Construction and Architectural Expert Glass, Windows, Curtain Wall Glass, Sealants and Architectural Products

Expertise

• Specialist in windows, glass, mirrors, curtain walls, entrances, skylights, panel systems, louvers, window films, sealants and similar architectural products.
• Over 30 years' experience in construction materials, particularly window systems, curtain walls and skylights.
• Consulting experience includes laboratory and field testing, forensic investigations, insurance claims and expert work on window systems.
• Expert work related to component use and performance to window systems and personal injury arising out of such products, including injuries from glass breakage and detachment.
• Investigates insurance claims and disputes involving leakage in the building envelope, failure of building envelope components such as glass breakage, leaks and sealant failure.
• Skilled at determining codes and standards most applicable to a given matter, address with authority industry practices not necessarily published.
• Responsible for original aluminum extrusion designs used on custom projects to meet unique project specifications.
• Commercial buildings, schools, universities, hospitals, power plants, penal institutions, factories, multi-family, and historic renovation, including the renowned Field Museum of Natural History.
• Directly involved with the performance of hundreds of construction projects covering the full range of buildings from single family to 57 story high-rises, totaling millions of square feet of installed products.
• Substantial knowledge about industry practices and manufacturing processes gained by visiting over 30 window glass and architectural product factories around the U.S. and China.
• Authored and illustrated installation manuals for selected projects, and taught training courses for installers specific to field quality control.

Experience

• Product defect matter in which plaintiff contends defendant provided defective insulated glass units. Expert work includes document review, site investigation, and expert opinion.
• In single family construction defect matter, expert work consisted of confirming and asserting plaintiff's claims via written report and jury trial testimony. Plaintiff prevailed with award of costs and punitive damages.
• Engage by the defense, plaintiff claimed defendant diverted business from plaintiff's company to his own. Expert work included forensic disassembly and comparison of hardware parts. Matter settled prior to trial.
• Plaintiff injured by mirror that fell from the wall. Expert work included review of depositions, site visit to determine mirror attachment method, forensic breakage of a sampling of mirrors and videotaped report.
• Personal injury matter in which plaintiff was injured when glass fell from partition in an amusement venue. Expert work includes deposition review, forensic site investigation, and expert opinion.
• Personal injury matter in which a woman was injured by breakage of storefront glass. Expert work included site investigation and preliminary opinion.
• Wrongful death and negligence matter in which daughter of plaintiff fell through glass of hotel room window. Expert work includes forensic site visit, code review, and expert opinion.

Consulting - Non Litigation

• Northwestern University, Evanston, IL: Consultation, bid documents, supervision of retrofit of metalized film on windows of student union building.
• Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN: Forensic site observation and opinion regarding signage film used on glass and coincident glass breakage.
• Kremer Residence, Oakbrook, IL: Site investigation, expert report and dispute mediation on behalf of homeowner after contractors damaged the house's reflective glass. Involvement in subsequent matter involving premature stucco deterioration.
• Newburne, Nova Scotia, Canada: Site investigation, field testing and illustrated documentation of leaking vinyl windows.
• Caliper Studios, Brooklyn, NY: Provided shop drawing review and design recommendations for new custom steel skylight.
• Six Flat Condominiums, Chicago, IL: Leak investigation, field testing, document review, repair proposal, site review of in-progress work and prove-out testing of repaired work for leaking masonry wall construction.
• The Classics at the Riviera Condominiums, Ottowa, ON, Canada: Site investigation, industry study and opinion regarding spontaneous glass breakage at balcony enclosures.
• University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE: Field testing for air infiltration and water penetration, consultation, shop drawing review.
• Hudson Tea Condominiums, Hoboken NJ: Assist engineering firm in forensic disassembly and testing of problematic window wall system.
• Federal Courthouse, Minneapolis, MN: Investigation and opinion regarding gasket disengagement in large curtain wall.

Undisclosed Corporations, Consultant, Principal, 1978 - Present

• Owner and Executive Vice President of numerous companies servicing exterior construction, architectural products, and construction of building projects ranging from single family homes to high-rises.

Honors & Publications

Credentials

• Building Analyst Professional - BPI
• Building Envelope Professional - BPI
• PPG Curtain wall Design and Installation
• Architectural Testing: Testing for
• Architectural Applications

Academic and Professional Affiliations

• American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM)
• Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI)
• National Glass Association (NGA)

Publications

• Accomplished author and speaker, having published over 50 trade articles and having spoken at numerous industry events developing into a nationally recognized authority offering in-depth information about aspects of the trade experience and expertise.

Education

• M.S. Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
• M.S.W. Social Work, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
• B.A. Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL