Diagnosing Building Failures: A Forensic Approach to Dispute Resolution
Join SOCOTEC for an expert-led webinar, Diagnosing Building Failures: A Forensic Approach to Dispute Resolution, where we examine how technical shortcomings, documentation gaps, and project decisions can evolve into complex claims and disputes.
This session takes a practical, real-world approach to forensic investigation—focusing not just on what failed, but why, and how those failures are identified, analyzed, and resolved.
Through a structured review of project records, data analysis, and stakeholder interviews, our presenters will walk through the critical steps required to diagnose building issues effectively. Attendees will gain insight into the types of documents to collect, key project data to evaluate, and common points where breakdowns occur across design, construction, and post-construction phases. The discussion will also highlight strategies to mitigate risk, improve project outcomes, and strengthen defensibility in the event of a dispute.
Led by senior experts with decades of experience in architectural practice and dispute resolution, this webinar draws on deep expertise in building science, forensic investigations, construction defect analysis, and expert witness testimony—offering valuable perspective for insurance carriers, owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and legal professionals navigating today’s complex built environment.
Objectives
What You'll Learn
Identify the stages of evaluating damage claims.
Learn how forensic investigations can determine the root cause of a problem - Gain insight into the methodologies used by experts, including field inspections, moisture mapping, and document analysis.
Understand how design and construction failures translate into disputes and claims - Explore how defects, damages, deficiencies, and responsibilities are assessed in the context of claims and litigation.
Identify the impact of design, construction, and maintenance on building failures - Understand how failing to meet the standard of care, such as omissions in design documents, inadequate coordination, faulty construction practices, and deferred maintenance, contribute to building failures.
Explore several claims and discuss various points of their success or failure.
Identify the stages of evaluating damage claims.
Learn how forensic investigations can determine the root cause of a problem - Gain insight into the methodologies used by experts, including field inspections, moisture mapping, and document analysis.
Understand how design and construction failures translate into disputes and claims - Explore how defects, damages, deficiencies, and responsibilities are assessed in the context of claims and litigation.
Identify the impact of design, construction, and maintenance on building failures - Understand how failing to meet the standard of care, such as omissions in design documents, inadequate coordination, faulty construction practices, and deferred maintenance, contribute to building failures.
Explore several claims and discuss various points of their success or failure.
Who Benefits
- Insurance carriers
- Building owners
- Developers
- Architects
- Engineers
- Contractors
- Legal professionals
About the Speakers
Robert W. Burnham – Senior Managing Director
Robert Burnham is a licensed architect with over 40 years of technical, managerial, and executive experience, leading the design and inspection of building projects nationwide. His work spans commercial, healthcare, educational, retail, residential, and industrial sectors, with expertise across all phases of architectural consulting—from due diligence and feasibility studies to design, permitting, contract administration, and post-construction inspections.
He is actively engaged in advancing the profession through leadership roles with the Texas Society of Architects and the AIA Houston Chapter, where he chaired the Intern Development Program. A dedicated mentor since 1985, he also supports students through ACE Mentoring of Houston. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University.
John Bolig – Senior Consultant
John Boligis is a seasoned professional with 26+ years of experience in architectural design, construction administration, and building science. He has managed projects across commercial, educational, healthcare, and mixed-use sectors, with expertise in design standardization, quality assurance, and resolving complex on-site technical issues.
He has also served as an expert witness in construction-related cases and is an active mentor to emerging professionals, promoting high standards in project delivery. As a senior project manager, he has led technical teams, supported regional growth, and overseen risk assessments and constructability reviews, most recently with RDH Building Science and Rimkus. A LEED Accredited Professional and NCARB-certified architect, he holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.
