Senior Director, Construction Disputes & Advisory (PLDC): Architect

Ankura; Colorado; On-site; USD 110,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ankura's Professional Liability & Defective Construction (PLDC) subgroup seeks a leader to serve as the primary testifying expert on high-profile construction disputes, focusing on design and construction defect analysis and standard of care for general contractors and other parties.

You will conduct forensic analysis, mentor staff, manage engagements, and present findings in depositions, mediations, and trials, overseeing data gathering and client communications for senior-level review.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution; advanced degree preferred.
• Architectural license required; NCARB certification preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in construction/engineering, with at least 5 years focused on disputes/forensic consulting for construction defects, liability, and claims.
• Proven history as an active testifying expert on at least 2–3 construction defect or standard-of-care matters.
• Technical proficiency in design, building codes, and construction methods; experience with forensic analysis techniques related to construction deficiencies and remedial repair protocols.
• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience managing client relationships and leading project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed after-the-fact evaluations of design and construction deficiencies and defects, water infiltration/intrusion, and standard of care.
• Serve as a testifying expert in depositions, mediations, and trials, presenting complex technical and causation findings clearly and objectively.
• Direct and perform forensic analysis of design and construction documentation to determine contractual liability and cause-effect relationships between project events and alleged defects.
• Oversee data-gathering activities, including document review and supervising quality control of technical work product.
• Supervise and mentor project personnel, including analysts and associates.
• Lead engagement work planning, proposals, budgeting, and client communications for senior-level review.

Skills

Testifying expert

Forensic analysis

Client management

Project leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

Architectural license

NCARB certification

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Practice Overview

Ankura's Professional Liability & Defective Construction (PLDC) subgroup delivers sophisticated expert services to resolve complex construction disputes. Our multidisciplinary team combines deep industry expertise (Architects, Engineers, and Contractors) with advanced analytical capabilities to provide independent professional opinions, focusing on liability, standard of care, defective construction, and remedial protocols. We offer robust analysis and compelling expert testimony across some of the world's largest capital projects.

Role Overview

Lead and serve as the primary testifying expert on high‑profile construction disputes, claims, and litigation matters, focusing on design and construction defect analysis and standard of care for general contractors and other parties.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed after‑the‑fact evaluations of design and construction deficiencies and defects, water infiltration/intrusion, and standard of care.
• Serve as a testifying expert in depositions, mediations, and trials, presenting complex technical and causation findings clearly and objectively.
• Direct and perform forensic analysis of design and construction documentation to determine contractual liability and cause‑effect relationships between project events and alleged defects.
• Oversee data‑gathering activities, including document review and supervising quality control of technical work product.
• Supervise and mentor project personnel, including analysts and associates.
• Lead engagement work planning, proposals, budgeting, and client communications for senior‑level review.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution; advanced degree preferred.
• Architectural license required; NCARB certification preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in construction/engineering, with at least 5 years focused on disputes/forensic consulting for construction defects, liability, and claims.
• Proven history as an active testifying expert on at least 2–3 construction defect or standard‑of‑care matters.
• Technical proficiency in design, building codes, and construction methods; experience with forensic analysis techniques related to construction deficiencies and remedial repair protocols.
• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Experience managing client relationships and leading project teams.

Compensation

For locations in California, Colorado, or New York, compensation is estimated at $110,000–$240,000 in base pay, not a promise of a specific wage.

EEO Statement

Ankura is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. For applicants with disabilities who require accommodations, please email [e-mail] or call toll‑free +1.312-583-2122.