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Interface Consulting Promotes Jennifer M. Hatten, CCC, PSP, LEED AP, to Senior Consultant

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting International, Inc., is proud to announce the promotion of Jennifer M. Hatten, CCC, PSP, LEED AP, to a senior consultant in its team of construction and engineering specialists. Before joining Interface Consulting in 2009, Ms. Hatten worked for Harrah's Entertainment in its Design and Construction group in Las Vegas, Nevada. During her time at Harrah's, she was able to participate in multiple restaurant and hotel renovation projects on the Las Vegas strip, including a $1 billion renovation project at Caesars Palace. Since joining Interface Consulting, she has demonstrated excellence and leadership in numerous areas including client service, strategic marketing initiatives, and professional development. Jennifer has shown an extreme amount of knowledge and dedication in her almost three years with Interface, said Frank G. Adams, PE, president and a principal consultant at Interface Consulting. We know that as she strives to become an...

Virginia State Bar Seminar Resonates with ICI Consultants Once Again

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting attended Virginia CLE's 32nd Annual Construction and Public Contracts Law Seminar from November 4-5, 2011, for the third year in a row as both a sponsor and exhibitor. This two-day seminar took place at the historic Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia. This year's focus, Mitigating Losses and Impacts on a Troubled Project - A View from Multiple Perspectives, was a highly relevant topic for the attorneys, construction industry representatives, and Interface consultants in attendance. Although the course offers attorneys a full year's worth of Virginia CLE credits, it also offers excellent networking and education resources to those not in the legal profession. As dispute experts, Interface Consulting found the courses on Troubled Projects to be in line with the types of issues they assist construction industry client with every day. The Troubled Project, was discussed from the subcontractor, general contractor, owner, surety, insurer, and...

Interface Consultants Journey' to 43rd Annual ECC Conference

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:00:00 GMT

The 43rd Annual Engineering & Construction Contracting Association (ECC) Conference returned to Phoenix, Arizona, this year with a record-breaking registered attendee list. Attendees, including Interface Consulting engineers, took in insights from the conference theme, Journey Into Uncharted Territories: Repositioning the Projects Business in a World with Changing Boundaries. The conference was held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa September 7-10, 2011. With over 600 registered attendees, including executives and decision makers from across the United States and around the globe, this year's conference focused on how owners, contractors, and suppliers adapt in order to successfully execute projects and reposition their businesses in the evolving project environment. Presenters of note included keynote speaker Alan L. Boeckmann of Fluor Corporation and 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Khalid Farid of AMEC on September 8,2011. A special luncheon...

Interface Consulting Celebrates 25 Years of Getting Into Trouble'

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:45:00 GMT

An industry leader in construction claims and dispute resolution approaches its quarter-century anniversary of providing distinguished consulting services to clients. HOUSTON, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In August, Houston-based Interface Consulting International, Inc., celebrated 25 years of getting into trouble on behalf of its construction and engineering industry clients involved with claims, disputes, and litigation. Since its formative years providing consulting services to owners and contractors, Interface Consulting has expanded its client base to include attorneys, engineers, suppliers and insurers, among others, and now offers six service areas in major construction industries involved in contractual and legal disputes. Interface Consulting Founder and President Frank G. Adams, PE, attributes the firm's continued growth to its recruitment of top engineers, many with MBAs and extensive construction backgrounds, and other consulting professionals with...

Two New Project Consultants join Interface Consulting

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 06 May 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting International, Inc., is proud to announce the addition of project consultants Gray T. Slocum and Eric K. Rodriguez, PE, to its team of construction and engineering specialists.

Mr. Slocum joins the firm with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Architectural Engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering, and previous experience with Bechtel Corporation and The Shaw Group, Inc.

“I am excited to join the team at Interface Consulting. I look forward to learning more about the construction claims industry and collaborating with our clients,” said Mr. Slocum.

Mr. Rodriguez is new to the Houston area after receiving his Master of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to that, he received his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University in Civil Engineering and was licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers in 2004. Mr. Rodriguez’s previous experience includes seven years as a structural engineer for Huitt-Zollars, Inc., and a project manager for ColdWatt, Inc.

