At DBI, it’s our mission to create positive experiences in complex industries. DBI’s prolific background in construction enables us to evaluate damaged structures of any type and scope. Our standards are high; our valuations are transparent, straightforward, and accurate. Our robust menu of curated services spans all of our practice areas: whether the project calls for cost estimation and delay analysis, clerk of the works, or litigation support with expert testimony, we have the expertise and state-of-the-art technology to help resolve our clients’ claims promptly and fairly.
Appraisal & Dispute Resolution
Our qualified DBI appraisers and umpires resolve property damage valuation disputes for a variety of construction-related matters with honest objectivity. DBI staff leverages their experience and knowledge to bring all panel members to reasonable loss measurements based on the facts of each case.
Construction Defect Claim Analysis
We fully investigate construction defect claims and advise on the defect’s cause, solution, and repair cost. Our objective and accurate approach is respected by all parties. Whether engaged pre-litigation or as part of an expert team, DBI opinions are utilized to bring expeditious resolution.
Builder's Risk Claim Analysis
We know the urgency and complexity of Builder’s Risk claims and the cost impact they have on active construction projects. Our intimate knowledge of construction management, combined with our expertise in insurance, provides us with a unique advantage. We are able to adeptly analyze construction documents and schedules, accurately identify loss-related expenses, and reach timely agreements with owners/developers.
Cost Estimation
Driven by accuracy, we specialize in cost estimating complex structures, anywhere in the world. We have mastery of industry-standard estimating formats and meticulously research and verify cost information, recognizing that markets change, pricing is often in flux, and structures can be highly specialized. We take a deep dive into each individual assignment to discern its precise requirements and exposures, often stepping beyond industry estimating tools by utilizing our vast cost database and verifying costs with qualified contractors. We’re adept at preparing various types of cost estimates, including ROM, segregated costs, or ACV with depreciation. Our cost recommendations are clear and concise, and we share our findings in comprehensive reports.
Damage Evaluation
DBI completes damage evaluations for all types of structures worldwide. Our rigorous inspection and assessment standards include the use of field-verified quantity take-offs, precise physical measurements, moisture & damage mapping, and imaging technology such as drones and 3D image capture, all of which produce accurate scopes of repair.
We take pride in our transparency: all data, measurements and documentation are easily referenced in our final reports, allowing determinations to be made objectively, for our clients to fully comprehend the magnitude of damage and most importantly, to pave the way toward swifter resolution of their claims.
Emergency Services Cost Management
Following a loss event, DBI can quickly mobilize to provide scope and cost management in the critical Phase I of a disaster recovery project. Our decades of experience working with top-tier restoration vendors, constant monitoring of industry labor and equipment pricing, and knowledge of industry accepted invoice methods, is combined to cost manage the mitigation and stabilization of a project. Our menu of cost control tools includes negotiation of cost and terms at project inception, daily job site clerking, scope of work monitoring, and forensic review of cost for completed work.
Litigation Support & Expert Testimony
The DBI team provides expert testimony—via depositions and as trial witnesses—in complex court cases involving scope of repair and damage valuation disputes. We establish facts through a careful analysis of construction project documents as well as site surveys and then present our findings in a concise, court-ready format. Our reports and testimonies have helped resolve cases throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.
Project Clerking & Monitoring
We provide the services needed for fast-moving projects whose scope and cost are being determined in real-time, all highly effective in avoiding any delays for damage evaluation. Our team controls schedule and costs related to loss by daily site presence; clear, thoroughly documented reports on site conditions; and meticulous observations and photographs of equipment, labor, and materials. Our consultants are adept at segregating loss by project, as well as maintaining a cohesive team, keeping adjustment, the insured, and the contractor working as a unit and the overall process a streamlined experience for our clients.
Scheduling & Delay Analysis
Optimization of schedules and avoiding delays are paramount to our work. We have the construction expertise to build schedules for the most intricate and specialized projects. Our team routinely prepares schedules to determine the period of restoration (POR) and delay in project completion. Additionally, we’re adept at employing various schedule delay analysis techniques, along with forensic review of schedules and relevant project documentation, to quantify delay and business interruption claims. We deliver our findings in a clear and concise format.
Surety Claims
DBI’s cross-disciplinary team of construction experts provides a comprehensive range of services to sureties that mitigate exposures and lead to the most effective and fair solutions across the market. From swiftly analyzing the causes of a project’s distress to advising on critical project decisions to devising and implementing a plan to lead a project to closure, DBI is positioned to support and amplify a surety’s capabilities in any role.
