Douglas W. Peden, RA, NCARB Architecture, Construction & Premises Safety Expert

Douglas W. Peden, Architecture, Construction & Premises Safety Expert

Doug is a registered architect in New York with more than 30 years of professional experience. He provides investigations, reports, and testimony in matters pertaining to premises safety, construction defect claims, and architectural professional liability.

Doug provided architectural services across New York and New Jersey throughout the majority of his career. His responsibilities included architectural design, construction detailing, contract management, project management, and staff supervision. The range of his projects included the reuse of existing facilities, building and structural restorations, as well as new facilities.

Doug's expertise includes the assessment of premises safety. This expertise extends to building use and egress, including stairs, doors, passageways, escalators, and elevators. He has direct experience with facilities that included underground vaults and tunnels, such as subway stations, transformer vaults, and pumping stations.

Doug is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and is a certified user of the English XL slip tester.

Areas of Expertise

Premises Safety

General: Walkway construction, vertical misalignments; maintenance and safety; identification and delineation of hazards in, stairs, ramps, corridors; platforms and level changes, outdoors and inside buildings and other structures. Missing, unusable or incorrect handrails Unprotected openings in floors, walls, and platforms. Proper function of doors, windows and hardware; Effectiveness of warnings and signage, walk-off mats, illumination, color and contrast of adjacent materials.

Trip Accidents: Measurement and analysis of stair geometry and construction; single steps; vertical misalignments of walking surfaces; gratings; sidewalks – walkway obstructions and maintenance; excessive and unmarked sloped areas.

Slip Accidents: Measurement of slip resistance (coefficient of friction) of wet and dry walkway surfaces (stairs, ramps, parking lots, sidewalks, dance floors, retail floors, etc.) Premises safety operations to reduce and control slip hazards (run-off mats, cleaning schedules, de-icing and snow removal). Inspection and maintenance issues affecting property safety (drainage issues that contribute to ice formation or biological growth).

Construction Defect

Building and Site Structures: Project and design coordination; design standards of care and code compliance; architectural practice, construction management, construction contracting; specifications, submittal reviews, construction administration; CPM scheduling, cost analysis, quantity takeoffs; design errors and omissions; construction coordination; construction quality control; inspections, punch lists; permitting, agency inspections, certificates of occupancy.

Building and Site Design, Systems and Equipment: Building codes and standards; means of egress; security; glass and glazing, site planning; zoning regulations; grading and drainage; control of storm water; parking lots; transportation facilities. Barrier-free standards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, access for persons with disabilities, special requirements for the elderly and children.

Materials Failures: Water intrusion related issues; masonry and concrete cracking, spalling; EFIS failures; roofing system failures; flashings and gutter system failures; expansion joint failures; sealant and caulking system failures, window system failures. Foundation cracking, settling, or failures due to soil conditions, grading, and water intrusion; roof and wall collapses; construction means and methods.

Building Inspection and Condition Assessment: Comprehensive and systematic review of building components including structure and building envelope. Experienced in use of various scaffolding systems and lift truck operation for use on multi-story building facades. Analysis and evaluation of building components to propose imminent and programmatic repair needs including cost evaluation for repairs, rehabilitations, and upgrades.

Workplace Safety: Construction site safety; material handling/equipment operation, forklifts; housekeeping; protection of the general public and adjacent property; industrial facilities safety; equipment access and maintenance; worker training, fall protection, confined space, trenching, shoring.

Professional Experience

Robson Forensic, Inc.

Associate

2012 to present

Provide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony for failure analysis, and towards the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation involving trip and fall injuries, slip and fall injuries construction materials failures, code compliance issues, construction claims, and professional liability.

Parsons Brinckerhoff / Aman and Whitney

Architect/Inspector
Projects for NYC School Construction Authority

2010 to 2011

Conducted physical condition inspection and prepared written conditions report for the Building Condition Assessment Survey of New York City Department of Education school buildings. Data collected from these reports of 1535 building assets is utilized for determining physical improvements of the school buildings.

Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects P.C.

Project Architect,
Projects for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

2009

Conducted physical condition inspection and prepared written conditions report. Project architect responsible for the architectural and structural rehabilitation of the four ventilation buildings that were rehabilitated between 1995 and 2003. The Holland Tunnel has national landmark status. Rehabilitation included structural repairs to exterior wall, masonry restoration, replacement of large walls of louvers, windows, doors and roofing including reconstruction of the evase stack towers.

