Consulting & Reporting
The field of design and construction of buildings and golf courses, involves a myriad of disciplines and complex interactions. The knowledge of codes, contracts, construction techniques, cost control, industry standards and safety factors can only be gained through a concentrated effort in continuing education and direct experience.
Professional consulting can set the stage for resolving a conflict or responding to another party’s action. Well written reports can frame the issues of a dispute and clarify the risks and parameters of proceeding with a case.
Exposure to the legal system can help a consultant maintain the appropriate position as an Expert Witness to objectively allow the attorney to act as her client’s advocate. Michael Johnstone AIA has been involved in several cases, starting in 1992, while simultaneously actively participating in the design and construction world.
Site Surveys & Digital Photography
Surveys of an accident or construction dispute site can provide the empirical data necessary to substantiate or refute witness statements. Code violations and existing conditions can be quantified and properly demonstrated visually.
Digital photography allows for incremental updates of an inquiry and is instantly transferable. The impact of photos directly next to the text describing a scene can help make a report memorable and compelling.
Graphic Presentation
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a powerful tool for preparing clear and legible exhibits, which can forcefully tell a story. In addition to well designed two dimensional graphics, a virtual walk- through can allow the participants to experience a scene from all angles and from almost any venue.
Construction & Replacement Cost Estimating
Similar to real estate appraising, construction cost estimating involves analyzing the project from several points of view and applying experience to arrive at the best solution. A quantity survey breaks a building down to its most basic elements. Current material costs are applied and a labor factor is added. The second method involves square footage cost comparisons, based on similar project cost tables. The costs so generated are then discussed with active contractors and engineers, providing real time opinions of the projected investments.
Replacement cost estimating adds the factors of time and ever evolving building codes. The replacement cost can either be for the investment made at the time of construction with an adjustment for inflation; or the cost may be to replace the structure, including today’s building code requirements stated in current dollars.
Depositions & Court Testimony
As the case or dispute progresses more and more information is gathered. The deposition provides the arena for sworn statements from witnesses and consultants to assist in the painting of the true events and conditions of the dispute.
Court testimony has the advantage of the presence of a judge to direct the course of events. An experienced consultant understands his/her role in providing clear objective answers to the attorney’s inquiries.
