Ivy Group is extending our expertise in forensic architecture into the Mid-Atlantic, and growing into the future by addressing sustainability issues using the underpinnings of building science. Our administrative offices have been housed in Roanoke, Virginia for several years, and earlier this month, Ivy Group President/CEO Bob Bitterli made a trip to Roanoke to build expansion opportunities in the Southwest Virginia region.

Ivy Group’s Roanoke office is located in the CoLab, where we co-work with other creative- and sustainability-minded businesses, in a space alive with ideas, cooperation, and big thinking. Bob’s agenda included time in the CoLab meeting with Leila Bitterli, the Ivy Group’s business manager and head of the Roanoke office, and business development and marketing consultant Clarissa Clarke, where we discussed introducing Ivy Group’s construction defect analysis and expert witness consulting work to area construction attorneys.

The highlight of the trip was continued discussions and relationship building with Monica Rokicki, building scientist and principal/owner of Better Building Works. Our companies are embarking on a collaborative venture to further develop our mutual focus on Building Environments and Human Performance.

In addition to introducing a line of consulting services to help increase employee happiness and productivity, Ivy Group and Better Building Works are assessing local interest in forming a chapter of the Building Enclosure Council, a sub-group of the National Institute of Building Sciences. The organization would promote local discussion, education, and information sharing between architects, engineers, contractors, and others, on matters concerning building enclosures and related science and advancements.

“All in all, a great trip and promising results,” reports Bob.