San Fanandre Justin Architects P.C

Project Manager
Projects for New York State University Construction Fund

2007 to 2009

Responsible for Waterproofing and Roofing projects on existing buildings.

Project Manager, Projects for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Responsible for additions and modifications at various transportation facilities.

Project Manager, Project for NYS Office of General Services
Project Manager responsible for the inspection, report preparation and rehabilitation of masonry facades on buildings at a correctional facility.

Henningson Durham Richardson (HDR)

Project Architect, Various Projects for New York City Transit, New York, NY, MTA

2006 to 2007

Responsible for additions and modifications to NYCT facilities.

Project Architect, Various Projects for NYC School Construction Authority
Responsible for exterior façade rehabilitation, upgrades and modifications to various New York City school facilities.

Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects P.C

Project Architect, Various Projects for New York MTA Bridges and Tunnels

1990 to 2006

Architect, Value Engineering Investigations for Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. Philadelphia, PA

Architect, Value Engineering Investigations for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Boston, MA

Project Architect, Various Projects, NYC Department of Environmental Protection
Project Architect for additions and modifications to valve gate buildings and pumping stations.

Project Manager, On-Call Architectural/Engineering Contract, Various Locations, NY, NYS Thruway Authority Project
Manager responsible for additions and modifications to thruway maintenance buildings, rest areas, and ancillary facilities.

Project Architect, Holland Tunnel, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Responsible for the architectural and structural rehabilitation of the four land and river ventilation buildings. The Holland Tunnel has national landmark status.

On-Call Architectural/Engineering (A/E) Services for Shea and Yankee Stadiums, Queens and Bronx, NY, New York City Department of Design and Construction.
Project Manager for on-call A/E services for both facilities.

Project Architect, Croton-Harmon Train Maintenance Facility, Croton, NY, MTA MetroNorth Railroad
Project Architect for additions and modifications to maintenance buildings and shops

Project Architect, George Washington Bridge Intelligent Transportation System Design/Build Project, Fort Lee, NJ, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

Project Architect, Garden State Parkway Bus Inspection Facility, Herbertsville, NJ, Garden State Parkway Authority

Project Architect for a new 11,000-square-foot bus inspection garage and passenger waiting room.

Project Architect, Grass Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Greenwich, CT, Town of Greenwich
Project Architect responsible for construction services for the architectural work on renovations to three buildings. The renovations included restoration of the masonry façade, roof repairs and other rehabilitation work.

Project Architect, World Trade Center, Design of Tenant Office Space, New York, NY, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Architect responsible for interior designs and the preparation of contract documents for tenants leasing space in the World Trade Center complex.

Early employment as an architect:

1980 to 1990
  1. Perry Goldstein, Architect, PC, Corporate 1990 interiors; banks and banking offices.
  2. John J. Kassner, Inc., Consulting engineering; NYC municipal building restorations, NYC municipal truck repair garages.
  3. Shannon Construction, General contractor; corporate interiors, building alterations.

Professional Credentials

Registered Architect: Connecticut, New York

Professional Memberships

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

Education

B.S. Architecture, New York Institute of Technology, 1980

Additional Training:

  • Business Analysis Training, Stony Brook University, 2011
  • LEED Green Associate Study Group, USGBC, 2010
  • Project Management Training, Penn State University, 2002

