Director, Forensic Architecture

HKA•United States, Americas

1d•$190,000 - $225,000

About The Position

HKA is seeking an experienced Director, Forensic Architecture to lead complex forensic engineering client projects and provide consulting and testimony on construction and architectural disputes across the United States. The role leads forensic investigations, develops and defends independent expert opinions, and works directly with attorneys and clients throughout litigation, arbitration, and trial. The Director also builds client relationships and contributes to the growth of HKA’s forensic architecture practice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Architecture.
Active U.S. Registered Architect (RA) license.
Significant experience in forensic architecture, construction disputes, and litigation consulting, including leading investigations and developing independent expert opinions.
Expert witness experience, including live testimony in at least one court trial within the past four years. Deposition testimony, expert reports, trial preparation, or designation as an expert without trial testimony do not satisfy this requirement.
Experience investigating construction defects, building envelope failures, water intrusion, code compliance, and architectural standard-of-care matters.
Experience working directly with attorneys and clients on complex litigation and dispute matters.
Experience developing client relationships and contributing to business development.

Responsibilities

Serve as an architectural expert witness in litigation, arbitration, and other dispute proceedings.
Lead forensic investigations involving construction defects, architectural design, building envelope failures, water intrusion, code compliance, and standard-of-care issues.
Analyze project documents, site conditions, testing, and other evidence to determine causation, extent, and responsibility.
Develop independent expert opinions and prepare clear, defensible expert reports, rebuttals, and exhibits.
Provide and defend expert testimony in depositions, arbitration, and trial, including under cross-examination.
Work directly with attorneys, clients, and other experts on technical case issues, dispute strategy, and opposing expert opinions.
Conduct and direct site inspections, evidence collection, testing, and other technical investigations.
Evaluate repair and remediation approaches where relevant to the dispute.
Build client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of HKA’s forensic architecture practice.