“I enjoy having the opportunity to use my background in engineering and business,” he said. “I look forward to helping our clients solve their construction challenges.”

Since joining Interface Consulting, Mr. Slocum has retained his membership in the Architectural Engineering Institute and Mr. Rodriguez has become a member of the Engineering & Construction Contracting Future Leader Program. They have both also joined the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Since 1986, Interface Consulting International, Inc., has provided a wide range of consulting and expert services to the construction- and energy-related industries in a variety of challenging settings – from the boardroom to the courtroom. Interface Consulting is an authority on construction claims and construction management consulting with experience on more than 800 projects worldwide.

Florida Bar 4th Annual Construction Law Institute Attracts Industry Chiefs and Players

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:00:00 GMT

The Florida Bar’s 4^th Annual Construction Law Institute was hosted at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida, from March 31 to April 2, 2011. Interface Consulting was among the industry sponsors and exhibitors, with over 350 attendees present. The scheduled annual golf tournament was cancelled due to rain.

In addition to advanced level seminars, the event included evening receptions on March 31 and April 1. The conference also featured many workshops and luncheons in concurrence with Advanced Construction Law Certification Review courses taking place on site. Speakers of note included The Honorable Chief Justice Charles T. Canady, of the Florida Supreme Court, at the Friday luncheon, and the “Economic Forecast for Construction Industry” breakfast on Saturday led by Kenneth D. Simonson, chief economist of The Associated General Contractors of America.

For information on future events, please go to www.floridabar.org.

Interface Consultants Think It's Alright' at the 2011 ABA Midwinter Meeting

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:00:00 GMT

The 2011 Midwinter Joint Meeting, hosted by the American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry and the TIPS Fidelity and Surety Law Committee, returned to Manhattan this year.

Held at the historic Waldorf=Astoria from January 19-21, 2011, the conference, titled, “Do you Think It’s Alright? Pushing the ADR Envelope,” was well attended by construction law firms, surety and insurance representatives, and consultants from Interface Consulting. Seminars and plenaries focused on settling disputes through mediation, arbitration and other mitigation techniques; and introduced recent case law that addresses the business aspect of dispute resolution. Other conference highlights included a Women in Construction breakfast and a cocktail reception co-sponsored by Interface Consulting, both also hosted at the Waldorf=Astoria. This was the second year in a row for participation by Interface Consulting in this event, which is hosted in conjunction with several prominent construction-law firms from around the country.

The American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional association in the world. With more than 400,000 members, the ABA provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public. For more information on upcoming ABA events, please visit http://www.abanet.org/.

Marketing Manager Earns Coveted CPSM Credentials

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Danielle A. Sims, marketing manager for Interface Consulting International, Inc., earned the designation of Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) in November 2010 from the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS).

“This certification has broadened my general marketing knowledge, as well as informed me of the most recent practices and procedures for marketing professional services in the A/E/C industries,” Ms. Sims said. “This translates to more tailored communication strategies to convey our capabilities in a competitive market and a positive return on investment for the client.”

To achieve these credentials, Ms. Sims had to meet educational and experience requirements, pass a lengthy written exam, and pledge to abide by the CPSM Code of Ethics. This certification validates her ability to apply critical business development knowledge in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries in order to produce cost-effective business marketing solutions.

Today, SMPS supports over 6,000 members as they tackle the day-to-day complexities of marketing and developing business for architectural, engineering, construction, and related specialty services firms in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Please visit www.smps.org for more information.

Interface Consulting Seeks Candidates to Fill Project Consultant Positions

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Houston, Texas, -based Interface Consulting International, Inc., is seeking full-time, entry-level project consultants to provide project-related analysis and support to its team of engineers and consultants. Since 1986, Interface Consulting has provided consulting services to domestic and international clients involved in complex construction projects and disputes. Interface Consulting helps clients plan, execute, and mitigate challenging projects by analyzing the issues involved in construction claims and disputes including those resulting from defects, schedule delays, and cost overruns. For over 25 years, the firm has produced results for owners, EPC firms, contractors, insurance companies, financial institutions, and attorneys on over 800 projects spanning a variety of construction sectors, from commercial to offshore. Responsibilities of the positions include but are not limited to: Analyzing problem construction projects Evaluating...

