs provides Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., with a comprehensive knowledge of the means and methods of acceptable construction standards. He has a broad-base background in all phases of residential construction and project delivery methodologies. Mr. Suggs is familiar with the entitlement process, planning and design, construction mobilization, subcontractor coordination, contract administration, jurisdictional coordination and project closeout activities. He has extensive experience regarding the interpretation of design intent, standard of care for construction and contractual obligation.

Prior to his association with Bert L. Howe and Associates, Inc., Mr. Suggs owned and operated a general contracting business for approximately eleven years. Along with new construction, he specialized in residential remodels, renovations and additions. Typically, Mr. Suggs worked under a contractual relationship with building owners, and personally directed and contributed hands-on to the construction effort to the extent required by the scope of work of each individual project. He was involved in the entitlement process, and coordinated with all required public agencies for permit processing, inspection, approval and acceptance. He also worked closely with architectural and engineering consultants with regard to design intent and constructability. When appropriate, Mr. Suggs conducted existing conditions analyses in order to determine the status of underlying conditions, and the effect of the underlying conditions on the proposed scope of work.

Mr. Suggs readily accepted the challenge of renovation and remodel work as pertaining to life cycle evaluation and systems upgrade. He has been involved in residential renovations that included structural upgrades, general code upgrades and new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems installations. He is familiar with construction techniques that were in practice from 1950 and beyond, and is aware of the implications of code and systems upgrades to existing structures.

As a member of the construction consulting staff of Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Suggs applies his construction technology experience to the development of comprehensive cost estimating and related support documentation for construction defect litigation, course of construction issues, fire, flood, earthquake or other causes. Mr. Suggs is involved in onsite investigations, including visual, intrusive and destructive testing protocols. He also provides review and analysis of as-built construction documents in order to determine the design intent and provides comparative evaluations of the observed work in place. Mr. Suggs prepares repair scope protocols that are consistent with the intent of the repair recommendations and the underlying conditions of work in place.

Mr. Suggs evaluates contract documentation to determine the contractual scope of work for all relevant contractors and subcontractors. He utilizes all of the above-referenced protocols to determine allocation percentages of responsibility pertaining to all relevant subcontractors for mediation and settlement purposes.

Mr. Taylor provides extensive research capability and comprehensive analytical reporting with regard to code compliance, the intent of the design documents and interpretive analysis of the execution of work as pertaining to general construction and framing issues. He actively participates in field investigation, issue analysis and reporting. His personal knowledge of construction means and methods, coupled with his experience in project budgets, schedules and delivery systems enhances the issues analysis, repair estimate work product and support documentation.

Mr. Taylor has more than thirty years experience in the field of construction management and administration. His special expertise is in the area of construction estimating. Mr. Taylor has devoted a substantial portion of his construction career experience to construction estimating and has completed specialized technical training in this discipline.

Mr. Taylor has acquired extensive knowledge through personal experience in building construction technology. As a framing contractor, Mr. Taylor has built many buildings, including single family production housing; single family custom; remodels and additions; multi-family apartment buildings; and motels containing up to 250 units. Mr. Taylor has been involved in all aspects of building construction and has practiced the coordinative skills inherent in rough carpentry and framing. He has interpreted the design intent of the approved construction documents, coordinated the architectural aesthetic with the structural and building systems mandates, as well as providing all necessary sub-framing, interior finishes, exterior finishes, and waterproofing components.

Mr. Taylor has a comprehensive working knowledge of both vertical loading and lateral load resisting structural components. He is familiar with load path and has installed shear transfer devices in order to properly address the transference of lateral loads through horizontal diaphragms into vertical framing elements and ultimately into below-grade foundation systems.

As an owner of a framing subcontracting firm, Mr. Taylor has developed an all-inclusive system of project evaluation for the purpose of developing complete and accurate quantity surveys to be utilized in the preparation of bid documents. He has extensive experience in value engineering and has recommended alternate detail solutions for cost-savings compliance to the project program. Mr. Taylor has provided special expertise pertaining to building code compliance issues and has a working knowledge of the code requirements for wood framing structural components.

