About
As a building science consultant, I help design professionals, builders, contractors, and owners address and prevent failures in construction around the country, and help them to achieve their durability and performance goals, based on their local climate, site conditions, and project limitations.
My background is in architecture and more specifically custom home design. I received my Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Portland State University, and prior to that, I received an Associate's degree in applied science for residential architecture at PCC, which had a heavy focus on the construction side of things. After I started my business in 2017, I quickly realized the dire state of our construction industry. Relatively new buildings and homes are experiencing mold problems and moisture issues like rot, as well as poor indoor air quality. Recently renovated old buildings are also experiencing the same issues, and are quickly deteriorating. This isn't just a workmanship issue, it's primarily a design issue. So, I made it my mission to learn everything that I possibly could about why this was happening and how to prevent it in the first place.
As we continue to make our buildings more energy efficient, we have to acknowledge that this reduces the drying potential of our buildings. We can't build how we used to 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago. We construct our buildings with a lot more moisture-sensitive materials, we have substantially reduced the energy flow within our buildings, and we are designing buildings that place them at a significantly higher risk of potential failures.
Sharif Asiri | Owner + Consultant
So, how can WE help you prevent these failures?
Architectural Plan Reviews
We have a heavy focus on water and moisture management, as around 80% of construction litigation is water-related. If we can control bulk water that falls on our buildings and direct it away to dedicated discharge locations, we can eliminate the majority of our problems. This is closely followed by air leakage, which can be a major driver for condensation, poor indoor air quality, and energy loss, as well as thermal performance, to assist in warming up any surfaces that could support condensation. However, the devil is in the details, quite literally...
The development of detail drawings for construction is critical to the success of any project, and is where design professionals tend to need the most assistance. We frequently review architectural plan sets, construction drawings, and specifications for architects and designers, as well as builders and contractors, to identify problems early on in the design phase, BEFORE they get built.
Construction Detail Development & SPECIFICATIONS
We develop construction detail drawings and specifications for more complex projects, such as buildings with flat roofs, leaky parapet walls, historic renovations and remodels, green roofs, and risky contemporary architecture features.
Please reach out to request a plan and spec review, get assistance in the design of the building envelope and the development of construction details, arrange an existing building assessment, or request general project consulting.
Education
In addition to consulting, we create free educational content through building science articles, YouTube videos, and social media posts. We believe that education is key to progress in our industry, and we look forward to sharing new ideas and insights with our audience, as well as learning from others. We have multiple eBooks available in our shop, and we are currently in the process of developing several online video courses.
Team Members
Jack Howard
Thomas Moore
Thomas Moore
B.S. Economics, Minor in Computer Science
I grew up in the construction industry, working with my father on numerous projects and job sites. I later worked in construction logistics and started a business as a general contractor in Idaho, focusing on remediating flooded basements and other water management-related problems.
I thought I
B.S. Economics, Minor in Computer Science
I grew up in the construction industry, working with my father on numerous projects and job sites. I later worked in construction logistics and started a business as a general contractor in Idaho, focusing on remediating flooded basements and other water management-related problems.
I thought I wanted to get out of the construction industry early on, but I found there was a significant need in the industry for knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate people. I strive to bridge the communication gaps between contractors and design professionals to give our clients the buildings they want. Utilizing building science, we can develop concrete scientific solutions that we know will work.
Thomas Moore
Thomas Moore
Thomas Moore
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
B.S. Manufacturing Engineering
M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering - Focus: Materials and Mechanics
I have a strong background in 1st principles of engineering, which I've been able to apply in both the aerospace and automotive industries. My roles have included structural design and simulation engineering, aiming to de
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
B.S. Manufacturing Engineering
M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering - Focus: Materials and Mechanics
I have a strong background in 1st principles of engineering, which I've been able to apply in both the aerospace and automotive industries. My roles have included structural design and simulation engineering, aiming to determine the feasibility and durability of primary and secondary structures. While attending Oregon State University, I had the pleasure of working in the prototype development lab as a graduate research assistant, as well as working as a graduate teaching assistant in the mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing engineering department (MIME) in support of the material science undergraduate courses.
My time at University, and the teaching opportunities I was afforded, revealed an enjoyment of learning new STEM-related topics and communicating them to others for everyone's benefit. Naturally, performing this from a building science perspective became an interest. My primary goal is to provide you with the resources and knowledge necessary, so together we can improve building durability and limit risk.
Chase Howard
Thomas Moore
Chase Howard
Honors Program
B.S. Environmental Science
B.S. Biology
Graduate Certificate: Healthcare Management
I have a well-rounded background that includes environmental science, healthcare, and construction. I have years of hands-on experience in residential construction, as I worked for a General Contractor throughout High School and College. This ga
Honors Program
B.S. Environmental Science
B.S. Biology
Graduate Certificate: Healthcare Management
I have a well-rounded background that includes environmental science, healthcare, and construction. I have years of hands-on experience in residential construction, as I worked for a General Contractor throughout High School and College. This gave me invaluable knowledge and experience in the construction industry as well as an appreciation for the hard work it takes to provide a quality product. This direct experience helps shape my recommendations as a consultant because I am familiar with how different a task can be on paper than in practice. My education has also been very useful in my work as a consultant, as I was already familiar with the physics and chemistry concepts that are at the core of many building science concepts and principles, making the transition from my previous career smooth.
From my previous career in Home Medical Equipment, I know that a person's home is an important part of their comfort, safety, and well-being. I find that the goals of building science are very similar, as it is not enough for a house to just keep wind and water out, but to maintain a healthy and comfortable separation between what is inside and what is outside.
Media & Content
Articles
Articles
These articles focus on the principles of building science, specifically water management, building envelope design, and construction details, and their impact on the longevity and durability of new and existing buildings.
YouTube
Articles
We create weekly building science videos on how to prevent and address building envelope failures in new and existing buildings. We discuss strategies for waterproofing, insulating various building assemblies, air sealing, and more.
Shop
Purchase our eBooks, CAD details, and other products that simplify and streamline the design and construction process, saving you valuable time and effort, and enabling you to complete your projects without the risk of future failures.
Check out our content on Instagram, where we share building science knowledge as well as some of the other projects that we are working on, and engage with you in an open dialogue discussion about the various aspects of the industry.