News & Insights
VIDEO: Advancing building science from the inside
Why this matters now
Energy codes, sustainability goals, and resilience expectations have pushed building science into the spotlight. Performance now depends on how assemblies are detailed and built, not just on what shows up in specifications. Owners and design teams who treat building science as an afterthought are seeing the consequences in energy bills, moisture problems, and durability issues. The opportunity is to apply real building science discipline from early design through construction.
What leaders are weighing
Project teams are weighing the cost of more rigorous building science work against the cost of underperformance and remediation. They are deciding how to integrate envelope consulting, mechanical design, and field verification, and how to handle the realities of trades and schedules. There are tradeoffs around materials, assemblies, and the level of testing and inspection during construction. Owners want buildings that deliver what was promised. Designers want clearer guidance. Contractors want details they can build. Building science done well bridges those needs.
How Salas O’Brien is helping clients respond
Our building science team helps owners and design teams turn performance goals into details that hold up in the field. We bring envelope expertise, mechanical and moisture analysis, and field experience together so projects are designed and built with realistic expectations. We help clients reduce risk on new construction, diagnose problems on existing buildings, and improve outcomes over time. Hear Keith Simon, Steve Smith, and Sharif Jones talk about advancing building science from the inside.
Keith A. Simon, FAIA, BECxP, CxA+BE, CPHC, LEED AP, CEI
An expert in building enclosure technology, Keith Simon addresses the critical and often unmet need for improving building performance, resilience, and durability by guiding design teams, educating future architects, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchange. Keith is Vice President of Design Phase Services at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Steve Smith PE
Steve Smith, PE has more than 27 years of experience in forensic engineering, research, and testing, with expertise in mechanical systems, accident reconstruction, and code and standards compliance. He applies his extensive field and laboratory experience to support complex investigations and technically demanding projects, with a focus on accuracy, safety, and performance. Steve serves as Director of Research & Testing, Forensic Engineer at Salas O’Brien.
Sharif Jones
Sharif Jones has more than eight years of experience in laboratory operations, building investigations, and fenestration field testing. He brings deep expertise in equipment testing, laboratory management, quality control procedures, and the operation of specialized testing equipment, while training and mentoring team members to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Sharif is a Certified Master Thermographer, FGIA Installation Master, and FAPC professional. Sharif serves as Laboratory Manager at Salas O’Brien.