Interface Consulting Content Managers RSS Feed

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:37:47 GMT

Companies and their legal counsel retain Interface Consulting's construction expert witnesses during all phases of construction litigation and arbitration, from the initial filing for defining issues and strategy, through documentation management and discovery, to comprehensive damage analysis, opinions, and expert testimony. Clients turn to Interface Consulting for the best resolution in and out of the courtroom. Our clients acknowledge the firm’s valuable insight into complex engineering and construction disputes and its successful track record. Legal teams depend on Interface Consulting because of its well-qualified engineering and construction consultants and experienced testifying experts. They recognize the strategic advantage and value the firm brings to each case. Our project teams have diverse capabilities and expertise that enable us to address each client’s varied and complex issues with a thorough understanding of the unique demands of construction...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:02:25 GMT

Interface Consulting's construction management group provides expert advisory services to its clients to improve management and administrative processes and contract administration. From both the job site and the home office, our construction management experts provide our clients with cost-effective solutions to problems that hinders the success of construction projects.

Interface Consulting's construction management services are geared toward resolving the challenges our clients face in today's increasingly complex construction industry. Using proven techniques and expertise to develop customized recovery programs, the firm’s experts work with our clients to turn around troubled projects. Whether enhancing project management or infusing highly trained and experienced specialists when necessary, we help clients successfully master the most difficult of challenges.

Clients retain Interface Consulting’s construction management experts to assist in the following work disciplines:

Project Planning
Scheduling
Estimating
Proposal Preparation
Procurement Improvement
Constructability Analysis
Contract Evaluation
Value Engineering
Project Management Procedures Development
Quality Assurance
Change Order Preparation and Analysis
Project Administration
Claims Management

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:57:43 GMT

Interface Consulting assists clients with preparing and analyzing construction claims. Owners and contractors who realize the potential for construction disputes and conflicts rely on the firm’s construction claims consultants who are experienced construction managers and engineers.

The firm's construction claims consultants possess unique skill sets that enable us to prepare and analyze claim issues promoting timely resolution. Clients depend on our specialized knowledge and expertise of construction claims to efficiently and cost effectively produce persuasive position statements for favorable and informed settlements.

Our team of construction experts can assist with numerous construction claims including the following:

Schedule Delay Experts

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:22:39 GMT

Construction delay claims are perhaps the most common types of disputes in the construction industry. Claims related to schedule delays often lead to construction dispute resolution forums such as mediation, arbitration, and/or litigation because of their propensity to be some of the most complex and least understood disputes in the construction field. Additionally, schedule impacts can result in large delay damage figures that can threaten the economic viability of a project and/or the existence of a party to the project. In the mediation, arbitration, and litigation arena, schedule delay claims typically relate to unanticipated project events and/or circumstances which extend the project and/or prevent work from being performed as originally planned. There are many common causes for schedule delays on a construction project, which include, but are not limited to, mismanagement and maladministration, site access restrictions, differing site conditions, permits and approvals,...

Construction Change Experts

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:55:30 GMT

Almost all construction projects encounter change. Whether it’s a change to the scope of work, a revision to the specifications, or an impact to the means and methods of performing the work, changes can significantly impact a project’s cost and schedule. In most cases, the change is handled by the parties within the framework of the contract change order procedures. However, in some instances, the parties are unable to resolve the issues and a dispute develops which may be resolved through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Due to the often complex nature of construction disputes, including the wide variation in the types of disputes that can arise on construction projects, experts are often used in mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Interface Consulting has extensive knowledge concerning construction and engineering issues and experience acting as experts in construction-related mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Interface Consulting has a proven method...

Construction Delay Claims

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:40:00 GMT

Construction delay claims, or disputes related to schedule impacts, are one of the most common types of disputes in the construction industry. Yet, delay claims have a propensity to be some of the least understood and frequently complex disputes in the construction field. Delay claims typically relate to unanticipated project events and/or circumstances which extend the project and/or prevent work from being performed as originally planned. There are many common causes for schedule delays on a construction project, which include, but are not limited to, mismanagement and maladministration; site access restrictions; differing site conditions; permits and approvals; financial problems; defective plans and/or specifications; changes in the work; labor productivity issues; document review/approval; testing/inspections; inclement weather; and force majeure events. Three common points of contention relative to schedule delay claims are whether an issue impacted the critical path of the...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:37:33 GMT

Steve Parker, graphics director and senior consultant for Interface Consulting, oversees graphic design for the company. As an award winning graphic artist with over 25 years of experience, Mr. Parker is a specialist in analyzing complex data and determining the most effective way to illustrate a message for persuasive and resolution purposes. As a lead designer for a leading international consulting firm, he managed and trained a staff of graphic designers. Mr. Parker worked with the firm’s divisions in global energy and utilities, engineering and construction, financial services, health care, education, marketing, and technology. He has also served in the oil and gas, software development, higher education, and legal markets. In addition to his communications and graphics contributions, he plays an active role in the planning, preservation, and development of city and community projects. Mr. Parker holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:32:37 GMT

Chris Sullivan, vice president and principal consultant for Interface Consulting, has extensive engineering and project management experience in the US and abroad, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia. As a specialist in the commercial and technical aspects of project management, Mr. Sullivan has worked on many high-profile engineering and construction projects involving oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, petrochemical and industrial facilities, as well as commercial buildings. He is experienced in all aspects of contract execution, including project development, engineering and design, and project controls. During his 20 years in the engineering and construction industry, he has testified as an expert in numerous arbitration and litigation matters and has reviewed hundreds of construction claims issues. Mr. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and a Master of Business Administration from...

