Diehl Group Architects Give an inside look at Forensic Architecture

In the late 1980s the state of California introduced a law to protect consumers from contractors and architects who were not building properties and commercial real estate up to code. The law made the developer of a project strictly liable for the construction, and gave little patience to excuses. This was advantageous for litigators, who later became involved in several cases surrounding poor construction or weak code standards. It was a time of economic growth in the country, and production was hasty to meet consumer demands.

In the wake of this construction boom, a new breed of forensic investigation emerged to master design solutions that address comprehensive architectural problems. Forensic architecture is simply the result of buildings that weren’t built correctly, and Jack Diehl, owner and principal of the Diehl Group architects, is helping to change the industry standards. He leads this full-service design and consulting firm that specializes in forensic architecture, quality assurance and expert witness testimony to uncover truths behind design decisions and construction defects.

Forensic architecture is investigative in nature, but you probably won’t find any blood at these crime scenes. Utilizing specialized tools, including infrared  cameras and moisture meters, Diehl and his team have visually investigate to identify what problems from within the building envelope, or the skin and frame of a building. This is followed by an intrusive measure to identify why the problem is occurring. Once the data has been collected, the information is analyzed with a propriety Forensic Architecture to assist in recommending solutions that address conflicting elements of aesthetics, cost, durability and environmental responsibility.

The process is very similar to what a home inspector delivers before a home is purchased. The difference is essentially in the needs of the clients after the purchase of the home. Typically, clients with unique construction problems seek council for specific needs including framing, roofing and concrete, to name but a few. That’s where the expertise of forensics and preventative measures meet, to solve unique problems for clients of practically any construction size.

For Diehl and his corporation, these findings have often been the expert testimony utilized in lengthy litigation for plaintiffs and developers in defense of plaintiff parties. Incorrect or incomplete architectural drawings, code standards and poor workmanship can often result in construction defects. Forensic architecture specialists like Diehl are taking some of that pressure off developers, as well as offering reconstruction services to improve and prevent future problems.

The result of Diehl’s effort has helped redefine industry standards and improved collaboration between contractors, architects and the like. "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure," Diehl said. "The cost of doing it right is a fraction of the repair."

With more than 40 years of industry experience and 22 years of forensic investigation under his belt, Diehl’s legacy is improvement and preventative medicine for construction standards.

There is now a more conscious effort from within the industry to prevent construction problems before they occur. As a result, Diehl Group Architects is able to take its knowledge from each new investigation and collaborate with other architects and contractors, using peer-reviewed design schematics to ensure the problems are resolved before they are part of construction.

For more information about forensic architecture, visit Diehlgroup.com  or call 760-487-1301. Home shown offered for sale by Sue De Legge and Gina DeLegge of Pacific Sothebys International Realty. For more information, call 760-207-7749. By Marie Taggart