Expert Witness Architect
An Expert Witness Architect provides expert opinions in tribunals, inquests, court cases, tort liability cases, professional misconduct, and arbitration between other architects and clients.
An Expert Witness Architect acts as instruments for the courts and parties involved in arbitration to communicate and explain the details of a building’s design, drawing, and representation. They also act in disputes that arise on work executed by others, either to help explain the issues to the Court in a litigation support role, or to mediate in finding ways to resolve differences, and avoid costly litigation.
Key Attributes of an Expert Witness Architect:
Experience
Experience in building and detailing of buildings of the same occupancy type (i.e residential, commercial, institutional, industrial) as the case at-hand.
Abilities
Ability to read drawings and measure appropriate “duty of care” of professional architectural standards and design, against as-built conditions, as well as the ability to communicate verbally and in written form clearly, and to hold up under cross-examination and technical inquiry.
Knowledge
Knowledge of the Profession and the Ontario Architects Act as well as the Ontario Association of Architects disciplinary processes.
Honesty and Integrity
Honesty and Integrity, and a proven track record of good character and high professional regard.
Balance and Fairness
Balanced and fair approach that considers evidence and data in order to arrive at expert testimony.
The Principal of Coolearth, Sheena Sharp, has experience acting as an Expert Architect in jurisdictions across Ontario, including recently in Toronto, and Parry Sound. She has detailed professional architectural experience on commercial, industrial, manufacturing, institutional, residential and multi-unit residential buildings. Because of this we find ourselves called upon to act in disputes that arise on work executed by others, either to help explain the issues to the Court in a litigation support role, or to mediate in finding ways to resolve differences.