Structural Engineering and Building Envelope Consulting
Unique Solutions
Client services are built around the problem at hand, with a focus on prompt communication and developing creative, cost effective, and technically sound solutions tailored to your specific needs. Hals Consulting combines expertise in both structural engineering and the building enclosures, giving us unique understanding of building materials, systems, and long-term performance.
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Investigation
We assess buildings and other structures to identify underlying conditions and mechanisms leading to distress, whether you are looking for maintenance recommendations or solutions to specific problems.
- Building Enclosure Condition
Assessments - Facade Ordinance
- Due-Diligence/Pre-Purchase
- Leak Investigations
- Failure/Loss Investigations
- Building Enclosure Condition
Design
We prepare drawings and technical specifications for bidding or implementation of repairs and maintenance needs, ranging from simple sketches to full construction documents. We also serve as building enclosure consultant for architects on both existing buildings and new construction projects.
- Repair/Restoration
- Enclosure Design/Cladding
- Roofing/Waterproofing
- Windows/Curtain Wall
- Facade Access Equipment
Construction Litigation Support
We provide expert opinions and dedicated investigation as required to support attorneys, developers, contractors, and owners during construction defect claims or active litigation. CV and attorney references available upon request.
- Document Review
- Investigation
- Expert Disclosures
- Expert Witness
Construction Phase Services
We oversee all aspects of the building enclosure during construction, engaging with architects, developers, contractors, and owners. Services can be tailored as needed based on construction complexity and duration.
- Construction Admin
- Submittals
- Field Review
- Punch Lists
Supplementary Services
Boston Facade Ordinance
We perform facade inspections and prepare filings with the City of Boston as required by the Facade Ordinance every five years for buildings over 70 feet tall.
- Inspection and Filing
- Make-safe Repair Design and Oversight
- Supported by Drone Photography
Drone Photography
We have licensed drone pilots on staff to support projects and help with any aerial photography or videography needs. Drone photography can significantly reduce the inspection budget over traditional access methods. As an added benefit, images and videos can be used by clients for marketing, planning, design, or other uses.
- Photo and Video
- Facade Inspections
- Surveying
- Monitoring
About Hals Consulting
Hals Consulting is a boutique engineering firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. Problem solvers at heart, we specialize in existing building enclosures – offering condition assessments, capital planning, repair design, and change-of-use and full-scale restoration services. Our approach starts with a simple truth: every building is different. Effective solutions require targeted thinking, not templated answers. And most building problems don’t respect disciplinary boundaries – poorly secured cladding can leak or dislodge, water intrusion can compromise framing, and structural movement can undermine cladding performance. By bringing structural engineering and building envelope expertise together under one roof, we provide integrated thinking where others offer siloed advice. Whether we’re evaluating an existing building, designing a repair, or supporting construction, that combined perspective catches what specialists working in isolation often miss – meaning fewer consultants to coordinate, faster answers, and solutions that account for how a building actually works as a system. Hals Consulting was founded in 2024 by Peder Hals, PE.
Peder Hals, PE – Owner and Principal
With nearly twenty years of professional experience, Peder is a licensed professional structural engineer (MA, NH and RI) with comprehensive structural and building enclosure expertise. He has directly managed complex projects and teams across a broad scope, including investigations, condition assessments, repair design, construction observations, and construction litigation support. Prior to founding Hals Consulting, Peder worked for nationally recognized consulting firms in the building enclosure industry, most recently as a Principal at RDH Building Science, Inc. (RDH), and before that over ten years with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE). Outside of work, Peder enjoys time with his wife and three daughters and is an avid skier and rock climber.
Jonathan Barr – Consultant II
With five years of professional experience, Jonathan holds a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He has assisted with and directly managed a number of projects throughout his career, which have included work with roofing and facades of new and existing structures, both residential and commercial. These projects have also included investigations, condition assessments, drafting, construction administration, and project management. Prior to joining Hals Consulting in 2026, Jonathan worked in the building enclosure industry at Thornton Tomasetti (TT), Socotec, and Walker Consultants. Outside of work, Jonathan spends his time with his wife and their four cats, and enjoys traveling and scuba diving.
Careers
Hals Consulting is hiring! If you are interested in joining the team and work on challenging structural and building envelope projects, please send a message and resume to info@halsconsulting.com. Active job listings are located on our LinkedIn profile. We are always seeking qualified candidates, even if the role is not specifically listed.
Contact Us Today
Please contact us with any questions or project needs and we will get back to you shortly. Hals Consulting serves clients ranging from building owners, developers, attorneys, building managers, and contractors. Each project request will be assessed individually to develop a scope that fits your needs.