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Sustainable Deconstruction and Construction Defect Litigation

By on April 7, 2011 | Category: Link

Yesterday I wrote a post over at AEC Forensics exploring the concept of sustainable deconstruction. This is an idea that probably goes back to the beginning of construction. As a shelter or structure became obsolete or inadequate, some of the materials could be re-used or recycled for the construction of another building. Yet during the last 50 years of the 20th century, many people found that it was quicker and less labor-intensive to simply haul everything off to the local dump. Climate-change and “tree-hugging” aside, why would anyone want to throw away perfectly usable materials?

My point in the article is that in some situations, such as following construction defect litigation or even during a remodel, many building materials are discarded unnecessarily. The time has come to reevaluate this position and consider making the most of resources that are available.

The end result: More From Less.

Link: Is Sustainable Deconstruction the Path Forward?


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AEC Forensics Re-Launched!

By on April 4, 2011 | Category: Article

After several weeks of downtime, I’m proud to say that AEC Forensics is back up and running!

Featuring one of the outstanding Woo Themes, AEC Forensics is running a theme that is appropriately named, Mortar. In addition AEC Forensics is also on a grid server at
mediatemple.

Even more impressive is the fact that both AEC Forensics and this site (BLHill.net) are now configured to perform much more responsively than ever before. The way it works is very geeky and complicated, but in case your interested, I’m using the W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress, interfaced with Amazon’s content delivery network, CloudFront. Another cool feature in common with both sites is new compatibility with mobile devices such as cell phones, iPhones, iPads, etc. The server will automatically detect if you are using a mobile device and present a simplified and streamlined interface for browsing content.

About AEC Forensics

AEC Forensics: Construction Consulting, Construction Law, Building Science

AEC Forensics: Construction Consulting, Construction Law, Building Science

AEC Forensics is a blog that covers construction consulting, construction law and building science news and information. As a professional construction defect investigator, I am passionate about the latest developments in the world of architecture, engineering and construction forensics. If you want to keep up to date with the latest news in the world of construction defect litigation, green building and construction risk management, be sure to sign up for the free AEC Forensics newsletter.

If you are a professional in the construction consulting, construction law or building science industries, I encourage you to write for AEC Forensics. It is a chance to have your voice be heard, and to increase your visibility among your colleagues.

Thanks again. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or issues. If anything looks out of place, let me know.

Enjoy!


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The Role of the iPad in Construction Consulting, Green Building and Forensic Investigations

By on March 5, 2011 | Category: Article

I have written before about construction experts using iPads, companies that have created applications specifically for construction quality control, and even attire for construction consultants and experts using iPads. With the recent unveiling of the second generation iPad, I wanted to provide some additional thoughts on the role that this device will play in construction consulting, green building and forensic investigations.

Continue Reading →


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Chris Brogan: The Future of Work Will Be Modular, Mobile, and More Goal-Oriented

By on February 24, 2011 | Category: Article

Blogging superstar, consultant and entrepreneur Chris Brogan posts his opinion on the future of work:

  • Work Will Be Modular
  • Work Will Be Mobile
  • Work Will Be Cause-Balanced
  • Work Will Be Smaller and Bigger
  • Work Will Be More Goal-Aligned

I really agree with Brogan’s take on modular work, where the unit of measure of work for most people will be project-based. He likens this idea to the way that the film industry works, where teams are assembled on an as-needed basis for the given project. I see this happen a lot in the construction defect litigation industry: teams of consultants from separate firms come together on specific projects to offer their unique talents, as needed.

Regarding mobile work, I also see this happening more. I recently posted a video of Jason Fried (founder of 37 Signals) discussing this topic in more detail.

On Brogan’s last point, “work will be more goal-aligned,” I see this happening if for no other reason than the influence of Gen Y (why?) workers’ disillusionment with the failed models of business that exist today. False sense of entitlement or not, I don’t see anything wrong with pursuing business that is personally rewarding and aligned with one’s goals. But then I’ve always been somewhat of a contrarian…


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The Art of Lying Begins With Self Deception

By on January 6, 2011 | Category: Article, Link

Jason Kottke shares a link to a story about Clancy Martin, former jewelry salesman and now a philosophy professor. Here he discusses the art of lying:

As I would tell my salespeople: If you want to be an expert deceiver, master the art of self-deception. People will believe you when they see that you yourself are deeply convinced. It sounds difficult to do, but in fact it’s easy — we are already experts at lying to ourselves. We believe just what we want to believe. And the customer will help in this process, because she or he wants the diamond — where else can I get such a good deal on such a high-quality stone? — to be of a certain size and quality. At the same time, he or she does not want to pay the price that the actual diamond, were it what you claimed it to be, would cost. The transaction is a collaboration of lies and self-deceptions.

I see this concept in marketing but I also see it in the construction defect industry. There are experts that clearly misrepresent factual information. They do so in an effort to improve the outcome of their client. But the ones that are really good at it, appear to truly believe the factual errors they perpetuate. Just an observation…


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