Speaker Bios

Graham is a Principal and Senior Building Science Specialist with RDH Building Science who specializes in enclosure design, research, and investigation work for new and existing buildings. His work experience includes a wide range of projects including building enclosure and facade design and analysis, forensic investigations, research studies, building monitoring, enclosure testing, and various product development and testing services for projects across Canada and the US.

Graham is regarded as an industry leader in evaluating thermal energy and hygrothermal (heat, air, and moisture) performance of building enclosures. Specific to rainscreen walls, much of his practice and graduate research has focused on hygrothermal performance of rainscreens and innovation in higher performance exterior insulated cladding attachments. His work has resulted in several publications and practical recommendations for the construction industry for rainscreen wall designs. Graham is also a co-chair of the Rainscreen Performance Committee for RAiNA.

Laverne Dalgleish is the Chief Operating Officer for the Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA). As such, he works to champion energy conservation in buildings while educating the building owners and designers about the benefits of energy conservation such as durability, comfort, reduced maintenance, reduced HVAC equipment costs and the positive impact on the environment. Mr. Dalgleish travels across North America weekly to educate building owners and designers on the advantages of efficient and functional air barrier systems and rainscreen assemblies in buildings. His mission involves collaborating with standards development organizations, training and education groups, government policy departments, and quality assurance program developers within the construction industry.

Laverne Dalgleish also serves as the Executive Director of the Air Barrier Association (ABAA). Mr. Dalgleish chairs the ULC Thermal Performance in the Building Environment Standards Committee. He was the key developer of the ABAA Quality Assurance Program for installing air barrier systems in buildings. This program is based on ISO9000 and ISO 12576-2 but brings the ISO requirements together with practical applications for the air barrier industry.

With 16 years of experience, Brian began his career in Portland, Oregon, after earning dual Bachelor degrees in engineering from Oregon State University. During 14 years at Knight, he’s excelled in product management and business development, securing multiple patents. Brian co-chairs RAiNA’s Codes Committee, leveraging his engineering and construction expertise. He consistently collaborates with project teams, providing solutions to complex challenges.

Rebecca M. G. Herkes is a senior consulting engineer in the Building Technology division of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger’s (SGH) Chicago office.  Rebecca has nine years of building enclosure consulting experience with SGH and two years of construction management experience as an owner’s representative. Rebecca has managed SGH projects including building enclosure consulting for new construction, investigating building enclosure failures or non-performance, and repairing or rehabilitating existing building enclosures.

Peter M. Babaian is the Building Technology Division Head for the Chicago office at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH).  He has over twenty years of experience designing, investigating, and rehabilitating a variety of building enclosures and structures.  Peter’s projects involve exterior enclosure consulting for new construction, rehabilitating existing structures and enclosures, historic preservation, building enclosure commissioning, investigating non-performing building enclosures, and providing expert services related to construction litigation.  Peter is the Vice President of The Masonry Society and serves on the Board of Directors.  He is also on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Building Congress and Landmarks Illinois.