Matrix IMA: Forensic Architecture


Overview IMA performs comprehensive forensic investigations and analyses that help clients settle disputes. We assist a wide variety of clients with litigation support services, expert advice on code compliance, and various types of technical analysis.


Expert Witness IMA uses its extensive experience in construction and design, coupled with more than 20 years of forensic experience, to give attorneys and their clients the means to develop successful case strategies for the courts or alternative dispute resolution forums. Our expert witness investigations also help our clients make the best presentation of their cases by developing relevant evidence, opinions, testimony, visual aids, and other presentation elements.


Preclaim and Claim Analysis (Plaintiff and Defense) IMA investigates construction defect and design complaints to assess the validity, extent, and severity of the claims. Establishing the relationship of defects to the project timeline is crucial to this analysis, since small changes made at the end of a project can be equivalent to significant changes made earlier. IMA often conducts visual and intrusive testing prior to claim analysis; these tests can validate the claim and uncover previously hidden defects or damage.


Standard of Care Analysis and Testimony IMA provides expert witness services in cases regarding architectural negligence or malpractice. In this capacity, IMA assesses whether an architect performed to the Standard of Care—that is, as a typical architect would in a similar context and location, and at a comparable point in time. Making this judgment requires the experience to know what an average architect would do in those circumstances..


Certificate of Merit Consulting IMA assists attorneys who must meet California’s requirements (and those of other states) for a professional opinion on the merits of the potential claim in lawsuits filed against architectural design professionals. IMA staff members have provided this service for more than 20 years.


Contract Analysis Given the increasing complexity of contracts and project delivery systems, a clear understanding of these project foundations is crucial to settling disputes. IMA interprets owner-architect and owner-contractor agreements; as architects, we can provide a professional opinion on whether the parties have met their obligations as stated in the contract. Our contract analysis experience includes contract fees, construction costs, schedules, change orders, requests for information, requests for proposals, and value engineering. When necessary, IMA works closely with specialty consultants who provide expertise in cost estimating, scheduling, general contracting, engineering, or other relevant areas.


Trial Graphics and Support IMA provides a wide variety of visual presentation tools and services, including: Concept and theme development Exhibit planning Trial support Demonstrative exhibits Court boards 2D and 3D animations Diagrams and illustrations Maps and timelines Model building Photography Document and photograph scanning Video production


Injury Cause Analysis and Claims IMA assists in settling personal injury claims by helping to identify conditions that contributed to the injury. We review the broader construction issues, including code compliance, to render an opinion on the appropriate assignment of liability.


Building Code and ADA Compliance Analysis/Reports IMA's in-depth experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as with fire and life-safety codes (particularly the California Building Code and the San Francisco Building Code) ensures that we can provide first-rate litigation and consultation support to other design consultants. IMA is also experienced in interpreting the requirements set by the Office of State Health Planning and Development, the California State Architect, and California’s new residential construction defect law (Senate Bill 800). .


Building Envelope Water Intrusion and Vapor Analysis Drawing on expertise that encompasses years of work in cold, snowy climates as well as the hot, humid tropics, IMA analyzes a building to see whether water vapor or water intrusion has contributed to defects; pinpoints the exact location and likely cause of the problem; and, if needed, provides remedial solutions.


Design and Construction Defect Analysis IMA analyzes defects in designs, construction documents, and constructed buildings to determine how they may have contributed to damage. Our analysis draws upon a thorough working knowledge of prevailing practices and standards of care in the design and construction industries as well as comprehensive knowledge of life-safety and fire codes.


Failure Investigation and Analysis (Intrusive and Nonintrusive Investigations) Settling a claim often requires more than simply identifying what went wrong, whether the project is a single-family home or a high-rise office tower. IMA determines the direct causes of building failure or damage and provides opinions on the underlying problems. For example, a water leak might be caused by a product (roofing material, say) and/or a system (roofing on rigid insulation), and the underlying problem might be a defective system, defective component product, or improper installation. If necessary, IMA works with testing labs and other specialty consultants to establish the cause of product failures and/or conformance to industry standards. IMA can follow up with plans for remediation, including on-site observation of repair work.


Consulting and Expert Reports IMA prepares reports on investigations of a variety of issues, including design and/or construction documents, to support our clients in legal disputes. Often we work closely with specialty consultants such as environmental, roofing, and waterproofing experts, coordinating their work with our own analyses. IMA is experienced in writing both plaintiff claims and defense response reports.


Building Envelope Water Intrusion and Vapor Analysis Drawing on expertise that covers cold, snowy climates as well as the hot, humid tropics, IMA analyzes a building to see whether water vapor or water intrusion has contributed to defects; pinpoints the exact location and likely cause of the problem; and, if needed, provides the best remedy.


Product and System Suitability Research and Documentation IMA verifies building product claims by having products tested to confirm their serviceability and performance. We also find new solutions to meet challenging building requirements. For example, in 2002 we developed and had fire-tested a system to raise the fire rating of a gypsum-board ceiling assembly to meet our client’s needs. (The new system was approved by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and published as Evaluation Service Report ER-5857—40-Minute Finish-Rated Ceiling Assembly.) IMA’s ability to develop new building and testing systems has saved clients time, disruptions, and substantial expense.


Roofing, Wall, and Foundation Waterproofing Systems Nothing is more likely to cause a dispute than a water leak. Moreover, persistent leakage often leads to mold formation. In litigation cases IMA has repeatedly provided effective solutions that are less disruptive and easier to implement than demolition and replacement. Our knowledge of waterproofing systems enables us to trace the source of water intrusion and identify the responsible party. We will also review detail drawings and provide damage assessment. IMA presents the results of these investigations in written reports and oral testimony for both plaintiff and defense clients.


Overview

Legal Disputes

	Expert Witness (Plaintiff and Defense)

	Preclaim and Claim Analysis

	Standard of Care Analysis and Testimony

	Certificate of Merit Consulting

	Contract Analysis

	Trial Graphics and Videos

	Injury Cause Analysis and Claims


Code Compliance

	Building Code and ADA Compliance Analysis

	Design and Construction Defect Analysis


Technical Analysis

	Failure Investigation and Analysis

	Consulting and Expert Reports

	Building Envelope Water Intrusion and Vapor Analysis

	Product and System Suitability Research and Documentation

	Roofing, Wall, and Foundation Waterproofing Systems