Mr. Taylor’s construction administration experience in the construction industry has included the development and maintenance of many different types of tracking devices in order to monitor bidding documents, contracts, building material ordering and inventory, and change orders. He has utilized several different types of computer software to prepare quantification surveys, bid documents, etc. He has specialized training in factor analysis for differentiation of material vs. labor costs, prevailing wage rates, crew rate efficiencies and waste allowance factors.

Mr. Cook draws from more than 20 years experience over a broad spectrum of construction, development and rehabilitation of residential projects. These experiences and the training acquired throughout these years serve as a strong basis from which Greg conducts analysis of construction related issues with focus on correlation of defects and causation. Utilizing this expertise, Mr. Cook conducts forensic investigations, develops protocol for intrusive inspections and testing activities and performs analysis to ascertain the parties involved or contributing to the causation.

With more than 20 years field experience and licensed as a General Contractor since 2002 and a Certified I.C.B.O inspector since 2003, Mr. Cook is well qualified to understand the working relationship and standards appropriate to subcontractors, general contractors and developers. In addition to his inspection expertise, Mr. Cook develops and coordinates subcontractor apportionment allocations based on a review of contract terms and the industry standards of care for a variety of specialty trades including electrical, plumbing, concrete and framing. Additionally, Mr. Cook is a certified mold remediation contractor, receiving his certificate in 2004 from Aeroscopic Environmental.

Before joining Bert L. Howe & Associates, Mr. Cook worked in association with JN Construction; a company specializing in refurbishment, additions, remodels and construction of custom homes. Prior to his work at JN Construction, Mr. Cook worked for Pacer Communities, a California homebuilder specializing in large upscale production homes. With Pacer, Mr. Cook managed the entire Customer Care department providing construction repair service for developments to all points spanning from San Diego to Pismo Beach. At the forefront of customer care, while with Pacer, Mr. Cook developed in-depth knowledge of SB 800 regulations and all the protocol and performance criteria necessary to comply with these requirements.

Mr. Cook gained further construction management experience with Concord Executive Services; an HOA management company where he was responsible for developing budgets, scheduling of field personnel, purchasing materials and services and negotiating with a variety of subcontractors. In addition to the aforementioned duties, Mr. Cook was also involved in plan constructability review, preparation of budgets, draw schedules and obtaining all required permits for each proposed project.

From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Cook was extensively involved in building and alteration inspections for Professional Community Management, an HOA management company for Leisure World Laguna Woods. This project consisted of 13,800 units; and Mr. Cook was responsible for interpreting code for the acquisition of reconstruction permits, plan-check and interface with the City of Laguna Woods building officials, familiarity with ADA compliance and the creation of construction reports for the HOA.

Precedent to his inspection, supervisory and management role, Mr. Cook obtained hands on experience working for a variety of construction companies. In 1984, he became an apprentice plumber and member of Local 582. In 1986, Mr. Cook was employed by Davis Brothers Framing where he was trained in all aspects of framing and was promoted to foreman and heavy equipment operator. The methodologies appropriate for window installations, flashing systems, procedures for structural interconnections and standards of practice applicable contemporary framing systems were studied and applied in the course of framing more than 500 production homes and condominiums.

As a construction consultant for Bert L. Howe & Associates, Mr. Miller draws upon his experience and professional training to analyze and develop protocols for identification of appropriate standards by which issues and conditions pertaining construction should be evaluated. His extensive understanding of design, construction methods and practice, project management and costing enables him to develop repair methodology as well as alternative repair scope responsive and appropriate to the issues and conditions in question.