Representative Continuing Education

  • The Architects Seal: An Ethical and Legal Obligation, NCARB, April 2022
  • Understanding the Architects Standard of Care, NCARB, April 2022
  • Client Pressure and the Duty of an Architect, NCARB, April 2022
  • What’s New in the 2020 NYC Energy Code, Urban Green Council, April 2022
  • Crushing the Code NYS: Commercial, Urban Green Council, April 2022
  • Understanding the Clean Energy Transformation, Carlisle, March 2021
  • The AIA Materials Pledge – Actions for Better Building Materials, Carlisle, March 2021
  • Vegetative & Protective Membrane Roof Assemblies, Owens Corning, July 2020
  • Efficient Design Utilizing Decorative Guardrails, Trex, July 2020
  • Modern Buildings – Health and Wellbeing: The Role of Exterior and Interior Glass with Enclosed Blinds, Blink Blinds and Glass, July 2020
  • Understanding Shooter/Attack-Resistant Door Opening Solutions, Masonite, July 2020
  • Silicone Coatings: A Risk Mitigation Strategy for Thermal Stress Breakage, IDC High Performance Coatings, July 2020
  • Understanding Low E Coatings, Vitro, July 2020
  • Sink Selection for Sustainability and Accessibility, Sloan, July 2020
  • Acoustic and Aesthetic Suspended Ceiling Solution Using Stone Wool, Rockfon, July 2020
  • Sustainable Design with Redwood Timbers, Humboldt Redwood, July 2020
  • Innovative Design Applications Using Advanced Fire Rated Glazing Technology, Safi-First, July 2020
  • Panel Discussion: Revisiting Restroom Hygiene & Planning: Design Strategies in the Post-COVID Era, Bobrick, July 2020
  • AIA Climate Action Plan and Leading by Example, July 2020
  • Improving Building Performance Case Studies Part II: New Mexico K-12 Public School Districts, NCARB, July 2020
  • Improving Building Performance Case Studies Part I: The Alfred Newman Richards Medical Laboratory Building, NCARB, July 2020
  • Ventilated and Insulated Rain Screen Cladding, American Fiber Cement Corp, June 2020
  • Excel Tribometers CXLT Certification Program, November, 2017
  • Accessibility (ADA) Update, United Spinal Association, April 2017
  • Drainage and Drying in the Exterior Wall, Benjamin Obdyke, April 2017
  • Multifactorial Analysis of Slip and Fall Events, ASTM International, January, 2017
  • Understanding Air Barrier Systems and Design Options, Henry Company, November 2016
  • Column Options of the 21st Century, HB&G Building Products, October 2016
  • Solar PV for Engineers and Architects, NY Sun PV Trainers Network, September 2016
  • Continuous Load Path (Structural), Simpson Strong Tie, July 2016
  • Optimizing Classroom Acoustics to Overcome HVAC Noise, CertainTeed, June 2016
  • A Complete Envelope Solution with Insulated Metal Panels, Hanley Wood University, June 2016
  • Solar and Geothermal Designs for Zero Energy Building Solutions, AIA Long Island Chapter, September 2015
  • Spray Foam Insulation for Commercial Wall Systems, AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2015
  • Incorporating Demand Management with Geothermal Heat Pumps and other Renewal Energy Sources, AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2015
  • Surface Technologies for Public Health and Safety, SEMCO Modern Seamless Surface, AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2014
  • Benefits of Post Frame Building Systems: From Cost Savings to Sustainability, Hanley Wood University, April 2014
  • Post Frame Buildings: A Light – Commercial Mainstay, Hanley Wood University, April 2014
  • Color Matters – The Relationship between Color and Pigments in Architectural Coatings, Hanley Wood University, April 2014
  • Considerations for Advanced Green Façade Design, Hanley Wood University, April 2014
  • Healthy Indoor Air Quality by Design, Hanley Wood University, April 2014
  • Advancing Sustainability through Product Performance and Transparency, Hanley Wood University, April 2014
  • Sustainable Design for Windows, Hanley Wood University, April 2014
  • NFPA285 Assembly Test of Exterior Walls with Combustible Components, DuPont Building Innovations, March 2014
  • Residential Wall Moisture Management, Dupont Building Innovations, March 2014
  • Choices of Air Barriers for Commercial Building Enclosure, Dupont Building Innovations, March 2014
  • Overview of Exterior Doors, Jeld-Wen, January 2014
  • Specifying Wood Windows for Historical Renovation and Design, Jeld-Wen, January 2014
  • Introduction to Deck Design, Simpson Strong Tie, July 2013
  • Preservative-Treated Wood Using Copper Azole: Arch Treatment Technologies, July 2013
  • Colloidal Silica: New Technology for Better Concrete: Lythic Solutions, July 2013
  • Masonry Wall Insulation, Air Barrier, Water Seal and Moisture Vapor Control with ccSPF: NCIF Polyurethanes, June 2013
  • Glass Performance for Today’s Building Codes and Designs: Kolbe Windows and Doors, June 2013
  • Finishing Touches: Enhancements, Options & Trends for Windows & Doors: Kolbe Windows and Doors, June 2013
  • Moisture Management in Commercial Building Enclosure, Dupont Tyvek, May 2013
  • The Makings of a Great Sub-Floor: Huber Engineered Woods, May 2013
