HKA is proud to welcome Dr. Kasra Ghahremani and Javier Arniella as Directors in its Forensic Engineering, Architectural, and Scientific and Construction, Claims, and Expert Services practices, respectively.  

Kasra’s and Javier’s robust expertise and credentials in the fields of engineering and construction further enhance HKA’s distinguished forensic engineering, technical services, and construction claims capabilities.  

Kasra has over 17 years of experience in structural engineering, with a focus on condition and risk assessment, structural health monitoring, and forensic failure investigations. He has designed and evaluated residential and commercial structures, and assessed structural damage from wind, fire, ground settlement, water intrusion, excessive vibration, and material aging and degradation. He provides clear solutions to complex civil infrastructure systems where safety, performance, and innovation are central to his decision-making. 

Based in Houston, Kasra is a licensed Professional Engineer in the United States and Canada. He has provided expert analysis and investigative support for projects involving structural failure, damages, service issues, construction defects, cost overruns, and delays associated with design and construction modifications, as well as the roles and responsibilities of engineers during various phases of demolition and construction.  

For his postdoctoral fellowship, he developed a methodology for vision-based structural damage detection and finite element model updating using advanced 3D imaging techniques, including photogrammetry and point cloud analysis.  

“I’m proud to bring my design background and forensic investigation expertise to HKA. Joining such a dynamic team—where innovation and client dedication guide every decision—is truly an honor.” 

Dr. Kasra Ghahremani, Director

Kasra holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo, with additional certifications and awards in civil engineering and fatigue analysis of structural welds.  

“Kasra has a unique combination of advanced structural engineering expertise and practical field experience that strengthens our ability to support clients facing complex technical challenges. His background in fatigue analysis and forensic investigations makes him an invaluable addition to our team. We are excited to work with him in the year ahead to deliver meaningful results for our clients.”  

Michael Griffin, Partner and Head of Forensic Technical Services, Americas

View Kasra’s Expert Profile here. 

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Javier joins HKA with over a decade of experience as a forensic schedule expert and delay analyst. Based in Washington, DC, he specializes in identifying the root causes of delays, disruptions, and productivity loss on complex capital projects valued at up to $1.6 billion. Javier also provides advisory services to clients, including CPM schedule development and monitoring, to identify emerging risks before they impact projects.

Javier is a licensed Professional Engineer who has performed claims analysis on advanced port facilities, major highways, large commercial buildings, and renewable energy projects, both domestically and internationally. He is highly skilled in translating complex technical data into clear findings, providing essential clarity for the trier of fact throughout the dispute resolution process.  

“I’m thrilled to join HKA and contribute to its world-class Construction, Claims, and Expert Services practice. I look forward to collaborating with this outstanding team to deliver clarity and insight to our clients’ most demanding projects.” 

Javier Arniella, Director

Javier is a native Spanish speaker who has earned a Master of Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Topography from the University of Puerto Rico.  

“We’re excited to welcome Javier to HKA. His unique skills, abilities, and depth of knowledge in construction scheduling and civil engineering bring valuable insight to our growing team. We’re confident Javier will contribute to HKA’s continued growth in the U.S. mid-Atlantic region and HKA’s construction practice at large.” 

Wayne DeFlaminis, Partner

View Javier’s Expert Profile here. 

For more information about HKA and its Forensic Engineering, Architectural, and Scientific and Construction, Claims, and Expert Services practices, visit www.hka.com. 

Media contact 

Name	Andrew J. Katz, CPSM
Title	Marketing and Communications Director, Americas
Number	+1 215 962 1136
Email	andrewkatz@hka.com