Firas A. Shalabi

Experience

Since joining WJE in 2019, Ross Shalabi has worked on the investigation, assessment, and design of a variety of new and existing buildings. His experience is focused on performance-based envelope design, document peer review, performance testing, repair assessment and design, and construction period services. Dr. Shalabi is frequently involved with assessing the hygrothermal and thermal performance of building envelope assemblies, including stucco, exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), rain screens, concrete, and masonry.

Prior to joining WJE, Dr. Shalabi researched the integration of the building envelope and active building systems in existing and new construction. His research focused on testing, evaluating, and troubleshooting building assemblies to optimize energy performance.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

Building Science

• Educational Building - Austin, TX: Mechanical ducts condensation investigation and mitigation
• Texas Dental Association Building - Austin, TX: Water infiltration investigation and mitigation design
• Eco-House - Micanopy, FL: Hygrothermal testing and design of building envelope
• Baylor University, Tidwell Building - Waco, TX: Hygrothermal analysis for wall assembly preservation
• Divine Savior Academy - Liberty Hill, TX: Wall hygrothermal analysis for value engineering
• High-Rise Condominiums - Austin TX: Investigation of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) sprinkler system incompatibility failures at condominiums

 

Building Enclosure Consulting

• Mixed-Use New Construction - Austin, TX: Investigation of wood soffit discoloration
• Alamo Buildings - San Antonio, TX: Assessment of seventeen buildings for hail damage
• Metro West Apartments - Plano, TX: Prepurchase building enclosure assessment
• Music Lane - Austin, TX: Enclosure consulting on storefront window assembly and hot-applied roofing at mixed-use development
• University of Pittsburgh Housing - PA: Safety ordinance facade investigation

 

Construction Period Services

• The Shore Condominiums - Austin, TX: Facade assessment, repair design, and construction administration services
• Creekside at Parmer Apartments - Austin, TX: Water investigation and mitigation design
• Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt - Austin, TX: Water infiltration assessment of exterior cladding, design of stucco facade repairs, and construction observations
• Tomochichi Federal Court - GA: Review of submittals and review of architectural stone cladding and waterproofing details
• Round Rock Independent School District, Forest North Elementary School - TX: Review of submittals during roof replacement construction

 

Windows/Curtain Walls/Skylights

• University of Texas (UT) at Austin, Perry Ballroom - TX: Assessment and replacement design of skylight system
• UT, Pharmacy Building - Austin, TX: Glass breakage and water penetration testing of historic steel windows
• UT, Hogg Memorial Auditorium - Austin, TX: Assessment and replacement of historic single-pane windows

 

Litigation Consulting

• Apartment Building - Pleasanton, TX: Assessment of building envelope for alleged construction defects
• Elementary School - Roma, TX: Investigation of distress at stucco and brick veneer
• High School - Austin, TX: Investigation of foundation pier displacement

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Civil Engineers
Design-Build Institute of America

Registrations

Associate Design-Build Professional®
FAA Licensed Remote Pilot

Education

Jordan University of Science and Technology
Bachelor of Science, Architectural Engineering, 2010

Iowa State University
Master of Architecture, 2014
Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, 2016