International Arbitration Work on the Upswing for Interface Consulting

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Monday, December 1, 2010, Houston, Texas –- Frank G. Adams, PE, president of Interface Consulting International, Inc., recently testified as an expert in two complex European arbitration hearings involving major biofuel plant owners and EPC contractors. Mr. Adams’s expert testimony concerned schedule delay and construction management issues.

The first matter, held under London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) rules and procedures, involved a retrofitted bioethanol plant that suffered delays and increased costs. Mr. Adams testified in the second dispute under the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) regarding the construction management and schedule delay of a biodiesel plant with a 100,000-tonne-per-year production capacity. Earlier in 2010, Mr. Adams also testified as an expert in a UNCITRAL arbitration involving an LNG facility in Yemen and in a dispute involving a UK-based EPC firm and the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

In a recent statement, Mr. Adams noted that Interface Consulting is experiencing a significant upswing in international arbitration work, with inquiries primarily from parties outside of the US. He also commented on a rise in claims in the biofuels sector due to engineering delays and increased equipment costs, as well as increased demand for pipeline and LNG construction claims services in both domestic and international markets.

For 25 years, Interface Consulting International, Inc., has provided a wide range of global consulting and expert services to the construction and engineering industries in a variety of challenging settings in over 45 countries. Interface Consulting is a privately owned corporation based in Houston, Texas, whose consultants have engineering, construction management, arbitration, and litigation experience on more than 800 projects worldwide.

Annual ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Presents Lessons Learned 2010 Fall Meeting

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:00 GMT

This year’s annual American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry Fall Meeting was hosted at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, from September 2-3, 2010. The program entitled, “We Won’t Get Fooled Again: Lessons Learned From the Economic Downturn,” featured many plenaries, workshops, and special guest author, Mark Curriden. Interface Consulting was among the exhibitors and 300 attendees present. The ABA kept attendees and sponsors busy with a sailing excursion and golf tournament.

This two-day conference also featured the First Annual Women in Construction Get Together breakfast on September 2. In attendance at the luncheon were two of Interface Consulting’s team members, Vice President-Commercial Group Lisa Sumner Heard and Marketing Manager Danielle Sims.

Notable workshops during the conference included, “Winning Strategies for Reviving the Troubled Project in a Downward Economy,” “What Every Construction Lawyer Needs to Know About Cost Estimating,” and “Who’s Left Holding the Liability for Construction Defects?”

For more information on next year’s events, please go to www.abanet.org.

New Project Consultant at Interface Consulting

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting International, Inc., is proud to announce an addition to its team of construction experts, Samon Kashani as project consultant. Mr. Kashani utilizes his mechanical engineering and business administration background to uniquely contribute to Interface Consulting's team of consultants with various engineering and construction-related backgrounds. Mr. Kashani specializes in detailed data and technical analyses of complex construction issues, such as those involving schedule delays, cost overruns, and labor productivity. In addition, Mr. Kashani provides document management, discovery assistance, demonstrative evidence development, and electronic database retrieval system services for construction claims, litigation, and arbitration. Mr. Kashani received his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Mechanical Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University....

Employees Achieve Professional Certifications through AACEI

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Three Interface Consulting International employees have recently been awarded certifications by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI), in various disciplines. Peter W. van der Schans, a senior consultant at Interface Consulting, received awards to become a Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) in April and a Certified Cost Consultant (CCE) in August. This certification is directly applicable to the types of disputes Interface Consulting handles for clients, he said. The PSP certification indicates not only a knowledge and experience in both planning and scheduling projects, but when combined with the CCC designation, indicates a more thorough knowledge and expertise in cost engineering. Jennifer M. Hatten, a project consultant at Interface Consulting, also received her PSP in April of this year. The PSP certification allows others to recognize that I have experience and industry knowledge of planning...

Interface Consulting Introduces New Project Coordinator

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting International, Inc., is proud to announce a new addition to the Commercial Group, Sarah Baden as Project Coordinator and Consultant.

“I am proud to join such an accomplished team of professionals and leaders in the industry. I know I will do good work here, and in turn, we will do the best work for our clients,” she said.