Suspension and Termination Claims

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:30:43 GMT

Suspension occurs on a construction project when an owner instructs a contractor to temporarily stop work on all or a portion of the project. Termination occurs when an owner instructs a contractor to permanently stop the performance of work and leave the site. Construction contracts typically specify each party’s rights, obligations, and remedies for suspension and termination. Therefore, it is advisable for all parties to thoroughly review, understand, and follow the contract provisions relative to suspension and termination. Suspension and termination on construction projects often result in claims and disputes; therefore, the decision to proceed with either option should not be taken lightly. Common Issues Encountered Relative to Suspension and Termination Claims Contracts/projects may be suspended for a number of reasons. Contractors may submit suspension-related claims if the duration of the suspension is long enough to delay the project or impact progress. Therefore,...

Design and Construction Defects Experts

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:29:26 GMT

As experts in construction management, Interface Consulting evaluates and analyzes a wide array of design and construction problems, including construction defects. Despite the best laid plans, construction defects still occur. Interface Consulting has a long history of evaluating and analyzing construction defects for all parties involved in the construction process including, but not limited to, the following: Owners and developers Contractors and subcontractors Attorneys Architects, designers, and engineers Vendors and material suppliers Insurance and bonding companies Banks and lending institutions Government and municipal agencies Interface Consulting’s experienced consultants perform a thorough forensic investigation to determine the root cause of the problem. Design and construction defects can and do occur due to a variety of problems, including the following: The owner chooses materials or hardware or provides owner-furnished material, which is not sufficient for...

Design and Construction Defect Claims

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:27:14 GMT

As experts in construction management, Interface Consulting evaluates and analyzes a wide array of design and construction problems, including construction defects. Despite the best laid plans, construction defects typically occur. Interface Consulting has a long history of evaluating and analyzing construction defects for all parties involved in the construction process including, but not limited to, the following: Owners and developers Contractors and subcontractors Attorneys Architects, designers, and engineers Vendors and material suppliers Insurance and bonding companies Banks and lending institutions Government and municipal agencies Design and construction defects can and do occur due to a variety of problems, including, the following: The owner chooses materials or hardware or provides owner-furnished material, which is not sufficient for the purpose intended. The architect/engineer specifies the incorrect material, or fails to specify the materials to be used. The...

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:45:03 GMT

Interface Consulting Participates in ABA Forum Meeting in San Francisco

Interface Consulting attended the American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on the Construction Industry Mid Winter meeting held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on January 28, 2010. The firm participated in the exhibition and also co-hosted a cocktail reception with law firms, Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP, and Shields Mott Lund, LLP, on Thursday, January 28. The conference featured several plenary sessions and panel discussions. Some ...[Full Press Release]

2009 Press Releases

2008 Press Releases
2007 Press Releases
2006 Press Releases
2005 Press Releases

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:09:53 GMT

The marine and offshore industry encounters unique issues which can lead to substantial scheduling and cost overruns. The risks and costs associated with offshore production have never been higher. Interface Consulting provides project and contract analyses and performs labor and productivity assessment. We evaluate damages and determine liability for offshore pipeline ruptures, vessel collisions, rig collapses, and other accidental occurrences. Our analyses includes repair and inspection costs, platform shutdown costs, property damages, lost production, and profits. We provide damage assessments, mediation presentations, expert reports, and litigation support in arbitration proceedings and in state, federal, and international court cases. Drilling Decommissioning of EGB 388 F Drilling Rig Conversion/Momentum II Enserch Ocean Voyager LeTourneau Tarzan IV Jackup Drilling Rigs Ocean Energy Drilling Rig Rowan Drilling Rig Santa Fe Rig 127 Incident Schlumberger Sedco Forex...

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:07:02 GMT

With industry experience in the upstream, midstream, and downstream markets, Interface Consulting understands the nature of the pipeline engineering and construction environment, both onshore and offshore. We analyze design and construction issues for our pipeline industry clients such as scheduling and labor inefficiency impacts caused by untimely shutdowns, move-arounds, right-of-way permits, and work sequencing; late owner-furnished pipe and equipment; defective pipe and materials; and construction changes. Our analyses utilize the most effective model to assess contractor entitlement in a variety of construction claims including measured mile, modified total cost, and discrete change. We evaluate pipeline spills, failures, and ruptures; assess liabilities, damages, and losses; calculate repair and replacement costs; and prepare expert reports and builder’s risk insurance claims. Our clients include operators, engineers, contractors, insurance carriers, and legal counsel,...

