Forensic Architect & Expert Witness Consultant

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

If the code’s in doubt, I’ll sort it out. I am a licensed architect in California, Texas, and Louisiana. I design buildings and have been designated as an expert in litigation, providing forensic architectural consulting and expert witness services. I investigate buildings when they fail from water intrusion, roof collapse, construction defects, overlooked details, and decisions hidden in the walls waiting for gravity to finish the job. I have practiced architecture for over thirty years, laying the foundation of my forensic work. Because I have designed the systems in question, I can explain building issues clearly to non-experts. Additional information: https://architectadamfrench.com Construction Defect: I am retained in construction defect disputes involving design, detailing, and construction. Architectural issues commonly evaluated include building envelope performance and water intrusion, roofing and drainage systems, exterior wall assemblies, balconies, decks, window and door installations, fire-resistance-rated construction, means of egress, and accessibility conditions. These matters frequently involve review of drawings and specifications, approved plans, RFIs, submittals, field changes, as-built conditions, and applicable code provisions and industry standards. Premises Liability: In premises liability and injury matters, I evaluate architectural and site conditions as they existed at the time of the incident. Issues commonly reviewed include walking surfaces and changes in level, stairs and ramps, handrails and guardrails, lighting and visibility, entries and thresholds, and paths of travel. These assignments often require reconstruction of conditions using photographs, video, measurements, and available records, followed by comparison to the codes, standards, and customary practices applicable at the time. Property Damage: I investigate property damage claims where observed damage raises questions regarding building performance. Examples include wind-driven rain and storm impacts, roof distress or localized collapse, progressive moisture intrusion, and interior finish damage associated with water or fire events. Evaluations address contributing architectural mechanisms, the extent of observed damage, and the technical basis for conceptual repair approaches within architectural scope. Zoning & Neighborhood Compliance Opinions: I provide architectural opinions regarding zoning and community guideline compliance for proposed projects. This includes review of setbacks, height limits, and applicable municipal code requirements, as well as evaluation of nonconforming conditions. My work is used by property owners, attorneys, and other professionals to understand whether proposed or constructed projects align with local zoning regulations and neighborhood standards, often in pre-litigation or dispute-resolution contexts. Professional Credentials: My practice is led by a licensed architect with over thirty years of professional experience spanning architectural design, project leadership, and forensic investigation. I hold architectural licensure and national certification. I held roles involving responsibility for design coordination, code compliance, consultant oversight, and construction administration. This background provides a decision-maker’s perspective that is directly applicable to forensic evaluation and causation analysis. Professional credibility relies not just on qualifications, but also on practical experience and sound judgment developed through practice and resolving disputes in real-world settings. My practice draws on a substantial body of past forensic cases that demonstrate the ability to analyze complex building conditions, communicate findings clearly, and maintain objectivity under adversarial review. This combination of formal qualifications and demonstrated forensic experience forms the foundation of my expert role.