Ms. Baden provides management consulting, document management, and litigation support services as needed on client matters. Ms. Baden’s internal role assisting in the development of corporate communications, administrative processes, and marketing and public relations initiatives helps foster and sustain the high quality experience for which clients have recognized Interface Consulting.

Ms. Baden received her degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Corporate Communication. Since joining Interface Consulting, she has become a member of Associated Builders and Contractors and Associated General Contractors. Prior to joining Interface Consulting, Ms. Baden provided internal communication and social media research for Marathon Oil Corporation. She also worked for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce contributing internal and external communication expertise.

For more information, or to contact a consultant directly, please visit www.interface-consulting.com.

For information on how to receive Interface Consulting’s free monthly e-newsletter, Construction Headline News, please visit www.constructionheadlinenews.com.

Promotion at Interface: Kimberly E. Hester Quality Assurance Manager

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting International, Inc., a leader in consulting services for the construction and engineering industries, today announced the promotion of Kimberly Hester to Quality Assurance Manager. She will have the primary responsibility of overseeing quality assurance for client work products, as well as managing the firm’s monthly e-newsletter, Construction Headline News.

“Kim has proven to be a valuable resource who takes the initiative in the critical area of quality assurance and in our goal of excellence in our work products,” said Frank Adams, president and a principal consultant of Interface Consulting.

Ms. Hester joined the company in 2007 as Communications Coordinator and quickly grew into her role as part of the quality assurance team. She has also been recognized for formulating various corporate improvements in an effort to streamline and advance the quality of work products issued by Interface Consulting. Her management and leadership in the publication of CHN have developed it into a valuable informational resource vehicle that continues to get praise from those that receive it.

Ms. Hester received two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin in Communication Studies and Spanish. She is also a proud member of Young Professionals in Energy and can be seen at many of their events. Ms. Hester previously worked for CITGO Petroleum Corporation.

CHN is a compilation of hand-selected news articles from worldwide sources relevant to owners, contractors, attorneys, engineers, and others involved in the construction industry. This award-winning publication is a convenient one-stop resource for the latest news surrounding construction and engineering disputes, law, projects, costs, economics, innovations, and more. For more information regarding Construction Headline News, please visit www.constructionheadlinenews.com.

Since 1986, Interface Consulting International, Inc., has provided a wide range of consulting and expert services to the construction- and energy-related industries in a variety of challenging settings – from the boardroom to the courtroom. Interface Consulting is an authority on construction claims and construction management consulting with experience on more than 790 projects worldwide.

Promotion at Interface: Danielle A. Sims Marketing Manager

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting International Inc., a leader in consulting services for the construction and engineering industries, today announced the promotion of Danielle Sims to Marketing Manager. She will have the primary responsibilities of planning and implementing the firm’s marketing programs, building potential and existing client relationships, in addition to organizing corporate events.

“Danielle has grown professionally and is directly responsible for the firm’s continuing success,” said Frank Adams, president and a principal consultant of Interface Consulting.

Ms. Sims joined the company in 2001 as consultant in the firm’s Commercial Group and has quickly risen to become a leader in accomplishing critical and strategic company initiatives. After joining the marketing team, Ms. Sims was instrumental in several awards attained by Interface Consulting including two Hermes Creative Awards and three International Association of Business Communicators Silver and Bronze Quill awards. Through strengthening the firm’s industry affiliations and network of contacts, as well as the implementation of strategic marketing programs, Ms. Sims provides key leadership in building the firm’s client and potential client relationships.

Ms. Sims received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in Consumer Science and Merchandising. She is a member of the Society for Marketing Professionals, services Houston Interactive Marketing Association, Women’s Energy Network, and Associated Builders and Contractors. Prior to joining Interface Consulting, Ms. Sims was the operations manager for Indian Austin and a screening coordinator for Jones and Granger Attorneys at Law.

Since 1986, Interface Consulting International, Inc., has provided a wide range of consulting and expert services to the construction- and energy-related industries in a variety of challenging settings – from the boardroom to the courtroom. Interface Consulting is an authority on construction claims and construction management consulting with experience on more than 790 projects worldwide.

