Book
The Waterproof Building: A Practical Primer
by Ellen Marchetti, PE
Read MoreBuilding Performance & Envelope Science
Making Buildings
Perform Better
Meridian Building Science is a leading consulting firm specializing in enhancing building performance through expert investigation, design, and construction management.
Our Expertise
Our Expertise Sets Us Apart
At Meridian, decades of experience and in-depth building envelope analysis drive our success in creating high-performance, durable enclosures. We believe that lasting construction comes from selecting the right materials, designing for purpose, and ensuring precise installation. Sustainable designs enhance both occupant comfort and community well-being, while improved energy efficiency delivers measurable benefits for building owners.
Our Services
Forensic Investigation & Design
Our Unique Advantage lies in our ability to excel in failure analysis — going beyond expert testimony to integrate our findings into design, elevating every project.
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Building Envelope Analysis
Moisture, thermal, and air leakage investigation -
Forensic Repair Design
Cost-effective solutions with clear risk communication -
Construction Management
On-site verification and quality assurance
Our Unique Advantage
Client-Focused, Budget-Conscious
Our client-focused approach offers diverse, budget-conscious solutions, with clear communication of associated risks that distinguishes us in the industry.
"We don't just diagnose problems. We design the path forward."
Our Foundation
Built on Craft & Engineering
Founded with a focus on repairs, Meridian's expertise naturally evolved to address complex building issues. Our strength lies in combining trade expertise with engineering and architectural insight — driving industry innovation and fostering strong client relationships that span decades.
38
Years in Practice
1,240
Completed Projects
64
Professionals On Staff
Our Journey
38+ Years of Industry Experience
1987
Founded as a focused repair consultancy in Seattle, WA.
1998
Expanded into forensic investigation, establishing our signature analysis framework.
2008
Launched nationwide offices in Chicago, Austin, and New York.
2019
Pioneered integrated repair-design methodology, unifying investigation with construction.
2024
Achieved 1,240 completed projects across all climate zones in North America.
Knowledge & Insight
Learn with Meridian
Presentation
High-Performance Enclosures in Cold Climates
AIACE Continuing Education Seminar
View PresentationArticle
"Durability by Design: Beyond the Code Minimum"
Jonathan Reeves, in Building Enclosure Magazine, 2024
Read ArticleContinuing Education
Expand Your Knowledge with Meridian
We offer seminars and training classes providing AIA and IIBEC Continuing Education Learning Units. From lunch-and-learns to full-day workshops, our curriculum is built by practicing engineers who do this work every day.
Learn About EducationClient Voices
What Our Clients Say
"Their detailed forensic analysis saved us significant time and resources. The contractor initially disputed the findings, but Meridian's evidence was unimpeachable."
Sarah Mitchell
Senior Project Manager, Halcyon Properties
"Meridian truly knows how to make buildings perform better. They identified the issue on a Tuesday and presented remediation options by Friday."
James Lopez
Building Owner, Harbor View Condominiums
"Their team provided clear, actionable recommendations that improved the durability and efficiency of our new construction. The commissioning report was flawless."
Alice Chen
Development Director, Northgate Housing Trust
Contact
Get In Touch
Connect with us directly for project inquiries, expert consultations, or partnership opportunities.
Newsletter
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Our Offices:
SEATTLE · CHICAGO · AUSTIN · NEW YORK
Careers
Join Our Team
We're always looking for talented, passionate people to join the Meridian team. From staff engineers to senior project managers, we value curiosity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to building better.
Explore CareersFAQ
Common Questions
We work on a broad range of structures — from low-rise multi-family housing to high-rise office towers, including schools, hospitals, and historic buildings. Our core focus is building envelope systems: roofs, walls, glazing, and below-grade waterproofing.
Most investigations take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on building access, the complexity of the failure, and whether invasive testing is required. We provide a preliminary findings memo within 5 business days of our site visit to inform your next steps.
Yes. Many of our principals are qualified expert witnesses with experience in depositions and trial testimony. We distinguish ourselves by not stopping at testimony — our findings flow directly into repair design and implementation.
We work on a transparent time-and-materials basis with a detailed scope and fee estimate provided before any work begins. For routine projects, we also offer fixed-fee packages for envelope assessments and commissioning reviews.