Business Details
39 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Engineering Services in Palo Alto
Allana Buick & Bers (ABB) is a leading architectural engineering firm with over 38 years of experience specializing in enhancing building performance. Founded in 1987 by Karim Allana, our firm combines trade-level expertise with engineering and architectural insight to address complex building challenges. We focus on exterior faade trades, curtain wall and glazing systems, roofing, waterproofing, HVAC, plumbing, energy efficiency, structural engineering, and construction management. Our team of 225 professionals across 23 offices delivers investigation, testing, engineering design, and construction documentation for both new and remedial projects.We prioritize sustainable designs that improve occupant comfort, reduce operational costs, and extend building lifespans. Our principals lead every project, ensuring hands-on expertise and client-centric solutions. Recognized for innovation, we hold certifications including MBE status and memberships in IIBEC, AIA, and ASCE. Our commitment to education and transparency has established us as a trusted authority in building envelope consulting and forensic analysis.
Services
Building Envelope Consulting
Forensic Investigations
Roofing Systems
Waterproofing Solutions
HVAC Engineering
Structural Analysis
Energy Efficiency Consulting
Construction Management
Litigation Support
Design-Build Services
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 38 years of specialized expertise in building envelope systems and forensic analysis
- Hands-on leadership by senior principals for every project
- Nationally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- 23 nationwide offices providing localized, streamlined service
- Pioneers in integrating failure analysis into innovative design solutions
Associations and certifications
- International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
Services
Building Envelope Consulting
Our building envelope consulting services analyze and optimize exterior building systems to prevent water intrusion, improve energy efficiency, and extend structural longevity. We conduct comprehensive assessments of roofing, faades, and waterproofing systems for both new construction and remedial projects. Our engineers deliver tailored solutions that reduce maintenance costs while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Forensic Investigations
We perform forensic investigations to diagnose building failures through scientific testing and material analysis. Our team identifies root causes of defects in roofing, waterproofing, and structural systems, providing actionable repair recommendations. This service helps clients mitigate risks and avoid costly future repairs while maintaining building integrity.
Roofing Systems
ABB offers complete roofing system design and evaluation services, including material selection, performance testing, and failure analysis. We specialize in creating durable, code-compliant roofing solutions for commercial and residential buildings. Our expertise reduces leak risks and extends roof lifespan through precision engineering.
Energy Efficiency Consulting
Our energy consulting services optimize building performance through whole-building energy audits, rebate analysis, and sustainable system design. We identify efficiency improvements for HVAC, lighting, and insulation systems that lower operational costs while enhancing occupant comfort and environmental compliance.
Construction Management
We provide construction management services that ensure project timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Our team oversees contractor coordination, document preparation, and on-site compliance verification. This service minimizes risks and ensures successful project delivery for complex architectural and engineering projects.
People
Karim Allana
Founder & Senior Principal
Karim Allana founded ABB in 1987 and pioneered its approach to integrating trade expertise with engineering analysis. With over 38 years in architectural engineering, he leads complex forensic investigations and building envelope projects while shaping the firm's strategic direction.
Eugene Buick
Senior Principal
Eugene Buick joined ABB in 2002 and oversees structural engineering and design-build projects. His expertise in resolving construction defects and managing large-scale renovations has strengthened the firm's technical capabilities and client relationships across commercial and institutional markets.
Gerson Bers
Senior Principal
Gerson Bers specializes in building envelope systems and forensic analysis. As a senior principal, he directs technical training programs and leads high-profile litigation support cases, ensuring ABB maintains industry leadership in failure analysis and remedial design solutions.
Questions
What services does Allana Buick & Bers specialize in?
We specialize in building envelope consulting, forensic investigations, roofing systems, waterproofing solutions, HVAC engineering, structural analysis, energy efficiency consulting, and construction management for commercial and residential projects.
Is ABB certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, ABB is nationally certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
Do you offer services outside the United States?
While our headquarters are in the U.S., we have completed international projects in locations including Mexico, Guam, and the Netherlands.
What industries do you serve?
We work with airports, data centers, healthcare facilities, historic buildings, residential complexes, retail spaces, and industrial sites across diverse markets.
How does ABB ensure building performance improvements?
We combine 38 years of trade expertise with advanced building sciences to design solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and extend building lifespans.
Can ABB assist with construction defect litigation?
Yes, we provide expert witness services, forensic testing, defect analysis, and litigation support for construction defect cases.
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