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Detroit, MI
Los Angeles, CA
Miami, Florida
Director, Marine Practice Leader & Miami Branch Manager
New York, NY
Partner, Managing Director & Northeast Region Leader
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Partner, Managing Director & Northeast Region Leader
Birmingham, AL
Boston, MA
Partner, Managing Director & Northeast Region Leader
Houston, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Charleston, SC
Little Rock, AR
Memphis, TN
Minneapolis, MN
Nashville, TN
New Orleans, LA
Panama City, FL
Pittsburgh, PA
Sacramento, CA
Washington, D.C.
Partner, Managing Director & Northeast Region Leader
Wichita, KS
Louisville, KY
Spokane, WA
San Antonio, TX
Senior Director, San Antonio Branch Manager
Partner, Managing Director & West Region Leader
As Managing Director, Michael is critical to the execution of our work, overseeing the perpetually moving pieces of our projects and teams company-wide. He leads by example, always with an eye toward building a positive culture and motivating our offices and people to excel.
Michael’s 25 years in the industry lands him at the intersection of the insurance and construction worlds. He has worked on all levels of property loss matters in a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, educational, hospitality, and habitational.
Michael’s experience in working on complex commercial claims both as a building consultant and as a former National General Adjuster gives him unique insight into the needs of all parties. With his extensive expertise in managing a network of teams, concurrent complex projects, as well as coordinating and overseeing work during high-volume CAT events, Michael ensures that DBI delivers a premier experience for both our people and our clients.
Partner, Director of Finance & Operations
Alex has been a key contributor to DBI’s growth through his operational expertise, financial acumen, and unwavering support for our people, empowering them to deliver top-notch solutions that meet clients’ needs. For over a decade, he has tackled complex operational tasks, developed new systems, managed team members, and provided invaluable financial oversight, all of which have been instrumental in driving DBI’s success.
In his dual role at DBI, Alex assumes responsibility for a broad range of crucial operational and financial functions, including special initiatives that require additional attention to ensure their successful completion. During his tenure, Alex has spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of DBI's business policies and procedures, without sacrificing the positive employee experience that has long been synonymous with the DBI brand.
Alex’s expertise in navigating complex problems and delivering the necessary results has earned him a reputation for providing exceptional service to both employees and clients alike.
Partner, Midwest Region Leader
With characteristic drive, vision and energy, Nick has not only grown our Chicago office but expanded DBI’s presence and reputation throughout the entire Midwest Region. Nick’s team spirit and values, coupled with his keen eye for identifying talent and new strategic opportunities, keeps morale high and team members empowered to strive for excellence.
With over 20 years in the industry, complex projects are Nick’s specialty. His general contracting and restoration background provides insider experience that’s key in resolving issues and understanding the unique processes and challenges of this sector. When it comes to strategizing approach and overseeing the myriad details, scheduling, and multi-player teams that comprise all large and intricate jobs, Nick is absolutely in his element.
Recent projects include Avondale Marine, a 260-acre shipyard with over 90 existing structures, and Host Hotels, a vast portfolio of resorts and hotels impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Partner, Mid-Atlantic Region Leader
As Mid-Atlantic Region Leader, Giles’s direction and vision continues to push DBI to new heights. In addition to his commitment to the success of DBI's Mid-Atlantic region, Giles is also steadfast in developing a culture of excellence throughout our organization. As an experienced construction industry leader, Giles is passionate about cultivating talent, strengthening our team, and upholding the highest quality standards throughout our operations.
With decades of experience in construction consulting, Giles brings to DBI a wealth of knowledge and proficiency. He specializes in large, complex losses affecting industrial, municipal, agricultural and habitational structures and has been instrumental in the successful resolution of claims and investigations involving numerous building types and occupancies. Giles’s expertise is in demand around the world, with projects completed throughout North America, Latin America, and Europe.
Additionally, Giles has also consulted on numerous historic preservation, builder’s risk, and schedule and delay analysis claims for leading insurance carriers. His recent project work includes several large portfolios of municipal reinsurance risk pool claims throughout Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Partner, South Region Leader
As the leader of DBI’s South Region, Bryan’s precision, attention to detail and hands-on oversight of our offices and training talent inspires loyalty and dedication from our teams and ensures the entire operation continues to grow and thrive.
