FORENSIC ARCHITECT AFFIDAVITS, REPORTS, AND DEPOSITIONS (SC, GA, NC, LA, TEX, AND FL)

By Forensic Architect David Erik Chase, AIA
Architects discussing on a floor plan

FORENSIC ARCHITECT - David Erik Chase, AIA, has worked in forensic architecture and construction matters for more than two decades. With offices based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Chase serves a diverse range of clients across the United States as a forensic architect, construction expert witness, and arbitrator.

His 55 years of experience as a practicing architect, with licensure in 21 states and the District of Columbia, enables him to address construction deficiencies, disputes, and architectural investigations. Forensic architecture involves analyzing and evaluating the built environment in connection with claims or disputes. Through affidavits, reports, depositions, and testimony, Mr. Chase presents architectural and construction findings for matters in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.

Forensic Architect Affidavits

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath for use in a legal proceeding. Depending on the matter and applicable requirements, Mr. Chase may provide architectural and construction-related affidavits addressing defects, code compliance, construction delays, safety concerns, and other disputed issues. His opinions are based on investigation, factual analysis, and supporting documentation.

Affidavits may help establish the factual and technical basis for an expert’s opinions. Mr. Chase addresses the issues relevant to each matter and provides an objective analysis of architectural elements, construction standards, and industry practices. A clearly written affidavit can help attorneys, judges, and other participants understand the architectural or construction questions involved in the case.

Forensic Architect Expert Reports

Expert reports summarize findings and present opinions based on technical analysis. Mr. Chase prepares reports intended to clearly communicate his observations, methodology, analysis, and professional conclusions. Depending on the case, a report may address structural failures, water intrusion, fire damage, construction deficiencies, or compliance with applicable building codes and standards.

Reports may incorporate photographs, diagrams, project records, and reference materials that support the analysis. Mr. Chase explains architectural and construction concepts in straightforward language, allowing attorneys and clients to evaluate the findings. These reports may be used during mediation, arbitration, or litigation, subject to the procedural and evidentiary requirements governing the matter.

Depositions and Expert Testimony

Mr. Chase draws on his forensic architecture work and decades of professional practice when participating in depositions and court proceedings as an expert witness. A deposition is part of the discovery process and allows attorneys to question a witness under oath before trial.

During a deposition, Mr. Chase explains the opinions and analysis presented in his reports, affidavits, or other case materials. His role is to provide factual, professional testimony within the scope of his architectural knowledge and the work performed in the matter. The requirements for reports, disclosures, depositions, and testimony vary by court and jurisdiction, making coordination with retaining counsel important.

Forensic Architecture Services Across Multiple States

With licensure spanning 21 states and the District of Columbia, Mr. Chase serves clients in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. Building codes, construction practices, environmental conditions, and procedural requirements can differ by state and locality, so each analysis must reflect the standards and conditions relevant to the project.

In coastal areas of Florida and South Carolina, forensic investigations may address storm damage, water intrusion, or compliance with high-wind requirements. Matters in Texas and Louisiana may involve soil movement, moisture intrusion, drainage, or other site-specific concerns. Mr. Chase evaluates each matter based on the available records, physical evidence, applicable standards, and conditions at the property.

Professional Forensic Architectural Analysis

Mr. Chase has worked with attorneys, insurance companies, contractors, homeowners, and developers in construction-related matters. His work includes examining project records, evaluating physical conditions, identifying relevant architectural issues, and explaining his findings to the parties involved.

Through affidavits, reports, depositions, and expert testimony, he communicates technical findings with precision and clarity. He bases his opinions on the materials reviewed, the investigation conducted, and the professional standards applicable to each assignment.

Contact FORENSIC ARCHITECT - David Erik Chase, AIA

If you are in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, or Florida and need a forensic architect for affidavits, reports, depositions, or expert testimony, contact FORENSIC ARCHITECT - David Erik Chase, AIA. From offices based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Chase assists attorneys, clients, and other stakeholders with architectural and construction disputes.

Disclaimer: David Erik Chase, AIA, is a registered architect in 22 states and not an attorney. The content of this article is intended only as a general overview of the process and not a representation for guidance or any legal professional opinions or advice. (Nb. Legal consultation is always advisable in this entire process.