Mr. Miller has nearly 30 years experience in the construction industry working on numerous public and private projects. Along with his hands on experience, he has attained continuing education relative to construction and numerous accreditations from state and county building jurisdictions, accompanied with membership involvement in professional affiliations. Mr. Miller is a published technical author, a Certified Project Manager and has developed expertise over a broad range of construction disciplines with particular focus on specialty trades including framing, flooring, and fenestration. Mr. Miller brings to the field of construction defects and dispute resolution, extensive forensic expertise relating to conditions and standards applicable to a variety of specialties and general construction practices. Mr. Miller participates in all manner of visual, invasive and destructive testing activities and provides protocols for testing and specialized investigative procedures. He is familiar with, develops and coordinates subcontractor apportionment allocations, based on review of contract terms and the industry standard of care. Mr. Miller provides repair scope analyses and cost estimation services for repair and remedial procedures appropriate to the conditions. He has participated in dispute resolution mediations, mandatory settlement conferences and has been deposed and testified as a designated expert witness in construction defect matters.

Since 2005, Mr. Miller has been active within the field of forensic construction analysis. Before joining Bert L. Howe & Associates, Mr. Miller was a senior construction consultant with MC2, having responsibilities including development of repair methods and cost estimating, building code analysis, resolution of contract disputes and mold investigation. In prior experience, Mr. Miller worked for Nautilus General Contractors where his focus was construction forensics and cost estimating, along with project management for their construction division.

Prior to his forensic work, Mr. Miller spent several years providing on site supervision as a project manager. The projects under Mr. Miller’s supervision ranged from custom residential remodels to a $46 million dollar custom home development in Rancho Santa Fe, California for EPAC Development. As a project manager, Mr. Miller developed comprehensive knowledge of schedule criteria, sequencing and construction practice for a variety of trades to ensure the correct and timely completion of his projects. Mr. Miller achieved certification as a Certified Project Manager from the American Academy of Project Management. This same group has also certified Mr. Miller as a Certified International Project Manager.

Mr. Miller’s residential construction experience spans three decades. In 1982, Mr. Miller formed his own company, North-Miller Construction. As the president and senior partner, Mr. Miller was responsible for project development and construction of custom homes in the Denver, Colorado area.

In addition to his residential experience, Charles has extensive experience working on public projects. Mr. Miller worked on behalf of the United States Department of Energy at the EG & G Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Golden, Colorado. On assignment at the facility, Mr. Miller’s classification was that of senior principal project engineer. His projects included nuclear facilities environmental remediation and mitigation. Mr. Miller was also responsible for management and oversight of the facilities capital equipment relocation project. While working at Rocky Flats, Mr. Miller became a published technical author for the Department of Energy and earned certification as a Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Facility Photographer. Mr. Miller also achieved certification as a Project Manager from the Department of Energy.

On behalf of the United States Navy Public Works, Mr. Miller acted as a Facilities Project Engineer for the Region South West Facility in San Diego, California. His specific duties included project management, construction site supervision and facilities condition assessment.

Mr. Chapman has more than twelve years of combined experience as a Civil Engineer and licensed General Contractor, making him well suited to forensic investigation and related studies of construction defect analysis. At Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc., Mr. Chapman is involved in providing comprehensive documentation of existing conditions, as well as detailed analyses related to mechanism of failure and design intent. Mr. Chapman provides analysis of approved construction documents, comparative analysis of existing conditions, code compliance and subcontract terms and conditions. Additionally, Mr. Chapman prepares quantitative analysis, presenting graphic exhibits for mediation, arbitration and trial. He also provides detailed quantification surveys, remedial protocols and repair estimates. Mr. Chapman has qualified as an expert and has testified during depositions and trial.

As a Project Engineer/Project Manager for Brockmeier Consulting Engineers in Santa Monica, the focus of Mr. Chapman’s work was specifically related to public facilities, infrastructure design and construction. He provided coordinative expertise in the master planning of facilities for both local and federal authorities, along with developers. Mr. Chapman implemented the design of raw, potable, storm water and wastewater utility systems. He supervised associate engineering staff with regard to water system hydraulic analysis, sewage system and hydrology studies.

Mr. Chapman was directly involved with several local, state and federal agencies, including; Los Angeles County, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, and various municipalities throughout southern California.

