Alex Kosis, P.E. has joined Group14 Engineering, PBC to lead our building enclosure consulting. Alex has over 13 years of experience in the field and has worked on hundreds of BECx projects. He has designed, investigated, and rehabilitated building enclosure systems of all types.
Alex is a recognized expert in the field of roofing, weatherproofing and hygrothermal analysis. He is an active member of ASTM D08 – Committee for Roofing and Waterproofing. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architectural engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the team, and we are confident his enclosure expertise and leadership will be a tremendous asset as we move forward on a path to expand our building enclosure offerings,” said Matt Cooper, Group14’s Commissioning Director.
In his new role with Group14, Alex will provide services related to new and existing installations of enclosure systems, emphasizing the design and quality assurance required for a sound building envelope.
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We sat down with Alex to learn more about why BECx is so vital to the building process, his favorite project and why he is excited about working at Group14.
Why is building envelope commissioning (BECx) such an integral part of the building process?
Water intrusion accounts for over 70% of all construction claims, whereas the building enclosure typically accounts for only 10-25% of a building’s initial cost. BECx helps reduce the disproportionate risk associated with the construction of building enclosure systems, with the additional benefits of improved energy performance and occupant comfort.
How many enclosure projects have you worked on, and do you have a favorite?
I’ve worked on hundreds of enclosure projects over my career. My favorite project is the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. In addition to being the only project in my career that I spent over 2,000 hours on, the entire project team rallied behind the mission and importance of the project to the surrounding community. The building enclosure design made no sacrifices in aesthetics or performance and the end result was a LEED Platinum project that serves as a landmark on Stanford’s campus and the Bay Area as a whole.
What is the most important step in or aspect of the BECx process?
Establishing a basis-of-design, and the associated performance expectations, at the front end of a project with the Owner, Design Team, and Construction Team. It’s important to understand that there’s no “one size fits all” with enclosure design.
What excites you most about working for Group14?
I’ve always enjoyed working with motivated and talented teams to complete the projects that ultimately form the skyline and fabric of the communities that I’ve lived in. At Group14, I’m also able to gain satisfaction knowing that I work for an organization that is pushing the industry toward greener building practices, from design through occupancy.
Finally, how did you end up in Denver, and how do you spend your time away from work?
Like many in Denver, I moved here seeking the mountains and sunny weather. On weekends, you can probably find me road tripping with my vintage camper, hiking, skiing, fly fishing, or binge-watching true crime shows. During the week, I try to sweat at least once a day (exclusive of project deadlines), read, walk my dog, and cook.
