Graduate Forensics Architect - Diagnostics

Walter P Moore•Houston, TX

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

Walter P Moore is seeking a Graduate Forensics Architect to investigate building failures, defects, performance problems, and accessibility issues and translate findings into clear, defensible conclusions. The role assesses building envelopes, structures, and systems to identify issues and recommend practical remedies. Its work supports owners, insurers, contractors, design teams, and legal counsel in construction defect disputes, insurance claims, and repair projects. This position is suited to an architect with a master’s degree or higher who is on track to achieve professional licensure and is interested in investigative work, technical rigor, code analysis, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The role works with multidisciplinary teams under others’ direction to advance project goals and client needs. Walter P Moore describes itself as a hybrid firm, combining in-office and home-office work; candidates must be able to commute to or periodically travel to the affiliated office.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering.
At least 2 years of professional experience, including architectural design, building enclosure design, and/or forensic investigation.
Eligibility for future architectural licensure.
Strong knowledge of building science, including moisture transport, thermal performance, air barriers, flashing, roofing, cladding, glazing, and waterproofing systems.
Working knowledge of the International Building Code, local codes, ADA/accessibility standards, and relevant ASTM, AAMA, and industry standards.
Excellent technical writing, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to travel and work on roofs, in crawl spaces, and in other challenging field conditions, with appropriate safety training.
Ability to commute to or periodically travel to the affiliated office.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Revit or AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and report-production tools.
Experience with a range of building types, such as multifamily, commercial, institutional, and historic structures.
Experience with infrared thermography, moisture meters, borescopes, drone surveys, or similar diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

Conduct field investigations of buildings and components, including water intrusion, envelope failures, moisture and mold, cracking, settlement, fire and storm damage, and code or accessibility deficiencies.
Perform visual surveys, non-destructive testing, and invasive testing such as test cuts, borings, and water testing; coordinate with specialty labs and consultants.
Review design documents, specifications, shop drawings, RFIs, inspection records, maintenance logs, and project correspondence to assess design and construction conduct against applicable codes and standards of care.
Determine root causes and contributing factors, distinguishing design, construction, material, maintenance, and weather-related issues.
Develop repair concepts, scopes of work, and cost-of-repair opinions in coordination with engineers, contractors, and estimators.
Prepare clear, well-organized investigation reports, photo documentation, and diagrams.