Sylvia B. Deye, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Architecture, Construction & Premises Safety Expert

Sylvia B. Deye, Architecture, Construction & Premises Safety Expert

Sylvia Deye is a Registered Architect with over 30 years of experience in architectural design, construction, and project management. Her experience includes a wide range of building and facility types, from single and multi-family residential, to commercial, retail, hospitality, industrial, and institutional facilities. Sylvia's architectural experience also includes a concentration in large retail complexes and resorts. Sylvia applies her expertise to forensic casework involving premises liability disputes and construction claims.

Sylvia Deye, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP - Architecture, Construction & Premises Safety Expert

Sylvia's architectural career includes roles such as lead designer, project manager, and firm owner. Her projects encompass complex design, construction, and occupancy issues. Having overseen projects from initial concept through completion, Sylvia has in-depth knowledge of how the building industry operates and how design elements within the built environment contribute to safety and accessibility. Within her forensic casework, Sylvia provides comprehensive evaluations of large scale projects, while also focusing on the minutiae of individual design elements such as walkways, stairs, handrails, and lighting.

In addition to her broader architectural experience, Sylvia focused her practice for several years on the design and construction of resorts and retail facilities. Within this concentration, she has been responsible for the design and construction of ski resorts in Colorado and California; state park facilities in New York; and vacation condominium complexes in Florida. This experience contributes to Sylvia's expertise evaluating interior and exterior spaces within the built environments, ranging from walkways, parking structures, and ski lifts, to locker rooms, hot tub areas, and storage facilities.

Sylvia obtained her Master in Architecture degree from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign graduating with honors. Sylvia is certified by the National Council of Registration Boards (NCARB) with registrations in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Sylvia is a local and national member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI).

Professional Experience

Robson Forensic, Inc

Associate

2018 to present

Provide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation. Areas of expertise include:

Building Design and Planning: Land development, facility planning, zoning, building codes and standards, accessibility, storm water management, means of egress, parking lots, pedestrian / bicycle infrastructure, and loading docks.

Building Failures: Foundation cracking, settling or failures, water intrusion, fungal growth, insect damage, roof and wall failures.

Construction Failures: Water intrusion related issues; brick, cmu, stone, and concrete spalling, gutter and flashing system failures, roofing system, expansion joint, sealant and caulk system failures, window system failures.

Building Systems: Plumbing, sprinklers, alarms, lighting, interior air quality, wood/coal stoves, chimneys & flues.

Building Safety: Codes and standards, lighting levels/uniformity, glass and glazing, floor & wall surfaces & openings, retail displays, food services, guard rails.

Security: Site and facility planning, fences and gates, lighting, hardware and devices, signage.

Trip and Stumble Accidents: Vertical misalignments, stairs, platforms and single risers, walking surfaces, walk-off mats, sloped areas and gratings.

Special User Requirements: Universal design for elderly, child and barrier-free standards for accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Architectural Practice: Standard of Care, Owner-Architect Agreements, General Conditions, errors and omissions, change order analysis, construction phasing, punch lists, and interpreting contract performance.

Dimensional Architecture P.C.

Principal Architect

2003 to present

Providing architectural services for all phases from zoning and planning, master planning, facilities and building assessment maintenance reports, leading into design, permits and construction. Projects have ranged from retail centers, tenant fit out, school buildings with multiple primes, theaters, modular construction, single family homes and urban residential renovations, industrial facilities, bakeries, residential, restaurants, office renovations and facilities planning, private school campus wide renovations from the dormitories to the gymnasium, pharmacy, daycare centers, playground surface renovations, hair salons, and camp ground restrooms with showers. QCit – providing quality control review of construction documents for constructability and coordination.

Barton Partners

Project Manager

2014 to 2015

The review and team management of large scale multi-family housing in New Jersey and single family development projects in New York and Pennsylvania with club houses, gathering rooms, and offices. Work also encompassed restaurants and stand-alone fast food establishments on building out-lot pads.

Fedetz & Martin Associates

Architect

2001 to 2004

Lead Architect Designer and manager for the Reading Office. Responsible for all phases from zoning and planning, master planning, facilities and building assessment maintenance reports, feasibility studies including inspection and documentation of electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems creating complete as-built of the ADA compliance and security systems, leading into design, coordination of all engineering disciplines permits and construction. Projects have ranged from retail centers, tenant fit out, school buildings, banks, corporate facilities renovations, Elderly and skilled nursing centers, industrial and explosion outbuildings, housing authority renovations and code upgrades for elderly centers and multi-family housing, lift installations, public gym facilities for both managed and 24 hours non-managed use centers, public utility service centers, car rental centers, doctor offices, high rise housing renovations and code compliant upgrades. Onsite inspections for, facilities, flat and pitched roofs, lightning rod installations, sidewalk and curb cuts for housing authority complexes.

McIntyre, Batchelor and Capron

Architect

2001

Design and management of high end large custom homes, developer houses and 4-story multi-family housing complexes.

