Senior Forensic Architect

Company Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a global $150M professional services firm that offers integrated forensic consulting, expert witness services, construction project advisory, and compliance and regulatory consulting to a myriad of markets and industries. Our brand purpose is to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do, continuously learn, and take pride in your work.

Our Forensic team is a collaborative group of architects, engineers, fire investigators, and building consultants who provide expert analysis for clients including insurance firms, law firms, developers, and property owners. We work on complex projects involving property damage, construction defects, and design errors, with a strong pipeline of challenging assignments across industries.

Why join our Forensic team?

• Growing department with approachable leadership and opportunities for advancement
• Structured career development programs and career paths
• Opportunities for direct client and team interaction 
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and industries to enhance your portfolio
• Strong project pipeline and a healthy backlog of work

Job Description

Our Forensic Architect team provides expert consulting to a wide range of claims that include building envelope investigation, architect standard of care analysis, premises liability, building code analysis, analysis of code and specifications, infrared thermography survey, and fire-resistant construction analysis. These activities will generally be performed for insurance property claims, construction defect litigation matters, and property condition assessments. Forensic Architects work alongside structural engineers and enjoy variety in their work, a combination of field and office work, and feel pride in helping to resolve our client's issues.

Operations:

• Conduct forensic field inspections into the cause and origin of incidents related to residential and commercial property damage claims and/or construction or design defect claims (litigation)
• Research compliance with building codes and review construction and project plan documents
• Develop expert investigative reports with detailed findings and plans for remediation for senior management review and client presentation
• Provide expert witness testimony for litigation cases
• Develop detailed plans and estimates for remediation of loss: scope, schedule, budget
• Support other departments as needed

Business Development, Leadership, Management

• Participate in business development activities and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region
• Responsible for managing and leading the execution of any new accounts and supporting the retaining and expansion of existing engagements to achieve sales goals 
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals (and incorporating consideration of individual revenue targets) as set forth by company leadership
• Travel throughout region to support client, employee, and leadership needs. 
• Lead and manage in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation to Director of any client, team member or operational challenges

Qualifications

• BS degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Building Services
• Registered Architect (RA), preferably in multiple states
• 7+ years of professional experience in the design, inspection, and construction of residential and commercial structures required, prior forensics experience required.
• Strong knowledge of the residential (IRC), commercial (IBC) and existing (IEBC) I-codes
• Proficiency with office software applications (MS Office: Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• Prior experience with property damage claim investigations and in supporting litigation matters such as depositions, trial testimony, or mediation is preferred
• Strong customer service orientation
• Excellent verbal and written (technical writing) communication skills in English
• Ability to carry and operate a 24-foot extension ladder unassisted, walk on elevated and slope surfaces and work in confined spaces
• Travel to client sites is required for this role

Additional Information

The annualized salary range for this role is $160,000 to $200,000. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

VERTEX offers a solid total compensation package including base salary and discretionary bonus plan. We also offer a robust benefits package including, healthcare (with multiple plan options) and dental; Company-paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and