  • Building Envelope Technologies for Energy Efficient Designs: Huber Engineered Woods, May 2013
  • The Trend towards Composite Masonry: A Greener Solution: Azek Building Products, May 2013
  • Cellular PVC and the Changing Face of Trim Products: Azek Building Products, May 2013
  • Continuous Insulation and Beyond: Hunter Panels, April 2013
  • Radiant Heating: Warmboard, Inc., April 2013
  • Solar Thermal Technologies and their Integration in Building Design: AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2013
  • Designing Zero Energy Buildings: DCP Continuing Education, Inc., April 2013
  • Supported Scaffold User Training, Academy for Occupational Health and Construction Safety, OSHA 29CFR 1926.450/ NYC Dept. of Buildings Chapter 33, February 2013
  • Moisture Management in Sidewall Construction, Benjamin Obdyke, June 2012
  • The Growth and Design Potential of Fiber Cement Siding, Certain Teed, Saint-Gobain, June 2012
  • What’s New in Lighting & Its Impact on Building Design, AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2012
  • Update on the Revised ADA / ABA Accessibility Guidelines: United Spinal Association, April 2011
  • High Performance Weather Barrier Systems for Green Buildings: AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2011
  • Determining Business Requirements Workshop: Total Systems Education, February 2011
  • LEED Green Associate Study Group: USGBC Long Island Chapter, September 2010
  • Building American with Advanced Technology, Machinery & People, The Role of Today’s Modern Structure: American Institute of Steel, April 2010
  • Commercial Stone Veneer Installation Seminar: AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2010
  • Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement, A Storm Water Management Solution: AIA Long Island Chapter, April 2010
  • Green Affordable Housing: AIA New York Chapter, March 2009
  • Self-Adhering Membrane Roofing Systems Seminar: Certain Teed Building Solutions, November 2008
  • Asphalt Shingles Seminar: Certain Teed Building Solutions, November 2008
  • Cold Liquid Applied Roofing and Waterproofing: Kemper Systems, Inc., July 2008
  • Building Blocks for Healthy Indoor Air: Ron Blank and Associates, Inc., July 2008
  • Assuring Water Resistance of Masonry Construction: Ron Blank and Associates, Inc., June 2008
  • Comparative Study of Wood and Aluminum Windows in Commercial Buildings: Ron Blank and Associates, Inc., May 2008
  • Controlling Sunlight with Interior and Exterior Sun Shades: Ron Blank and Associates, Inc., May 2008
  • Basic Understanding of Retrofit Standing Seam Metal Roof System: Ron Blank and Associates, Inc., May 2008
  • Fire Rated Doors and Frames: Ron Blank and Associates, Inc., April 2008
  • SBS Modified Asphalt Roofing and Underlayment Systems: Ron Blank and Associates, Inc., April 2008
  • Mold/Mildew Resistant Systems: National Gypsum Company, October 2007
  • Today’s Abuse Resistant & Impact Resistant Gypsum Systems: National Gypsum Company, October 2007
  • Visionary, Designing with Glass Block: Pittsburgh Corning, September 2007
  • Understanding the UL Fire Resistance Directories: National Gypsum Company, August 2007
  • Acoustically Enhanced Gypsum Board for High STC Wall Partitions: National Gypsum Company, October 2007
  • Engineering Quality Assurance / Quality Control Program: HDR University, August 2007
  • Roofing and Roof Maintenance: RCI, Inc., June 2007
  • Window Installation Guidelines and Detailing: Traco, May 2007
  • Restoration – Architecture & Interiors of New Old Buildings: Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation, December 2006
  • Elevator Technology – The Latest Advancements in Vertical Transportation Systems: Kone, Inc., November 2006
  • Fire Rated Doors and Hardware: Total Door Co., November 2006
  • Anchoring – Basic Theory: Hilti, May 2006
  • Monitoring Project Budgets and Schedules: Earned Value Method: ASCE, June 2005
  • Speaking: Preparing, Presenting and Following Up to Make Things Happen: ASCE, April 2005
  • Multi-Purpose Thin Set Mortar Myth: Mapei Technical Institute, May 2003
  • Fired Canvas Conformity, Harmony in Tile Design & Installation: Crossville Porcelain Stone, May 2003
  • Feeling Glass, Thinking Agglomerates: Trend USA, May 2003
  • Tile Specifications – Solving Problems Before They Occur: Tile Council of America, May 2003
  • A Systems Approach to Tile and Stone: Schluter Systems, May 2003
  • An Overview of the New NYS Codes: FRA Code Services, May 2003
  • Smart Growth Summit 2002: American Planning Association Continuing Professional Development Program, September 2002
  • AutoCAD 2000 – Introduction: L.A. Wilson Technological Center BOCES, May 2002
  • 2000 International Building Code Performing Nonstructural Plan Reviews Seminar: Building Officials and Code Administrative International, Inc., January 2002
  • Where there’s Smoke – Understanding Fire Rated Glazing: Technical Glass Products, November 2001

v. 03/9/23

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