Oz Architecture

Architect

1998 to 2001

Lead Project Manager for large teams and fast track projects. Responsible for the implementation of the schematic design into design development, construction documentation design and coordination of all engineering disciplines and construction for ski resorts in Colorado and California including the site and master planning development of the exterior facility from parking to ski lifts, slope water and drainage run off and pedestrian/bicycling paths and circulation of the entire site. Low high-rise condominiums included below grade parking garages, retail, club rooms, hot tub areas indoor and outdoor, locker rooms, storage areas, restaurants and pedestrian bridges. Construction detailing of a New York state park educational center. Responsible for the schematic design into design development for a vacation condominium resort with a multi floor parking garage, located in Florida.

CLC Associates

Project Architect

1993 to 1997

Lead architectural design and coordination of all engineering disciplines for large retail centers. Projects located in California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Kansas and Colorado. Involvement included site and master planning design, storm water mitigation and detention systems, out lot building pads and parking lot configurations. Schematic building design to construction documents and construction of core and shell and tenant fit outs for a variety of large retail establishments including small tenant fit outs from clothing stores, loading docks, trash removal systems, restaurants, offices and banks. Corporate facilities upgrades and renovations, extended stay hotel franchise, Multi complex movie theater. Responsible for office files, library and cad standard implementation.

Fedetz & Martin Associates

Designer Intern

1987 to 1993

Responsible for the design and drafting of housing authority projects, juvenile detention center, women’s detention center, auditorium renovations, Farm labor worker housing renovations in existing urban row homes renovations to meet code compliance.

Luis Rufo Construction, Pennsylvania

Rough Framer

Summer 1989

Construction of two story homes with attached garage, decks, steps and railings. Framing and standing walls, nailing floor substrates, setting stairs, joist bridging installation, hangers and hurricane straps, rim boards, floor joists, added blocking where needed. Some finish work such as moldings and trim.

Port of Rock Hall Marina

General Help

Summer 1987

Retail sales clerk, pool maintenance, restroom and locker room maintenance, boat fuel service for sailing boats and motor boats. Maintenance and rental of large sail boats while living on a sail boat.

Professional Credentials

  • Registered Architect: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
  • LEED AP
  • Certified Safety Assessor
  • ASCA-C Professional
  • Certified XL Tribometrist
  • TRIAXTouch Surface Impact Tester

Professional Memberships

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1987
  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) since 1987
  • American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
  • Past AIA Eastern PA President
  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
    • E-06 Performance of Buildings Committee
    • F-12 Security Systems and Equipment
    • F-13 Pedestrian Walkway Safety and Footwear
  • HOA Strawberry Village Colorado board member (past experience)
  • Daniel Boone School Board Member (Past experience)

Certifications

  • Certified Playground Safety Inspector
  • NICA Certified Level 3 Mountain Bike Coach
  • High School and Middle School Mountain Biking Team Director since 2016

Education

Master of Architecture with Honors, University of Illinois, Urban/Champagne, 1992

