News & Events

Type:

In-Person

Location:

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, 757 S Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021 

Time:

8:30am-10:00am 

Panel:

Jud Taylor and Jeremy Arnold – SGH

Sal Hidalgo – Morphosis

Kyle Stimpson – AVM

James “Jimmy” Dent – Systems Waterproofing

Description:

Below-grade waterproofing systems are essential to long-term building enclosure performance, yet they remain a frequent source of distress, claims, and costly repairs. Achieving durable performance depends not only on selecting an appropriate system, but on early and continuous coordination among the owner, architect, enclosure consultant, manufacturer, and contractor—supported by clear detailing and rigorous construction-phase execution.

This panel presentation examines a completed case study of a below-grade waterproofing project at US Storage Centers in Los Angeles, where a collaborative, risk-informed process guided design development, detailing, and construction administration. The session illustrates how owner objectives, architectural constraints, subsurface conditions, and risk tolerance informed system selection and detailing decisions. Particular emphasis is placed on the architect’s role in coordinating enclosure requirements, integrating waterproofing into the overall building design, and facilitating collaboration among the project team.

The presentation also highlights the roles of the enclosure consultant, manufacturer, and waterproofing contractor in identifying constructability risks, maintaining continuity of waterproofing and drainage at critical transitions, and supporting the architect through submittal review, RFIs, and field observations.

Objective:

 After attending this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key factors influencing below-grade waterproofing system selection, including owner goals, subsurface conditions, architectural constraints, and risk tolerance.

2. Recognize common design and construction challenges that affect below-grade waterproofing performance and explain how early coordination reduces the risk of failure.

3. Apply best practices for detailing and reviewing below-grade waterproofing assemblies to maintain continuity at transitions, penetrations, and terminations.

4. Understand the roles and responsibilities of architects, enclosure consultants, manufacturers, and contractors in delivering constructible, durable below-grade waterproofing systems.