why us?
We are an architectural building enclosure consulting firm dedicated to supporting architects, builders and owners with building enclosure design assistance, assessment, testing and investigations.
By cooperatively assisting design architect's through the detailing and construction phases, we advance the creation of better performing buildings.
services
Building Shell & Enclosure Design Assistance
Engaging cooperatively with the project design team to prepare direct content such as developing enclosure details, preparing code reports, researching materials, and preparing or outlining specifications. DSS often participates with the pre-construction teams to review and refine the project with the cost and scheduling managers with cooperative negotiation and explaining the rationale for the design intent.
Architectural Peer Review
Reviewing the architect’s design and construction documents on behalf of the architect, owner or builder.
Construction Phase Assistance
Assisting the design architect with submittal reviews and questions or revisions. Providing in the field Quality Control (QC) for enclosure construction items such as waterproofing, flashing, cladding and roofing.
Hygrothermal Modeling (WUFI)
Preparing WUFI hygrothermic modeled performance studies to ensure the careful accomplishment of the design intent. The studies analyze the passage of heat and moisture along with mold tendencies over a three-year life of the wall assembly designed within a specific climate.
Heat Transfer Analysis
Building theoretical modeled studies of the passage of thermal energy across a wall joint assembly such as wall framing or window and door framing.
BECxA Commissioning
Providing certified Building Enclosure Commissioning or Building Envelope Specialist (BES) services. While this can be by the classic detached third-party approach, DSS prefers direct engagement in order to review and advise the Enclosure QC design and construction process.
Forensic Testing
Performing and guiding analytic and forensic testing, including test probes, thermographic IR imaging, and moisture or water testing. DSS also manages and interprets Special Inspections performed by third-party ASTM certified providers.
Remediation & Litigation Support
Assisting builders or owners with problem enclosure conditions during and after construction. DSS engages with the problems and tries to establish a comprehensive assessment along with practical remediation recommendations. The goal is to resolve an issue with firmness, calmness, tact and clarity.
Serving as an architectural expert witness during investigation and remediation, as well as during litigation, typically in the defense of the architect or builder.
projects
research & development
Continuous Insulation Studies
Continuous Insulation presents challenges with the overall wall-assembly’s design, performance and construction. We are currently developing eight, steel-framed wall assemblies to evaluate their comparative differences, while standardizing to ICC 2018 in Climate Zone 5. The design solutions include multiple insulation types, location of the thermal and weather control layers, thermal breaks, fasteners, fire resistance, structural, and the final accommodation to exterior claddings.
45+ years of
experience helping
clients succeed
Approved AIA
Continuing Education Provider
"We’re happy that the 933 First Ave experience was such a success for all involved! A great team working toward a common goal."
ROGER S. BALL
Vice President of Operations, Wohlsen Construction
"In our opinion, DSS has demonstrated an uncanny ability to achieve the Owner’s Goals and work with the Contractor to achieve these Goals with clear concise direction. DSS’s ability to quickly take a leadership role to solve any construction related issue allowed the completion of the projects to all’s satisfaction."
DANIEL L. BEERHALTER
Executive Vice President, EP Guidi
"Their expertise in building design and especially with building enclosure details was paramount in successfully transforming a 1960’s built retail building into a current “State of the Art” sustainable building structure that now houses a worldwide maintenance company."
STEPHEN C. QUINTILIANI
T.N. Ward Company
"DSS is one… if not THE… most capable professional's to have on your development team… combining his experience with constructability, new materials and architectural detailing with a broad knowledge of building envelope consultation. His “Can Do, Hands On” attitude inspires performance from all of the team and lifts the final product to the highest level. He is a pleasure to work alongside and I would recommend him instantly."
AL WULFF
President, Wulff Architects
meet the team
DSS is a leading high-performance building enclosure consulting firm with over 45 years of architectural design experience, serving clients throughout the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region and Ottawa, Ontario.
We provide advisory, expert witness, and remediation services, hold U.S. and Canadian patents for the Back-Lattice Wall Design, and present nationally at IIBEC and ABAA conferences.
Design Support Services of Philadelphia, LLC(DSS-Philly)
Design Support Services of Canada(DSS-Ottawa)
Let’s collaborate on your next project
We'll handle the building enclosure so that you can focus on the big picture.
Contact us