Professional Biography
James Barnard is a Senior Managing Engineer at YA Group with over 30 years of construction and engineering experience. His expertise includes structural design in wood, steel, concrete, and masonry, as well as civil and forensic evaluations. At YA Group, James applies his deep technical knowledge to support forensic investigations, quality-driven engineering solutions, and complex structural assessments.
James has extensive experience in forensic engineering, with more than 13 years dedicated to investigating structural failures, material performance issues, and building envelope deficiencies. He has played a key role in developing company standards for forensic evaluations, structural design, and construction documentation, with a strong emphasis on quality control and consistency.
In addition, James brings broad industry experience managing complex structural systems, including structural steel, reinforced concrete (both above and below grade), and high‑performance building envelope assemblies. His background includes collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on quality assurance initiatives, further strengthening his expertise across engineering, construction, and forensic practice.
Credentials & Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE)
Representative Consulting Assignments
- Structural Steel Warehouse | Iowa | Construction Defect | $2M — Structural Steel Collapse Construction Defect Evaluation
- Apartment Development | Utah | Construction Defect | $1M — Fiber Cement Board Siding, Wood Framing, HVAC Construction Defect Evaluation
- Swimming Pool | Utah | Construction Defect | $100k — Pool Structural and Plaster Construction Defect Evaluation
- Apartment Development | Utah | Construction Defect | $8M — Building Envelope Construction Defect Evaluation
- Wood, Steel and Concrete Structures | Various Locations | Fire/Smoke | Various Costs — Forensic Investigation and Evaluation of Cause and Extent of Damage
- Wood, Steel and Concrete Structures | Various Locations | Earthquake | Various Costs — Forensic Investigation and Evaluation of Cause and Extent of Damage
- Custom Residences | Various Locations | Construction Defect | Various Costs — Roofing, Siding, Foundation, Soils, Plumbing Leak, and/or Site Drainage Construction Defect Evaluations
- Natatorium | Wyoming | Construction Defect | $1M — Building Envelope and Moisture Exposure Construction Defect Evaluation
- Single Family Development | Construction Defect | $1M — Stucco and Window Construction Defect Evaluation
- Townhome Development | Colorado | Construction Defect | $10M — Building Envelope and Site Construction Defect Evaluation
Professional Experience
- Senior Managing Engineer | YA Engineering Services | 2021 - Current
- Senior Project Engineer | Envista Forensics | 2013 - 2021
- Structural Quality Control Manager | Okland Construction | 2011 - 2013
- Design Engineer (Structural) | BHB Structural | 2007 - 2011
- Design Engineer (Structural) | Ensign Engineering and Land Surveying | 2005 - 2007
- Owner | J&B Concrete Specialties | 2004 - 2005
- Concrete Foreman | Ryan Green Construction, Blair Green Construction | 1996 - 2004
Practices & Skillsets
- Condition Assessment
- Failure Analysis
- Roofing
- Structural Analysis
- Water Leakage Testing and Analysis
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS), Civil Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 2004
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administartion, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, 2012
- Master of Engineering (MEng), Structural Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 2004
Professional Licenses
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Colorado - License #PE.0048192
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Colorado - License #PE.0048192
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Florida - License #95276
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Florida - License #95276
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Idaho - License #15839
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Idaho - License #15839
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Louisiana - License #41448
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Louisiana - License #41448
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Montana - License #40675
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Montana - License #40675
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Nevada - License #24451
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Nevada - License #24451
- Professional Engineer (PE) - New Mexico - License #23434
- Structural Engineer (SE) - New Mexico - License #23434
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Texas - License #119807
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Texas - License #119807
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Utah - License #5561938-2202
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Utah - License #5561938-2202
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Wyoming - License #14361
- Structural Engineer (SE) - Wyoming - License #14361
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Arizona - License #78816
- Professional Engineer (PE) - Georgia - License #PE053164