A third-generation member of a construction family, Bryan has diversified his acumen in the world of the high-tech industry, focusing on financial analysis and working with the complex sectors of new product engineering/development, service, and manufacturing. He has a keen ability to break down outsized projects into manageable functions across the entire ecosystem of the consulting industry. In addition, Bryan is passionate about his work in litigation, providing expert testimonials with jury trial experience.
Bryan’s project work includes, but is not limited to: World Trade Center, Biolab chlorine chemical manufacturing plant, Nidec manufacturing plants, HCA Hospitals, Six Flags Over Texas, MLB Stadiums in Texas, and Hood Industries.
Partner, Managing Director & Northeast Region Leader
Nicholas is at the center of all of DBI’s daily operations, overseeing teams and practices in our offices nationwide, mobilizing units during high-volume CAT seasons, equipment and drones in the field, and ensuring every client is matched with the DBI team best suited for the unique demands of their project. Nicholas’s work, in-house and on the ground, keeps everything running and provides a first-rate experience for our people and our clients.
Nicholas brings that same commitment and attention to detail to DBI’s outsized assignments. He excels in coordinating and leading massive teams, overseeing multiple structures and locations, large submitted claim values, complex repair methodologies and costs while guiding our clients throughout the process with constant, clear briefings.
Nicholas’s project work includes, but is not limited to: Phoenix School Districts, St. Landry Parish in Louisiana, PMRC Apartments, Stolthaven New Orleans, and Schott.
Managing Partner
Tomer’s vision and innovation keep DBI on the cutting edge: in how we evolve technology and reporting for our clients, and in growing our company culture, always with human interest at the center. His ability to see from both big-picture and granular points of view, paired with a passion for what’s possible, drives DBI forward, within our offices and on every project we undertake.
Tomer specializes in Builder’s Risk and international, large-scale industrial projects, handling the multifaceted demands of each assignment. His strategic thinking and deftness in stabilizing active construction while limiting delay and costs, combined with the know-how to present analysis in a way that gives clients command over each project has been an invaluable asset to DBI and those we serve.
His notable past projects include 3M Precision Grinding in Austria, Goldman Sachs, Six Flags New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, and feasibility studies for large-scale infrastructure, code compliance, and structural upgrades.
Partner, Director of Business Development
Lori Ann is the creator and driving force of our business development practice, cultivating our current client base and markets while ushering DBI into new territories. She’s the bridge between DBI and everyone we serve, implementing our company culture and standards to ensure exceptional collaboration on every project. Lori Ann’s vision for growth keeps authenticity at its core: whether launching a new team, client event or cross-country expansion, she makes sure our values are always reflected, at every level.
For the past 16 years, Lori Ann has been developing client bases throughout the construction, architecture, and insurance industries both nationally and abroad. She is relied upon by industry leaders for her guidance and expertise. Lori Ann’s innate understanding of the demands and pace of complex assignments, coupled with her empathic approach, industry awareness and active project engagement keeps DBI at the forefront of our field.
President
Dennis has been instrumental in making DBI a leader in the field: continually driving strategic growth and developing bold, fresh approaches to best serve and empower our clients. His deep knowledge of the construction and insurance industries and dedication to strengthening industry standards have laid the foundation for the uncompromising quality that is DBI’s hallmark.
With 30+ years of experience in the business, Dennis is in demand to present and share his wealth of expertise. His erudition in the complex areas of litigation and appraisals has made him a highly regarded, court-qualified expert witness, continually relied upon to provide depositions, legal reports and testimony in intricate claim disputes.
Dennis has consulted on over 3,000 projects in the United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, including Marriott Resort Properties, Ritz-Carlton Dorado, Dallas Independent School District, the Address Hotel in Dubai, and an extensive portfolio of projects for NYU.
Partner, Southeast Region Leader
Constantine is vital to DBI’s growth. He spearheaded our expansion beyond our flagship location and currently oversees our entire Southeast region. In addition to broadening our physical presence and influence, Constantine is dedicated to cultivating DBI internally, developing our client base, continually working to strengthen our team and uphold DBI’s high-quality standards throughout our offices and operations.
With 20 years of experience in the insurance and construction industries, Constantine has a deep understanding of the many moving parts of large-scale construction, and specializes in Builder’s Risk and complex industrial projects. He’s also well-known and trusted in the industry for litigation and appraisals, where he’s often relied upon to create expert reports and give depositions. Having been recognized by both parties for his objectivity across the board, Constantine is also in frequent demand as an umpire.
Constantine's prior projects include Louisiana Sugar Refinery, Deauville Hotel Litigation, and Jackson Health West Medical Center.
Director & Mountain Region Leader