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Forensic Architecture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's/master's degree in architecture or a closely related field from an accredited college or ... Extensive knowledge of Florida Building Code and forensic methodologies. * Strong technical writing ...

An industry-leading construction and forensic consulting firm is seeking a Forensic Architect to help them identify issues and provide/suggest solutions using ethical, comprehensive, and current ...

An industry-leading construction and forensic consulting firm is seeking a Forensic Architect to help them identify issues and provide/suggest solutions using ethical, comprehensive, and current ...

An industry-leading construction and forensic consulting firm is seeking a Forensic Architect to help them identify issues and provide/suggest solutions using ethical, comprehensive, and current ...

An industry-leading construction and forensic consulting firm is seeking a Forensic Architect to help them identify issues and provide/suggest solutions using ethical, comprehensive, and current ...

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Forensic Architecture information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic architecture jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic architecture in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic architecture?

Forensic architecture is a field that uses architectural techniques, digital modeling, and spatial analysis to investigate incidents of violence, human rights abuses, and other contested events. Practitioners analyze buildings, environments, and landscapes to reconstruct the sequence of events and provide evidence for legal and public advocacy. This interdisciplinary approach often involves combining expertise from architecture, journalism, law, and technology to uncover and visualize information that might otherwise remain hidden. Forensic architecture can play a crucial role in court cases, human rights investigations, and public inquiries.

What does a forensic architect do?

A forensic architect investigates building failures, structural damage, or construction defects to determine causes related to accidents, crimes, or disputes. They analyze physical evidence, review plans, and often work with legal teams to provide expert testimony. The role requires knowledge of architecture, engineering, and building codes, along with strong analytical skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in forensic architecture, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in forensic architecture often encounter challenges such as analyzing complex building failures, working with incomplete or damaged documentation, and communicating technical findings to non-expert stakeholders. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong investigative and analytical skills, staying current with building codes and materials science, and honing the ability to present findings clearly through reports, visuals, and expert testimony. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, legal professionals, and insurance representatives—is also vital for effectively resolving cases and delivering comprehensive analyses.

What is the difference between Forensic Architecture vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectForensic ArchitectureForensic Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires architecture, design, or related degrees; specialized training in digital analysisRequires degrees in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related fields; certifications like ASQ or IAI often preferred
Work EnvironmentInvestigative teams, research labs, on-site crime or incident scenes, often in legal or governmental settingsLaboratories, crime scenes, hospitals, or law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageUsed mainly in legal cases, human rights investigations, and conflict zonesUsed in criminal investigations, legal proceedings, and research

While Forensic Architecture focuses on reconstructing events through spatial and digital analysis often in legal and human rights contexts, Forensic Scientist generally conducts laboratory-based analysis of physical evidence. Both roles require specialized knowledge but differ in their methods and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Architect, you need a solid background in architecture, building codes, and construction practices, typically supported by a professional architecture degree and licensure. Familiarity with tools such as CAD software, building information modeling (BIM), and forensic analysis methods, along with certifications like NCARB or AIA, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating with legal and construction professionals. These skills ensure accurate investigation of building failures, clear documentation, and credible expert testimony in legal contexts.

How much do forensic architects make?

Forensic architects typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of cases. Senior professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in urban or high-demand areas. The role often requires knowledge of building codes, investigation techniques, and report writing.

What is the highest paid job in forensics?

In forensic science, senior roles such as forensic laboratory directors or chief forensic scientists tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and management skills, and they oversee forensic investigations and laboratory operations.

How to get into Forensic Architecture?

To pursue a career in forensic architecture, candidates typically need a background in architecture, design, or related fields, along with skills in investigation, analysis, and digital tools like 3D modeling software. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, or relevant certifications can improve prospects, and staying informed about legal and investigative processes is beneficial.
More about Forensic Architecture jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Architecture jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Architecture job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Architecture jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Architecture jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Architecture job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Area Leader - Northwest - Forensic Architecture & Engineering

Area Leader - Northwest - Forensic Architecture & Engineering

J.S. Held LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Description

The Company

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

Job Description

J.S. Held is a leading multidisciplinary consulting firm and we are seeking a senior-level Civil/Structural Engineer (PE or SE) to provide technical and operational leadership within our Forensic Architecture and Engineering (FA&E) practice group.  FA&E consists of certified professionals including professional civil/structural and geotechnical engineers, registered architects, code experts, and geologists. This senior leader will develop and lead a local team of professionals who support our clients throughout the U.S.  

This position is focused on providing operational management and technical guidance to the team of local FA&E professionals regarding project management, inspection methodology, client interaction, and deliverable production. Regular monitoring and auditing of the established guidelines will be necessary to ensure compliance and uniformity throughout the division. This senior leader will be continuously looking to ways for improving protocols and standards to provide our clients with an exceptional experience.  In addition to the technical and operational leadership, the Area Lead will report to a Regional Lead on a day-to-day operational basis.  This senior leader will delegate incoming jobs to their team members and provide daily guidance and direction to the team with a focus on ensuring their team is meeting utilization and billing expectations. The leader will be responsible for the budget and P&L for their Area. At mid-year and year-end, this lead will be responsible for reviews, promotions, and compensation adjustments.

Finally, this position will be tasked with leading and helping to coordinate the performing of forensic investigations, providing consultation and expert witness services, preparing and delivering technical papers; and providing mentoring to other FA&E professionals. Our areas of practice include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings' roofing, fenestration, and building envelopes; marine and inland structural systems; hazard and resulting damage assessments; design and construction defect evaluation; and premise liability evaluations. Assignments will potentially require some travel. Active involvement in professional associations and societies is encouraged and supported.

Job Responsibilities:

This candidate will oversee a local team of global forensic experts and engineers.

  • Monitors team performance and metrics including utilization, job status, billable hours, and job count
  • Delegates incoming assignments after careful review of which expert's skillset best fits the job being assigned
  • Manages team quality and execution by providing technical and managerial guidance to the Area experts regarding inspection methodology, client interaction, and deliverable production
  • Regularly monitors and audits the established guidelines to ensure compliance and uniformity throughout the division
  • Continuously offers new avenues for improving protocols and standards to provide our clients with an exceptional experience
  • Provides daily operational support to the FA&E Forensics Regional Leads who will report directly to this senior leader
  • Takes responsibility for P&L performance and compensation reviews
  • Meets with and presents to peers and clients
  • Conducts research and develops technical topics for publication
  • Conducts field observations, testing and data collection
  • Prepares reports detailing observations made, tests conducted, and results obtained
Qualifications

We would like to talk with you if you have:

  • Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited school required (Master's degree preferred but not mandatory)
  • PE or SE license (required)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills including experience working with clients directly
  • Strong and proven leadership and business skills
  • 10 years minimum of engineering experience, including 5 years minimum of forensic experience
  • Expert witness experience
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Computer skills (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • A desire to learn, excel and grow with us and within the profession

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications:

  • Travel is required as necessary.
Additional Information

Some of the Benefits We Have Include 

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team's needs. 

  • Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed 

  • Flexible Time Off policy 

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

  • 401k Match 

  • Commuter Benefit 

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $160,000- $220,000. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limitedto skillset,experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read theJ.S. Held Online Privacy Noticeand hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.  

Please explore what we're all about atwww.jsheld.com. 

EEO and Job Accommodations 

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal! 

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] and include "Applicant Accommodation" within the subject line with your request and contact information. 

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About J.S. Held

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jericho, NY, US

Year founded

1974