Koji Hirota, AIA, OAA, LEED AP, NCARB
Construction Practice Leader
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
How does investigating construction defect investigation differ from code compliance review, and what unique evidence or challenges does each present?
Construction defect investigations focus on why a building element failed from a performance standpoint rather than a strict compliance with code. However, performance and code compliance can overlap and serve different purposes. The operative word is causation. We evaluate what went wrong, how it occurred and who performed the work. Code compliance reviews determine whether the design or construction met the applicable prescriptive or performance-based code requirements.
What’s something about construction claims and disputes that would surprise most people outside the field?
Successful construction claims depend on the level of documentation during the construction process. Photographs, emails and meeting notes are critical for understanding field issues and nuanced decisions made during the construction phase. This documentation helps to identify key events and individuals who may add greater context to a specific defect issue.
As an expert witness, what’s the one thing you wish judges and juries better understood about construction claims and disputes?
In construction claims, design intent, technical truth, and legal responsibility are not the same. Causation is rarely simple or singular. Careful review and analysis are required to understand the complexities of many construction defect assignments.
Background
Mr. Koji Hirota is a licensed architect in 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, an accredited LEED AP professional, a trained XL Tribometrist, an FAA Registered Drone Pilot, and a Registered Energy Professional.
Mr. Hirota has over 30 years of experience in the design, documentation, and construction of commercial, residential, and institutional structures. He has extensive experience leading teams from the initial proposal, property condition assessments, site design, design process, building code and ADA evaluations, documentation, and specifications through construction, contract administration, and project closeout. He has directed and executed design concepts through creative, buildable, and coordinated detailing and leveraged his building construction experience into clear solutions for building owners, contractors, insurance companies, and attorneys. He has guided architectural teams and supported consultants in the schedule, design, documentation, and contract administration of both public and private sector projects. Mr. Hirota served as the primary lead during construction, working with the client, general contractor, and project team solving issues as they occurred in the field. Project experience includes planning, renovations, and new construction of religious institutions, schools, daycare facilities, retail facilities, multi-family residence facilities, gymnasiums, commercial kitchens, network operations centers, hotels, interior office fit-outs, student centers, and historic renovations.
As a forensic investigator, he inspects and analyzes building envelope failures in commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties. Assignments included construction defects, roofing evaluations, building envelope failures and deficiencies, storm damage, deficiencies related to building code compliance, ADA, contract evaluations; slip, trip, and fall evaluations; property damage; and architectural standard of care. He has given testimony as an expert witness both nationally and internationally.
Education and Certifications
- Architecture, B.A.: Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech)
- Licensed Architect: Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada
- LEED® Accredited Professional (LEED AP):S. Green Building Council (#GBCI 0010019840)
- Certified XL Tribometrist (CXLT): Excel Tribometers LLC (#1801710)
- Registered Energy Professional (REP): City of Chicago
- Licensed 14CFR part 107 Drone Pilot (UAG): Federal Aviation Administration (#4070307)
- Suspended Scaffold: Competent Person Certification: OSHA (#80541)
- Revit Level 1: Architecture Certification
- Thermal/Infrared Thermography Level 1: Building Specific Certification
- White Water Kayaking Instructor Level 4: American Canoe Association
- CPR Pro Certification, Wilderness First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, Vertical Rope Rescue, Cave Rescue