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:05:38 GMT

We evaluate construction claims, disputes, and breaches of contract through the evaluation of issues specific to commercial industry clients such as design errors and omissions, construction delays, differing site conditions, disruptions, late equipment, and defective materials. We provide clients project and contract risk analyses through contingency planning and by evaluating design-build, AIA, guaranteed maximum pricing, lump sum, cost plus, and other types of construction contracts. Interface Consulting understands the dynamics, cyclical nature and competitive pressures facing the public and private building construction environment, and has the industry experience to assist owners, contractors, insurers, and attorneys. Education Alief ISD Alief Elementary School Expansion Barbara Bush Branch Library Belleville ISD Township High School Blinn College Expansion Brownsville ISD Besteiro Middle School Brownsville ISD Bruce Aiken Elementary School Carrizo Springs CISD...

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:02:39 GMT

Interface Consulting understands the dynamics of the civil and infrastructure construction environment and possesses first-hand experience in traditional and non-traditional project delivery methods. We prepare and analyze construction claims, disputes, and breaches of contract. Our clients utilize our knowledge and background to evaluate design errors and omissions, constructive changes, differing site conditions, delays, disruptions, defective materials, late equipment, and other scheduling and labor inefficiency issues specific to the civil and infrastructure industry. We establish cause/effect linkages and quantify damages for owners, contractors, and attorneys. Our consultants evaluate design and construction defects and assess liabilities and damages involving soils, foundations, drainage issues, water intrusion and mold growth, improper design and installation of building systems, defective products and materials, and unauthorized deviations. Airports Air Force Allen...

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:01:45 GMT

Power, process, and industrial facility owners are challenged with the constantly changing regulatory and legislative requirements of operating facilities and are also under pressure to comply with quality, safety, and increased security standards. The firms who build and maintain these facilities are faced with compliance and technology issues and a highly competitive marketplace. In addition, industrial projects are often more complex than other types of construction projects and encounter unique industry issues that may lead to disputes and substantial project overruns. New trends in contracting strategies and skilled labor shortages also complicate matters, with owners transferring more risks to prime contractors. Interface Consulting has experience in all stages of the engineering and construction process in a wide range of industries. We assist contractors with design issues such as constructive changes, late materials and equipment, craft labor, and construction...

Articles on Construction Litigation Assistance

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:16:35 GMT

In Construction Claims, A Picture is Worth More Than a Thousand Words “A picture is worth a thousand words” is an old proverb that suggests complex stories can be described by just a single picture. The same is true with respect to proving construction claims, where one visual or graphic can be more persuasive and influential than a thousand words. Construction is a complex and risky process requiring extensive planning, engineering, procurement, and construction management. When all of these activities operate in concert with each other, the ...[Full Article] [Article PDF] Keeping Proposal Promises from Becoming Contractual Obligations Contractor’s proposals are often the first step in a courtship between owners and contractors. Initially, everyone is optimistic for a successful outcome. The honeymoon period may last the entire project and culminate in a project that is delivered on-time and on-schedule. However, in today’s overheated construction...

Articles on Construction Claims Analysis

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:02:09 GMT

In Construction Claims, A Picture is Worth More Than a Thousand Words “A picture is worth a thousand words” is an old proverb that suggests complex stories can be described by just a single picture. The same is true with respect to proving construction claims, where one visual or graphic can be more persuasive and influential than a thousand words. Construction is a complex and risky process requiring extensive planning, engineering, procurement, and construction management. When all of these activities operate in concert with each other, the ...[Full Article] [Article PDF] Staking your Claim: Effective Claim Resolution I. Introduction Without question, construction disputes consume precious time, money, and resources for all parties involved. Regardless of the experience and capabilities of the construction professionals involved in a dispute or claim, the claim process can quickly become very complex. Before addressing the process in detail, this paper will provide a...

2005 Press Releases

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:05:32 GMT

Interface Consulting Sponsors, Presents at the Construction Superconference Interface Consulting will present Change Management Strategies - 4 Perspectives at the Construction Superconference December 7-9, 2005. The 20th annual conference, whose focus will be Contractor and Construction Manager Issues, will be held in San Francisco, California, at The Sheraton Palace Hotel. Interface Consulting will also host a wine tasting reception to kick off the conference and will exhibit corporate information at its audio- and...[Full Press Release] Beaujolais Nouveau Client Appreciation Reception In honor of its clients, Interface Consulting celebrated the 2005 release of Beaujolais Nouveau at Brennan's on November 17, 2005. Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine exclusive to the Beaujolais region in France and is released only once a year on the third Thursday of November. The reception's indulgences included not only the Beaujolais Nouveau wine, but some of Brennan's specialty cuisine and...