B.S. Architecture, Spring Garden College, Philadelphia, PA, 1990

Continuing Education

  • “Review of Structural Materials & Methods for Home Building in The U.S.,” PDH Academy, December 2021
  • “IBC Code Mapping for Architects,” PDH Academy, December 2021
  • “Phenolic Panels for Durable Wall Coverings and Cladding,” BNP Media, December 2021
  • “Improving Concrete Durability with Crystalline Technology,” BNP Media, December 2021
  • “Moisture Management Fundamentals,” BNP Media, December 2021
  • “Back to the Office: Making the Workspace Healthy and Appealing,” BNP Media, December 2021
  • “Making Passive House Standard,” AIAU, December 2021
  • “Stucco: Rainscreen, Codes and Standards,” BNP Media, December 2021
  • “Zinc as a Building Envelope,” BNP Media, December 2021
  • "Controlling Moisture Movement in Buildings: The Complete Approach", AEC Daily Corporation, December 2020
  • "Inclusive Playgrounds: Designing Spaces to Bring Children & Communities Together," AEC Daily Corporation, December 2020
  • “Making the ADA Accessible," AIA CES, April 2020
  • “Preparing Code Compliant Construction Documents,” AIA Florida, April 2020
  • “Floodplain Design, Construction and Impacts on Flood Insurance,” AIA Florida, April 2020
  • “Life Safety Plans: Graphics and Codes,” AIA Florida, April 2020
  • “How Artificial Intelligence can Enhance Life and Safety,” AIA, December 2019
  • “The Evolution of Mid‐Rise Design: Increasing Opportunities with Wood,” Woodworks, 2019
  • “Design Considerations for Multi-Story Podium Projects,” Woodworks, April 2019
  • “Roofing and Waterproofing Forensics,” BNP Media, February 2019
  • “Advanced FBC, the 6th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code-Building (ADV) (HSW),” Pace PDH, December 2018
  • “Under-Slab Vapor Retarders / Barriers: Restricting Moisture Infiltration,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Structural Design of ICP for Municipal Streets and Roadways,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Aluminum Composite Material (ACM): Sustainable Materials and Processes,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Polyiso CI for Code-Compliant Walls in Type V and Residential Construction,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Zinc Building Envelopes: Sustainable Architectural Metal,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Entrance Flooring Systems: Design with the Elements in Mind,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Green Building Entrances: Mats and Gratings that Perform,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Accessibility and Detectable Warning Systems: Complying with Current Government Guidelines,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2018
  • “Managing the Legal and Practice Issues of BIM,” Berkley Design Professional, April 2018
  • “Synergy of Glass and Building Envelope,” Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc., February 2018
  • “Sustainable Waterproofing Solutions/DE-A,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2017
  • “Performance Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2017
  • “Cellulose Insulation: The Versatile and Sustainable Solution,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2017
  • “Acrylic Foam Tape for Structural Glazing and Architectural Panel Applications,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2017
  • “Commercial Restroom Design: Sanitary, Accessible, Durable, and Water-Efficient,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2017
  • “Elevated Outdoor Flooring Systems for Stone and Tile,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2017
  • “Color in Healthcare Environments: Evidence-Based Design Strategies,” AEC Daily Corporation, December 2017
  • “Advanced Florida Building Code 5th Edition (2014) Accessibility,” The Media Factory, December 2016
  • “Glass Performance for Today’s Building Codes and Designs,” Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork Co, Inc., August 2016
  • “Tour of the Cardinal Float Glass Plant in Portage, Wisconsin,” Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork Co, Inc., August 2016
  • “Universal Design in a New Normal,” Kohler Co., August 2015
  • “Hollow – Core Plank,” Oldcastle Precast, Inc., July 2015
  • “Acoustics in Architecture,” InfoComm International, July 2015
  • “Black or White Membrane. What is the Sustainable and Energy Efficient Choice?” Carlisle Construction Materials, June 2015
  • “Crack Control in Concrete Masonry Walls,” National Concrete Masonry Association, July 2015
  • “Architectural Anchoring Solutions,” Halfen USA Inc., May 2015
  • “Prepainted Architectural/Structural Metal Roofing,” Englert, Inc., May 2015
  • “ICC/IBC 2012 & A117.1-2009: Requirements for Type A and Type B Dwelling Units and Fair Housing Requirements,” AIA Philadelphia, March 2015
  • “Fire Joint Framing and Protection,” ClarkDietrich Building Systems, March 2015
  • “Designing for Residential and Light Commercial Project with Insulated Siding Technology,” Hughes and Associates, February 2015
  • “Reinforced Brick Masonry,” Brick Industry Association, February 2015
  • “Fiberglass Composite Windows in Multi-Family Housing,” Marvin Windows and Doors, January 2015
  • “Florida Building Code 2010: Highlights and Changes,” PDH Academy, December 2014
  • “Understanding and Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Wood, Fiberglass and Steel Entry Door Systems,” Hughes and Associates, November 2014
  • “Aluminum Composite Material – Modern Architectural Cladding,” 3A Composites, November 2014
  • “Landscape and the Development Process – Site Preservation Sustainment,” Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., November 2014
  • “Continuous Insulation, New Model Energy Codes,” Parex USA, Inc., October 2014
  • “Sustainable Site Development and Regenerative Design: The Role of the Site/Civil Engineer,” Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., October 2014
  • “Continuous Wall Bracing by the 2009-2012 Code,” Weyehaeuser, October 2014
  • “Residential Framing for Green Building Certification,” Weyehaeuser, October 2014
  • “1-hr/Sliding Doors in a Means of Egress: Recent Changes,” Won-Door Corporation, September 2014
  • “Accessibility Code Changes for Pennsylvania,” CSI Pennsylvania/Central Section, March 2013
  • “Advanced FBC Water Intrusion Issues,” AIA Florida, February 2013
  • “2012 IBC Significant Changes,” International Code Council (ICC), March 2012
  • “Preventing Water Penetration,” Brick Industry Association, November 2011
  • “Advancements in Modular Construction,” Modular Building Institute, June 2007
  • “IBC 2006 Code Review Seminar,” AIA Eastern Pennsylvania, May 2007

v. 02/7/23

Related Resources

See All of Sylvia's Published Content

Resort Premises Safety

By Sylvia B. Deye
Expert Article

In this article, architect Sylvia Deye, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP explores the complexities of designing resort environments that are both safe and functional for the wide range of activities that they…

Public Facilities & School Premises Safety

By Sylvia B. Deye
Expert Article

Registered Architect and Certified Safety Assessor Sylvia Deye, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP has extensive knowledge and experience designing schools and institutional buildings which meet rigorous standards…

Falls From Windows: Window Safety & Standards

By Sylvia B. Deye
Expert Article

In this article, premises safety expert Sylvia Deye discusses window safety and the leading causes of fall from window incidents. Her discussion includes design, maintenance, and operational aspects…

Snow & Ice in Premises Liability and Property Management Disputes

Thursday, March 18, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Featuring Sylvia B. Deye & Albert J. Kerelis, Jr.
Video Webinar

Addressing the standard of care in premises liability and property management disputes involving snow and ice can be complex. In these cases, issues of causation and notice can be complicated by site…