Case Studies:
Experience
ROBERT J. BITTERLI, AIA/NCARB, LEED APRobert brings more than 30 years of experience to the firm, having served as the head of his own practice Bitterli + Associates before the creation of Ivy Group Consultants in April of 2000. As the Ivy Group was incorporated in April of 2005, he became the President of Ivy Group Consultants, Inc. serving as the lead Forensic Consultant for the firm. In his dual role with HADP Architecture, Inc. he serves as Sr. Vice President and Principal-in-Charge of HADP's West Florida regional offices, managing operations in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Fort Myers.
Robert brings a broad range of professional accomplishments and outstanding design work. Throughout his career he has provided clients with a personal commitment, delivering expert consultant services in a forthright manner, with both pragmatic and theoretical perspectives in mind. He regularly provides expert witness/forensic services on building defect issues to attorneys, plaintiffs, defendants, insurance companies and building owners throughout the Southeastern United States. He has recently served on several technical advisory committees in the development of the new Florida Building Code 2001, and has taught Florida Building Code seminars to licensed architects and engineers throughout Florida and Georgia. He has recently provided expert input into the development of the current 2004 Florida Building Code. Mr. Bitterli has presented multiple courses on the Florida Building Code and Wind Load Design to the American Institute of Architects (local, state, and national), and the American Society of Civil Engineers at the statewide level.
Known for his dedication and his analytical approach to all of his work, Robert is the firm's leading expert in Building Sciences and Architectural Forensic Consulting and is considered by the legal community a leader in those fields in the South Eastern United States. Over the years he has served as Lead Forensic Consultant and Expert Witness in over 90 cases. In recent years Robert has served as an voting member of the Building/Structural Technical Advisory Committee to the State Building Commission responsible for the creation of the Florida Building Code in 2001 and its update in 2004. He has been Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board for 18 years and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Full Resume
DAVID MICHAEL HARPER, FAIA, LEED AP
David serves as the Chairman of Ivy Group Consultants, Inc., and he serves as President and CEO of the architectural firm that is now known as HADP Architecture, Inc., which he founded at age 26. Throughout his career, David has specialized in the design of higher education projects, K-12 schools, aviation projects, and institutional and military buildings. David serves on the Boards of Directors of a number of related companies, as well as civic and community organizations. He was elected to oversee the development of a new building code in South Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. David led a team of multiple professionals through the challenging process of re-writing and strengthening the South Florida Building Code, which today serves as the basis of the High Hazard Hurricane Zone provisions in the current 2004 Florida Building Code.
STEWART AIKEN, AIA
With an expansive portfolio developed over more than 30 years of experience in a wide range of building types and designs, Stewart serves on the Board of Directors of Ivy Group Consultants, Inc., as well as serving as Chairman of HADP Architecture, Inc. He is a noted expert in on-campus student housing projects for many of the major colleges and universities across the East Coast, and has significant experience with multi-family housing projects throughout the South Eastern United States. Throughout his career, his wide-ranging work has taken him to multiple states for the design and construction of major institutional, commercial and hospitality projects, as well as elderly and assisted living facilities.
Stewart is known within the firm for his "results-oriented approach." He has, for over 25 years, served as an arbitrator with the AAA (American Arbitration Association) and has been appointed to successfully arbitrate more than 50 cases in the Southeastern United States. It is with this outstanding background that he assists in Ivy Group Claims and Cases, bringing his objective and balanced style to each of our clients.
RICHARD AIKEN, AIA
Richard is a principal and director in Ivy Group Consultants, Inc. and brings a wealth of knowledge and design experience in building affordable housing to our sister company, HADP Architecture, Inc., carrying forward the firm's legacy as an innovator in this field. Since beginning his specialization in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Modernization in 1974, he has completed projects resulting in more than 100,000 units of affordable housing throughout the eastern United States.
Also skilled in the management and design of complex architectural projects, Richard handles tax credit issues for many affordable housing developers, as well as other financial issues common to this architectural sector. Richard's background in complex financing arrangements for development projects allows Ivy Group Consultants, Inc. to offer to our clients this depth of experience in development reviews and feasibility analysis in a variety of projects.
