History

Building Diagnostics is pleased to announce that we have merged with Allan Buick & Bers, Inc. (abbae.com)

Building Diagnostics, Inc. (BDI) is a Texas-based engineering and consulting firm that has been serving clients since 1994. BDI is the Austin affiliate of Engineering Diagnostics, founded by David H. Nicastro, P.E. Mr. Nicastro, the Chief Executive Officer of BDI, has authored numerous articles and books related to forensic and facilities engineering. He continues to practice engineering and educate clients and colleagues through frequent speaking engagements and guest lectures on topics including forensic engineering and failure mechanism theory.

Our staff of professionals is highly-educated and trained in both architecture and engineering. In addition, we have a wealth of hands-on construction project management experience. As a corporation, BDI has successfully performed consulting services for public, private, commercial, and institutional facilities.

The firm’s principals and officers include:

  • David H. Nicastro, P.E. – Chief Executive Officer
  • Brett T. Fagan, P.E. – Principal, VP
  • Doris E. Eichburg – Principal, VP
  • Edward S. Breeze, P.E – Principal, VP – Houston Office
  • Terry A. Campion, P.E. – Branch Manager – Kansas City Office
  • Cesar C. Rios – Branch Manager – Mexico City Office
  • Ken Harward – Branch Manager – Dallas / Fort Worth Office

We stay informed of technological advancements and industry developments through our professional society committee activities and our relationships with both contractors and product manufacturers. We publish articles regularly to disseminate the knowledge that we gain on our projects; our competitors learn from us. Our professional memberships include:

  • Air Barrier Association of America
  • American Concrete Institute
  • American Institute of Steel Construction
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Association for Preservation Technology
  • ASTM International
  • Building Enclosure Council
  • Construction Specifications Institute
  • International Concrete Repair Institute
  • The Masonry Society
  • National Institute of Building Sciences
  • Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
  • IIBEC – International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants
  • Sealant, Waterproofing & Restoration Institute
  • Structural Engineers Association of Texas
  • IFMA – International Facility Management Association

BDI prides itself on years of successfully analyzing and remedying construction failures: from historical structures to highrise commercial office towers, residential properties, hospitals, and institutional facilities.

Founding Principles

When comparing Building Diagnostics to other consulting firms, please note the following items:

  • Current Industry Knowledge: There is often a lag time in the construction industry for the diffusion of information. We stay up-to-date through our professional society activities. We also publish articles regularly to disseminate the knowledge that we gain on our projects; our competitors learn from us.
  • Rapport and Respect: We believe that successful projects should not be adversarial. We maintain excellent working relationships with owners, manufacturers, and contractors; our references include all three. We are dedicated to serving our clients well, and we maintain a firm No Hassles policy. We are also dedicated to providing an exceptional working environment for our employees.
  • Additional Outside Services: Through our network of outside consultants, we can solve just about any facility problem. We have a policy of Seamless Integration with our colleagues, so our clients benefit from the vast breadth of expertise they need while dealing only with one firm—Building Diagnostics.