Voice of an Architect

Navigating the construction project approval process can be challenging, especially in states with unique regulatory environments like South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. The process involves careful coordination of zoning, permitting, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Forensic Architect David Erik Chase, AIA, has been a trusted expert in forensic architecture and construction for more than two decades. With offices based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Chase serves clients across the United States as a forensic architect, construction expert witness, and arbitrator.

The ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 marks a pivotal shift in the housing policies of the United States. It sets new guidelines and opportunities for property owners, renters, developers, and urban planners. Designed to address the ongoing housing crisis and promote equitable access, the new provisions of this Act will offer significant challenges and opportunities to certain states, including South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.

All construction projects in the United States, with minor variable state legislative exceptions, require that any person identified as an architect and involved in a project be legally registered to practice architecture in the project’s jurisdictional geographic location. To carry out project design and technical responsibilities, there may be a singular designated Architect of Record or two individual professionals on the same project, a design architect (sometimes out of state), and an Architect of Record.

Warranties are a critical component of construction projects. They govern the expectations and responsibilities between parties long after the work is completed. When construction disputes arise, warranties often take center stage in determining accountability and resolving conflicts.

Latent defects are a critical concept in real estate, construction, and consumer goods. They can significantly impact transactions, lead to disputes, and sometimes evolve into legal battles. Understanding what latent defects are and how they become legal issues is essential for homeowners, real estate professionals, and legal practitioners.

Design and construction require precision and clarity at every stage. In this intricate system, clear specifications are essential for making sure the built environment meets the expectations of all stakeholders. This clarity not only affects the quality of the final product but also plays a significant role in post-construction analysis, particularly in forensic architecture.

Forensic architecture plays a vital role in understanding and analyzing construction failures or disputes that arise during or after a project. It involves the investigation and examination of architectural and engineering designs, construction practices, materials, and the building's eventual performance.

The role of contractors in the design phase of construction projects has traditionally been seen as one that begins after the architectural and engineering plans are finalized. However, contractors hold substantial legal responsibilities even before construction commences.

Suppose you have lived for 15 years as a rental occupant in an apartment complex which was recently purchased by a Developer to convert it to future Condominium ownership. What are the responsibilities of the Developer to prepare the Apartment complex for future condominium sale?