Forensic Architectural & Building Sciences Consultant

Building Envelope Consultant

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Building Envelope Consultant to perform evaluations, assessments, testing, quality assurance observations, and consulting services for commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family buildings. The successful candidate will have experience with roofing, waterproofing, exterior wall systems, and building envelope assemblies and will provide technically sound recommendations to Clients while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

This position includes field evaluations, report preparation, project management, construction observation, Client interaction, and coordination with Owners, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Manufacturers.

Primary Responsibilities

·        Perform comprehensive visual evaluations of commercial roofing systems and waterproofing systems.

·        Evaluate low-slope and steep slope roofing systems.

·        Evaluate below-grade waterproofing, plaza decks, balconies, parking decks, and traffic coatings.

·        Evaluate exterior wall systems, curtain walls, storefronts, windows, glazing, masonry, stucco, EIFS, precast, cast-in-place concrete and metal panels.

·        Evaluate expansion joints and sealant systems.

·        Perform moisture investigations, infrared surveys (when applicable), and electronic leak detection.

·        Document deficiencies and prepare repair recommendations.

Property Condition Assessments

·        Perform ASTM-compliant commercial PCAs.

·        Evaluate roofing systems and building envelope systems.

·        Estimate remaining useful life and capital reserve needs.

·        Prepare repair budgets and document immediate safety concerns.

Construction Observation & QA/QC

·        Observe roofing and waterproofing installations.

·        Verify Contractor compliance with contract documents.

·        Review and comment on shop drawings and submittals.

·        Verify material storage, substrate preparation, flashings, membranes, insulation, drainage, expansion joints, and sealants.

·        Prepare daily reports, caption photographs and IR images, and deficiency logs.

Technical Reporting

·        Prepare professional reports, executive summaries, repair specifications, scopes of work, budget estimates, proposal reviews, and warranty reviews.

Client Management

·        Meet with Clients and present findings.

·        Coordinate with Contractors, Architects, Engineers, and Manufacturers.

·        Develop long-term Client relationships.

Required Qualifications

·        Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Building Science, or related field preferred but not required.

·        Minimum 5 years of commercial building envelope experience.

·        Strong knowledge of roofing, waterproofing, exterior wall systems, and moisture management.

·        Ability to read drawings and specifications.

·        Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

·        Commercial roofing (TPO, PVC, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, BUR, Metal, Vegetative).

·        Waterproofing, air/vapor barriers, sealants, masonry and concrete restoration.

·        Parking structures, through-wall flashings, curtain walls, glazing.

·        Infrared surveys, electronic leak detection, drone inspections.

·        Property Condition Assessments, insurance investigations, forensic consulting, litigation support.

Preferred Certifications

·        PE, RA, RRC, RRO, RWC, REWC, IIBEC certifications, FAA Part 107, OSHA 30, NICET, Level 1Thermographer.

Physical Requirements

·        Climb ladders, walk roofs, lift up to 50 lbs, work outdoors, travel including occasional overnight trips.

Software Experience

·        Microsoft Office, Bluebeam Revu, AutoCAD, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, DroneDeploy, PlanGrid, reporting and project management software.

What We Offer

·        Competitive salary, bonuses, insurance, 401(k), paid time off, professional development, certification reimbursement, advancement opportunities.

Ideal Candidate

·        Technically strong Consultant with excellent communication, report writing, and Client management skills committed to delivering objective, defensible recommendations.

Hixson Consultants offers Waterproofing, Glass, Glazing and Roofing Consulting Services Nationwide.