HKA is a global leader in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and expert witness services. We tackle complex challenges with our multi-disciplinary expertise.

As trusted consultants and advisors, we deliver solutions in uncertain and disputed situations, ensuring the best outcomes for clients worldwide. Our experts have testified globally on major cases spanning across a wide range of industries and sectors.

As part of the HKA team you can expect:

• A strong collaborative culture with a mutual pursuit of your success alongside the success of our teams.

• The opportunity to solve problems creatively, contribute to our innovative direction, and be valued as an individual

• The ability to leverage HKA’s strong network and presence in various industries and reputation for exceptional expert witnesses to accelerate career development and connections.

The Opportunity:

HKA is seeking a senior Forensic Architect to support construction defect litigation, claims, and dispute matters across the United States. This role focuses on independent evaluation of architectural design, building envelope performance, and code compliance within adversarial legal settings.

You will work closely with attorneys, insurers, and owners to develop expert opinions and provide testimony on complex building issues. This position offers the opportunity to focus on forensic consulting and expert witness work while building a reputation as a trusted architectural expert in disputed matters

Responsibilities:

Forensic & Litigation Consulting

• Lead forensic investigations involving architectural issues, building envelope failures, moisture intrusion, code compliance, life-safety considerations (as applicable), and design/construction standard-of-care disputes.

• Conduct site inspections and evidence collection, including condition surveys, photo documentation, selective exploratory openings/destructive testing coordination (as required), and tracking of observed deficiencies.

• Determine cause, origin, extent, and contributing factors, including evaluation of design intent, detailing, material selection, construction practices, quality control, commissioning/closeout documentation, and maintenance history.

• Prepare independent, litigation-ready expert reports (and supporting exhibits) for arbitration, mediation, and court proceedings, addressing causation, standard of care, and responsibility.

• Provide expert witness testimony in depositions, arbitration, and/or court, including testimony under cross-examination.

• Collaborate with attorneys, insurers, owners, contractors, and other experts (architectural, structural, MEP, materials) to develop coordinated opinions and respond to opposing expert positions (including rebuttal reports as needed).

• Support dispute strategy by clearly communicating technical findings, identifying evidentiary gaps, and preparing for expert meetings, joint statements, mediations, and hearings.

• Advise clients on remediation options, risk mitigation, and repair program strategy, including constructability and sequencing considerations.

Architectural / Building Envelope Expertise

• Review and analyze drawings, specifications, details, addenda, RFIs, submittals/shop drawings, change documentation, field reports, punch lists, and closeout materials to assess design intent and execution.

• Evaluate compliance with applicable building codes and standards (e.g., IBC/NBC and applicable provincial/state amendments), as well as relevant industry standards and manufacturer requirements (e.g., ASTM as applicable).

• Assess building envelope system performance across common assemblies (e.g., curtain wall/window systems, masonry, cladding, roofing, waterproofing, air/vapor barriers, balconies/terraces), including interface conditions and continuity of critical control layers.

• Perform or direct technical analyses such as water intrusion pathway assessment, hygrothermal/moisture evaluation (as applicable), detailing reviews, and coordination of laboratory or field testing when required.

• Develop technically sound repair and mitigation recommendations, including prioritization of corrective actions, durability considerations, and quality assurance measures for remediation work.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Professional degree in Architecture.

• Minimum 1+ year of experience serving as an Expert Witness, with formal testimony provided in depositions, arbitration, and/or court proceedings.

• Licensed Architect RA in the U.S.

• 10+ years of architectural practice, including design, construction administration, and forensic or dispute-related consulting.

• Experience with building envelope systems, code compliance, and standard-of-care evaluations.

• Strong client delivery, communication, and relationship management skills.

• Experience supporting business development activities, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and industry engagement.

What we offer:

At HKA we recognize that our people are critical to our ongoing success. Our priority is to provide an inclusive and collaborative culture aimed at providing the best opportunities for our people to thrive and develop in their chosen career path.

Our Global Recruitment team is committed to providing an authentic candidate experience for all those who take the time to apply to HKA. We are committed to providing an efficient and insightful recruitment process giving candidates a true reflection of life at HKA. 

Fairness and Equality at HKA:

HKA works hard to provide a welcoming environment for all of our employees. We are committed as a business on the continued improvement of our fairness and equality strategy. Please visit our careers page for further information or feel free to ask our recruitment team for further information.

All HKA employment decisions shall be made in accordance with controlling laws and based on merit.

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