Special Inspections: What Goes Wrong?

*This event is taking place as planned at the Center for Architecture*

Special Inspections were developed and codified to minimize improper construction and ensure that the design professional-in-responsible-charge remained engaged in the construction process in an effort to reduce project defects and failures. As such, one of the major functions of design professionals occurs after the design plans are approved and a building permit is issued through the special inspection program. Whitestone Associates, Inc. has prepared an overview presentation of the NYC special inspection code requirements and responsibilities along with a review of construction defects and failure case histories. Learning objectives addressed in this presentation include:

• Be able to better understand the requirements of Special Inspections
• Be able to apply special inspection requirements to current and future projects
• Have a better understanding of the origins of Special Inspections
• Be able to better understand the responsibilities of the participants
• Have a better understanding of potential defects and failures

Speakers:
Laurence W. Keller, P.E. is a licensed Professional Engineer and Principal at Whitestone Associates, Inc, which is a registered New York City Special Inspection Agency, providing controlled and special inspections in the New York City metropolitan area for more than 25 years. Mr. Keller routinely provides construction materials testing, special inspections, and geotechnical engineering services throughout the Eastern U.S. and is responsible for the overall performance and management of Whitestone’s special inspection services in the New York City region.

Kevin A. Feath, P.E. is a Senior Project Manager at Whitestone Associates, Inc. and a licensed Professional Engineer with a strong background in construction special inspections. He has been practicing 20 years and has managed a significant number of special inspection projects in the metropolitan area. He has extensive experience in construction quality control, vibration and support of excavation monitoring, and testing for conformance with local and state building codes. Mr. Feath is responsible for managing a team of special inspectors, providing quality control oversight, performing special inspections, identifying project special inspection needs and team responsibilities, and acting as a liaison between stakeholders, design professionals, permit expeditors, and building officials.