In addition to the traditional areas of civil engineering practices such as sitework, storm drainage, grading, paving, and miscellaneous piping systems, Mr. Chapman was involved in many specialized project types. These unique projects include storm drain facilities, parking lots, aircraft runways, water reservoirs, booster stations, trunk sewer systems, aqueducts, water wells, and underground communications systems. Mr. Chapman led the design team and supervised the construction of approximately one mile of reinforced concrete pipe storm drain system in Hawaiian Gardens for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Flood Control District. He also provided master planning, design, coordination and construction supervision of two reclaimed water irrigation systems including three welded steel reservoirs, three pumping stations and five miles of ductile iron welded steel and plastic pipe water main. Mr. Chapman also prepared the master planning for the re-routing of five miles of sanitary sewer located at the Santa Clara River. This project included phasing of temporary facilities, new ductile iron pipe trunk sewers and sewage lift stations. The scope and magnitude of this project required the interagency coordination of the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, the Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Fish and Game.

Mr. Chapman’s involvement in the projects as described herein typically included staff management, contract administration, design analysis, structural calculations, structure detailing, interagency coordination, budget preparation, bidding documents and construction inspection.

In addition to Mr. Chapman’s involvement in traditional civil engineering practices, he also assumed responsibility for the configuration, development and implementation of a comprehensive Computer Aided Design projects utilizing advanced systems and programs related to the field of civil engineering.

Prior to obtaining his general contracting license from the State of California, Mr. Chapman was active in the construction industry as a journeyman carpenter. Mr. Chapman specialized in framing and finish carpentry of both custom residential projects and light commercial developments. In addition to his supervision of all relevant trades during the construction of various projects, he has also participated in the fabrication, installation and coordination of reinforced concrete, steel construction, masonry, stone veneers of various types, general framing and sheathing, plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, painting and roofing.
As a General Contractor, Mr. Chapman provided supervision, coordination and contract administration services for his clients. He was directly involved in interagency jurisdictional processing and approvals and coordinated closely with the related architectural and engineering professional consultants for each project.

Mr. Chapman supervised framing crews during the construction of several custom single family homes located in the coastal communities of Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach and Bear Brand Ranch. These homes typically ranged in size from 3,000 to 20,000 square feet and ranged in construction cost from one to five million dollars.

As a roofing and waterproofing specialist with more than sixteen years experience, Mr. Heidelberger provides Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc. with specialized expertise regarding water intrusion mechanisms of failure and overall roofing standard of care analysis. He is experienced in all types of roof covering materials, including tile, slate, metal and mineral composites. Mr. Heidelberger has a thorough knowledge and understanding of built-up roofing systems technologies. He provides detailed protocols for visual, intrusive and destructive testing activities and supervises test cut and procedural methodologies.

Mr. Heidelberger has a comprehensive knowledge of sheet metal applications and interfaces in all types of roofing applications. He is familiar with roof system hydrology and flow characteristics of transitional water planes, as well as proper utilization of water collection and distribution devices. Mr. Heidelberger is qualified to assess and specify proper sheet membrane systems and related building component interfaces. He is knowledgeable with regard to minimum code compliance standards, N.R.C.A. minimum standards, and S.M.A.C.N.A. sheet metal performance criteria. Mr. Heidelberger has contributed to several alternative dispute resolution venues and provided expert testimony in deposition.

Mr. Heidelberger owned and operated a roofing contracting business for approximately eight years. He specialized in roofing evaluation analysis, service life assessment, roofing systems retrofit, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Mr. Heidelberger has extensive experience in estimating roofing costs, including collateral damage repairs and associated considerations. In addition to the day-to-day management of the roofing business, he directed marketing strategies and coordinated closely with his clientele. Mr. Heidelberger is knowledgeable with regard to building code interpretation and worked closely with building officials during construction of the projects he was involved in.

Mr. Heidelberger’s experience with waterproofing extends from decks and balconies to below grade conditions. Mr. Heidelberger is experienced in water intrusion investigation, and has participated in a myriad of intrusive testing evaluations.

