Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural & Forensic Services Partner in Walnut Creek
Established in 1988, we are a dedicated architectural firm specializing in construction-based litigation consulting and comprehensive design services. Our team comprises architects, engineers, and construction professionals with decades of collective experience, licensed in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Hawaii. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized solutions tailored to our clients' unique needs, combining technical expertise with clear communication to resolve complex building challenges. Our expertise spans forensic investigations, litigation support, and architectural design, serving developers, owners, contractors, and insurers across diverse project types. With a low employee turnover and a focus on consistency, we maintain a reputation for technical insight and reliable service delivery.Our branch offices in Walnut Creek and San Jose allow us to serve clients throughout Northern California and beyond. We approach every project with a commitment to demystifying complex issues and fostering successful outcomes through collaboration and innovation. Our forensic services include evaluating structures, preparing testing plans, and providing expert testimony, while our design practice supports clients from planning through project completion. With over 2,000 completed projects, we have established ourselves as trusted experts in construction defect analysis and architectural solutions. Our clients rely on our ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and deliver clear, actionable insights that address both technical and legal challenges.
Services
Construction Forensics
Architectural Design
Litigation Support
Damage Claims Consulting
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Decades of experience in construction forensic investigations and architectural design
- Licensed professionals operating across four U.S. states
- Personalized services tailored to each client's specific needs
- Comprehensive litigation support with expert testimony capabilities
- Proven track record of resolving over 2,000 construction-related matters
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- NCARB
- PE
Services
Construction Forensics
We investigate and resolve construction-related issues through forensic analysis. Our experts diagnose building defects, prepare testing plans, and provide repair recommendations. With over 30 years of experience, we support legal teams with expert testimony and litigation documentation.
Architectural Design
We offer full-cycle architectural design from planning to project completion. Our team creates tailored solutions for residential and commercial projects, focusing on technical precision and client-specific needs. We specialize in complex renovations and new construction across diverse building types.
Litigation Support
We provide expert litigation support for construction disputes. Our services include claim analysis, cost evaluation, and expert testimony. We help legal teams understand technical aspects of construction defects and contract claims through clear visual presentations.
Damage Claims Consulting
We assess property damage claims from fire, water, and natural disasters. Our consultants determine loss scope, repair methods, and cost estimates. We also provide expert testimony for insurance bad-faith claims and coverage disputes.
Project Management
We manage construction projects from concept to completion. Our team coordinates multidisciplinary experts, ensures code compliance, and maintains project timelines. We specialize in complex projects with unique technical challenges and regulatory requirements.
People
Dennis Govan
Founder, Senior Architect
AIA and NCARB licensed architect with over 30 years of experience in construction forensics and architectural design. Specializes in complex litigation support and technical problem-solving for building systems.
Ray Choy-Marshall
Regional Manager, Senior Architect
Licensed architect in California with extensive experience managing forensic investigations and architectural projects. Focuses on client communication and technical documentation for complex construction matters.
Jason Newlin
Senior Civil Engineer
Professional engineer with expertise in structural analysis and construction defect evaluation. Provides technical oversight for forensic investigations and repair recommendations across multiple project types.
Brian Taylor
Senior Architect
Licensed architect with dual AIA and NCARB credentials. Specializes in construction litigation support, including expert testimony and technical report preparation for high-profile legal cases.
Ian Cha
Senior Architect
Architect with legal training (JD) who bridges technical and legal aspects of construction disputes. Focuses on complex claim analysis and expert witness services for construction defect litigation.
Questions
What construction forensic services do you provide?
We investigate building defects, prepare testing plans, create repair scopes, and provide expert testimony for litigation cases involving construction issues.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we work on single-family residences, multi-family complexes, commercial buildings, and institutional facilities for both forensic analysis and design services.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate from California with licensed professionals covering Nevada, Oregon, and Hawaii, handling projects nationwide through our expert network.
Can you assist with insurance-related construction claims?
Yes, we evaluate property damage claims, determine repair costs, and provide expert testimony for insurance disputes including bad-faith claims.
What makes your firm different from other architectural consultants?
Our unique combination of technical expertise, litigation experience, and multidisciplinary team approach enables comprehensive solutions for complex construction challenges.
How do you support legal teams during construction litigation?
We provide claim analysis, cost evaluation, expert reports, courtroom testimony, and visual presentations to clarify technical construction issues for legal professionals.
