Architect Expert Forum

04/19/2024

Shop drawings should not be used as a last chance to change your design. Follow the well-established process for modifying your design.

03/04/2024

https://humanrights.ca/about/Winn Wittman Architecture

The Museum’s architecture is an important part of the visitor experience. Architect Antoine Predock embedded human rights symbolism everywhere, weaving a tapestry of shadow and sunshine with glass, rock and steel.

06/06/2023

We too often downplay the importance of continuing education. Could it be because it is mandatory for licensure and membership in AIA and therefore made to seem perfunctory or even punitive?

I’d rather see it as enlightening or even entertaining.

02/05/2021

When working on a case I typically look at it from two different perspectives. First, from the general to the specific. Then from the specific to the general. What's the overarching claim all about? Then, I ask what specific actions were taken? What actions did someone fail to take.

Then I begin an iterative process to prioritize the most pertinent issues and draw some worthwhile conclusions based on recognized standards in the industry. I can only formulate my opinions based on documented evidence.

Documentation usually starts with a Claim by a Plaintiff outlining their basis for a lawsuit. Then an investigation of documents available begins, often leading to a request for more documentation. Project files, the building department file, the drawings and specifications, payment applications and budgets, schedules, and change orders, for example. Gathering this information can sometimes be a challenge as record keeping practices and project management styles vary widely from office to office.

I often think that some would be better served if they had just thrown a copy of every piece of paper that comes in or leaves their hands into a cardboard box, like Oscar Madison doing his taxes.

02/03/2021

432 Park, one of the wealthiest addresses in the world, faces some significant design problems, and other luxury high-rises may share its fate.

07/09/2020

When reviewing 10's of thousands of documents related to an expert case, it is sometimes difficult to keep from getting bogged down with the melodramatic aspects of the personal relationships between the parties involved.

Just keep reminding yourself, "This has nothing to do with the facts of the case." Filters.

05/15/2020

Rhetorical question of the day: Does an architect has an obligation to define the project delivery method before the drawings are submitted for permits?

02/16/2020

Oops!

A judge has ordered that the city revoke the building permit for 200 Amsterdam Avenue.

01/23/2020

I have my own opinion. But it’s time for you all to share.

What aspect of the design / construction administration process do you feel is the most problematic in terms of liability exposure?

No need to go into specifics. Just a few words should do it.

01/17/2020

We’ve moved to a “group” instead of this “fan page”. “The Architect Expert Academy” is a private group. If you want to join the conversation and aren’t there already, send me an IM and I’ll invite you. David DelVecchio