In addition to his roofing and waterproofing background, Mr. Heidelberger has extensive knowledge of heavy equipment utilization in a variety of applications. He is familiar with operational and logistical considerations of equipment mobilizations, maintenance schedules and other construction management-related activities for on-site, off-site, and public improvement projects and infrastructure.

Mr. Heidelberger has extensive experience in estimating and cost analysis of in-place work, retro-fit work and new construction. He has developed specialized databases for evaluation of cost impacts for various repair scenarios. Mr. Heidelberger is experienced in forensic analysis and evaluation of remedial options. He is instrumental in recommending and specifying repair protocols that maximize efficiency of in-place building components, as well as the cogent implementation of new systems and technologies for improved building performance and life-cycle preservation.

Mr. Hughes’ work experience provides unique qualifications for his duties at Bert L. Howe & Associates, Inc. He is actively involved in a variety of construction related assignments and has testified during deposition in matters of general construction and roofing/waterproofing issues. He provides quantified documentation of existing conditions; analysis of contract documents and defect allegations; coordinates repair scope protocol; and prepares cost estimate scope with associative backup documentation.

Mr. Hughes has a diverse construction background spanning more than twenty years. He has a comprehensive knowledge of all facets of residential and commercial construction, with specialties in roofing, electrical and electronic building systems controls.

As a working superintendent for the J. A. Fowlie Company, Inc., Mr. Hughes was involved with numerous applications of built-up, tile, and composite shingle roofing systems. While at Fowlie, Mr. Hughes’ responsibilities included the installation of various roofing applications to custom homes, apartments, condominiums and commercial buildings. Additionally, Mr. Hughes was a Construction Manager for RKT Real Estate Management. Along with estimating proposed reconstructions, Mr. Hughes supervised the re-roofing of multi-family projects for RKT. As a roofing expert, Mr. Hughes has directed and conducted destructive testing on roofs, writing testing protocols and acquiring field data.

Mr. Hughes was a Construction Manager with the Glendale Medical Center in Glendale, California. Mr. Hughes managed a staff of specialists with diverse construction disciplines. His duties required specific knowledge of electrical systems, installation of new roofing applications, repair of various roofing applications, drywall, HVAC systems, carpentry, plumbing, painting, plaster finishes, hard surface flooring, acoustics, acoustical ceiling grid systems, etc. Mr. Hughes also developed budgets, provided estimates and was involved with contract administration and supervision of subcontractors.

Mr. Hughes also has construction experience as an electrician and in that position, has supervised and installed electrical systems and equipment for a variety of project types. He has installed below-grade electrical distribution; power feed panels; sub-panels; switchgear; pools; spas; lighting and power circuit feeds; power, relays and disconnects for HVAC and other equipment. In addition to the normal duties and responsibilities of a qualified field electrician, Mr. Hughes has provided inspection services, interpretation of design drawings, repairs, upgrades, bidding, negotiation and contract administration.

Mr. Hughes has experience as a construction supervisor for a construction and maintenance firm in Santa Clarita, California and a more traditional construction firm in Tustin, California. He supervised construction specialists for a variety of residential and commercial projects. During this period, Mr. Hughes held a leadership role in the construction management aspects of the firm and was responsible for staffing, job costing, scheduling, project reporting, jurisdictional and subcontractor coordination, and client interface. Mr. Hughes was also active in several projects that required demolition of all or part of existing structures. Mr. Hughes was responsible for demolition coordination, including location, protection and disconnect of all utilities; pre-construction coordination; and interagency inspection and approval.

As a re-construction superintendent, he supervised forces of up to sixty personnel in large multi and single unit construction defect repair projects. The specialized nature of remediation services mandates unique protocols for budgeting, job-cost tracking, scheduling, inspection and documentation of repair methodology. Mr. Hughes has the specialized experience pertaining to the administrative aspects of cost, specialized repair scope, documentation, reporting and coordination inherent in this type of construction activity.