Facade Technical Design, LLC
Cast Stone Installation on Steel Frame at Parapet
Foundation Waterproofing for Elevator Extension at Existing Structure
With over a decade of experience operating across New York City’s most demanding regulatory and construction environments, the practice is engaged where precision matters—high-value developments, institutional portfolios, façade compliance mandates, and technically complex building envelope systems.
Katheryn brings a rare combination of architectural training, field expertise, and construction management, allowing her to operate seamlessly between design intent, construction execution, and compliance enforcement. As a Registered Exterior Wall Observer (REWO®) with deep experience in Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx), her work focuses on protecting asset value, mitigating risk, and ensuring long-term performance of building systems.
Services
Building Enclosure Consulting (BECx)
Strategic advisory for high-performance building envelopes from early design through construction.
Independent design and constructability review
Specification authorship and technical detailing
Submittal and shop drawing evaluation
Field verification, testing oversight, and commissioning
Performance-based documentation for ownership and compliance
Façade Inspection & Regulatory Compliance (FISP / Local Law 11)
Comprehensive façade evaluation and compliance strategy aligned with NYC DOB requirements.
Exterior wall inspections and condition assessments
FISP reporting and filing coordination
TR-6 documentation and sign-off support
Repair scope development and prioritization
Long-term compliance planning for building portfolios
Construction Phase Oversight (QA/QC)
Independent oversight to ensure alignment between design intent, contract documents, and field execution.
On-site inspections and detailed reporting
Submittal, RFI, and change order review
Identification and resolution of non-conforming work
Coordination between contractor, architect, and ownership
Closeout, warranty, and turnover evaluation
Forensic Investigation & Expert Analysis
Technical investigation of building envelope failures, with discretion and rigor appropriate for legal and high-stakes environments.
Water intrusion and façade failure diagnostics
Root cause analysis and technical reporting
Remediation strategy and repair detailing
Expert documentation for disputes and litigation
Regulatory Strategy & DOB Advisory
Navigation of complex regulatory pathways with a focus on clarity, compliance, and efficiency.
DOB filing strategy and coordination
Local Law 11 / FISP advisory
Code analysis and documentation review
Agency coordination and approval facilitation
Value Engineering & Performance Optimization
Refined evaluation of systems to balance cost, constructability, and long-term performance.
Alternative system and material analysis
Lifecycle performance considerations
Constructability and sequencing strategy
ASTM E331 and ASTM E1105 Testing at Ribbon Window
Selected Work
The practice draws from experience across a portfolio of institutional, commercial, and infrastructure projects, including:
HEALTHCARE
Columbia University Medical Center (Manhattan) · Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx) · University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
MUNICIPAL
NYC School Construction Authority (90+ schools) · NYC Department of Design & Construction · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (West Point, Natick) · Massachusetts School Building Authority · Logan International Airport · Weymouth Tufts Library · Coleytown Elementary School
Academic & Cultural Institutions
Cornell University · Dartmouth College · SUNY Oswego · Western Michigan University · David Rockefeller Arts Center (Tarrytown) · Turkish Embassy (New York)
Commercial & Mixed-Use
Sendero Verde Passive House (Manhattan) · 150 East 91st Street (Manhattan) · 2226 Third Avenue (Manhattan) · 27-01 Jackson Avenue (LIC) · 11 Ocean Parkway (Brooklyn) · Brooklyn Navy Yard · 1 Java Street (Brooklyn) · Hoxton Hotel (Brooklyn) · 10 Nevins (Brooklyn) · 432 East 14th Street (Manhattan) · Beach Green II Passive House (Far Rockaway) · 42-12 28th Street (Long Island City) · 909 Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn) · 350 Clarkson (Brooklyn); 432 E 14th St (Manhattan)
International Work
Research Center for the Imperial City Exhibition — Hanoi, Vietnam
ENVELOPE SYSTEM EXPERTISE
Curtain Wall and Storefront Systems
Roofing and Waterproofing Assemblies
Masonry, Terra Cotta, and Precast Systems
Window and Punched Opening Systems
Foundation and Below-Grade Waterproofing
Envelope Interfaces and Architectural Transitions
ASTM D4541 Adhesion Testing of Fluid Applied Air Barrier
Approach
Facade Technical Design is engaged where technical clarity and discretion are essential.
The work is grounded in:
Risk Mitigation — identifying vulnerabilities before they become liabilities
Technical Expertise — delivering clear, defensible, and precise documentation
Strategic Coordination — aligning design teams, contractors, and ownership
Regulatory Knowledge — navigating NYC’s most complex compliance frameworks
Long-Term Design — prioritizing durability, performance, and asset value
Credentials
Registered Exterior Wall Observer (REWO®), IIBEC
Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) Experience
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), NAAB Accredited
Passive House Tradesperson (CPHT)
OSHA 30 / OSHA 10
CDT (Construction Document Technology)