Archi/Build Group Inc.
Craig T Cernek, AIA

Architect - General Contractor - Expert Witness - Dispute Resolution Neutral

Licensed Architect and General Contractor with 35+ years of design/build experience. Expert witness in architecture and construction disputes since 1995; American Arbitration Association Construction Panel neutral since 2015.

Founding principal of a design/build firm handling residential and commercial remodeling, additions, and new construction (single-family, multi-family, retail, and office). Responsibilities encompass business planning, budgeting, marketing, design, specifications, construction documents, bidding, permitting, estimating, and full general contracting.

Developed new single-family homes up to $1,300,000 in the Chicago area (including Wheaton and Naperville).

Retained as an expert in matters involving code violations, construction defects, contractual liability, developer intent, architectural errors and omissions, life safety, payout disputes, property disputes, structural issues, water damage, and zoning violations.

Prepares detailed forensic reports that document deficiencies, identify applicable codes and standards, propose economical resolutions, and provide opinions of fair-market construction value.
Has testified in trials, depositions, arbitrations, and public presentations.

Serves as a neutral on the American Arbitration Association Construction Panel in cases involving architectural errors and omissions, breach of contract, construction defects, extras, nonpayment, project abandonment, and related disputes.

Appointed by AAA as umpire in insurance claims involving hail damage, pipe-leak water damage, roof-leak water damage, and wind damage.