Interface Consulting Introduces New Project Coordinator

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting International, Inc. is proud to announce Jessica Valor as a new addition to the Commercial Group as Project Coordinator and Consultant. The opportunity to join Interface Consulting's brilliant team of consultants is definitely a highlight of my career as a project coordinator. The work ethic, team spirit, and excellent work products of this company make it truly one of the best companies I have worked for. She adds, I am excited to see where this new relationship will lead for me and our clients. Ms. Valor helps manage Interface Consulting's incoming assignments and special projects to completion. Utilizing project and document management tools, she implements standards to enhance project efficiency, work flow, and information dissemination. Additionally, Ms. Valor supports in the quality assurance of client correspondence and work products. She has a broad range of experience in various industries including engineering,...

OTC Marks Largest Show in 28 Years with Interface Consulting in Attendance

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting helped break attendance records during Houston’s 41st annual Offshore Technology Conference, May 3 – 6, 2010, held at Reliant Park. The conference drew a crowd of 72,900 attendees to surpass the 2009 total of 67,700. The sold-out exhibition was the largest in 28 years.

Although this was a record year for OTC, the drilling accident in the Gulf of Mexico affected the mood of the event. OTC announced the week before the event that “The Challenges and Rewards in Operating in the World’s Offshore Basins” topical luncheon with Andy Inglis of BP, scheduled for Monday, had been cancelled. Other events covering the four full days were technical sessions on renewable energy sources, including offshore wind and wave energy. OTC’s “Spotlight on New Technology” program highlighted 13 innovative technologies that are already making the industry more effective.

The Offshore Technology Conference is the world’s foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection. OTC is held annually at Reliant Park in Houston. For more information, visit www.otcnet.org.

Home-State ABA Forum Meeting and Golf Tournament an Inviting Event for Interface Consulting

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Interface Consulting attended the American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on the Construction Industry Annual Meeting held at the Hilton Austin hotel in Austin, Texas, April 22-24, 2010. The firm participated in the exhibition and also co-sponsored the photography at the annual golf tournament in conjunction with Nautilus Consulting, LLC, and Lovett Silverman Construction Consultants, Inc.

The conference featured several sessions and panel discussions surrounding this year’s topic, “The Age of Turbulence: Managing Money Issues in Construction.” Some of the workshops and plenaries attended by Interface Consulting representatives included: Foreign Exchange: The Ten Commandments of International EPC Projects, and Walking the High Wire While Juggling Strategies to Manage Litigation Costs and Meet Client Expectations.

The ABA golf tournament was held on the last day of the conference at Avery Ranch Golf Club located in the heart of Austin hill country just northwest of the city. Photographs from the tournament can be found at http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/photos/albums/v/10.

The ABA Forum on the Construction Industry conferences attract industry professionals as a means to educate, discuss trends or problematic matters, and network with other like-minded members. The next ABA conference will be the 2010 Fall Meeting September 2-3, 2010, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. For more information on the next event and the ABA organization, please visit www.abanet.org.

Since 1986, Interface Consulting International, Inc., has provided a wide range of consulting and expert services to the construction- and energy-related industries in a variety of challenging settings – from the boardroom to the courtroom. Interface Consulting is an authority on construction claims and construction management consulting with experience on more than 790 projects worldwide.

Annual Florida Bar Construction Law Institute and Golf Tournament a Hit with Interface Consulting

noemail@interface-consulting.com — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:00:00 GMT

This year’s third annual Florida Bar Construction Law Institute (FBCLI) was hosted at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida, from April 8 - 10, 2010. Interface Consulting was among the exhibitors and 300 attendees present. The FBCLI kept attendees and sponsors busy with a three-day exhibitor booth scavenger hunt and annual golf tournament.

This two-day conference featured many workshops and luncheons in concurrence with Advanced Construction Law & Certification Review courses taking place on site. The FBCLI also initiated a scavenger hunt to encourage attendees to visit more exhibitor booths. Most sponsors and exhibitors, including Interface Consulting, participated in the activity which was designed to increase attendee participation while increasing traffic and exposure to the companies involved. Those with the most correct answers at the end of the conference were selected by the FBCLI to receive prizes.

For more information on next year’s events, please go to www.floridabar.org.