Business Details
Forensic Architecture & Golf Course Safety Expertise
Johnstone Michael S is a forensic architecture firm specializing in golf course design and safety evaluations, as well as building design and construction analysis. With over 40 years of professional experience, the firm has completed 245+ forensic investigations across 34 U.S. states and Canada. Our team provides expert witness services for litigation involving premises liability, construction defects, and golf-related accidents, serving both plaintiffs and defendants through independent, objective analysis. We combine architectural expertise with advanced forensic methodologies to resolve complex safety and design disputes. Our work includes trajectory analysis for errant golf balls, safety envelope assessments, and remediation planning for high-risk properties.The firm maintains professional affiliations with the American Institute of Architects, National Academy of Forensic Engineers, and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Our founder, Michael Johnstone, holds architectural licenses in North Carolina and California, and has served as an expert witness in cases involving wrongful death, serious injuries, and property damage. We provide consulting services for property owners seeking risk mitigation strategies and collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists across multiple engineering disciplines. Our forensic reports incorporate site surveys, photographic documentation, and graphic presentations to clarify complex technical issues for legal proceedings.
Services
Forensic Architecture
Golf Course Safety Evaluation
Expert Witness Services
Building Design Investigation
Accident Reconstruction
Premises Liability Analysis
Construction Defect Assessment
Safety Envelope Analysis
Trajectory Studies
Risk Mitigation Planning
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of forensic architecture experience with 245+ completed investigations
- Licensed architect in North Carolina and California with specialized golf course expertise
- Provides trajectory analysis and safety envelope assessments for errant golf balls
- Offers expert witness testimony supported by photographic documentation and graphic presentations
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary accident reconstruction specialists
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
- National Academy of Forensic Engineers
What people say
Nailed it down for us
Settled the case happily
Preferred experts in golf course safety
Errant balls dropped significantly
Future path is clear
Services
Forensic Architecture
Our forensic architecture services investigate construction defects, premises liability, and design failures. We provide expert analysis for legal cases involving building safety and code compliance. Our team produces detailed reports with photographic documentation and graphic presentations to clarify technical issues for litigation.
Golf Course Safety Evaluation
Specialized safety evaluations analyze golf ball trajectories and course hazards. We assess risk factors using satellite imagery and on-site measurements. Our reports include remediation recommendations to reduce liability while maintaining course playability for property owners and golf facilities.
Expert Witness Services
We provide expert witness testimony for golf-related accidents and construction disputes. Our services include accident reconstruction, report preparation, and court appearances. With 245+ completed investigations, we offer technically sound analysis for both plaintiff and defense legal teams.
Trajectory Analysis
Our trajectory analysis identifies errant golf ball patterns using advanced forensic techniques. We determine risk zones through safety envelope calculations and historical data analysis. This specialized service helps property owners and golf courses implement effective mitigation strategies.
Risk Mitigation Planning
We develop customized risk reduction plans for properties adjacent to golf courses. Our solutions balance safety requirements with course functionality. Services include safety envelope assessments, remediation design, and expert consultation for property owners and golf facility managers.
People
Michael S. Johnstone
Forensic Architect
Licensed architect with 40+ years of experience specializing in golf course safety and forensic investigations. Completed 245+ cases across 34 U.S. states and Canada. Expert witness in golf-related accidents and building design disputes.
Zita Huetter
Director of Operations
14-year non-profit management professional serving as case manager and editor. Coordinates forensic investigations and client communications. Provides operational leadership for the architectural team.
Cristina Coll
Chief Site Inspector
International golf expert with specialized training in site inspection. Conducts forensic evaluations and safety assessments. Trained under Michael Johnstone since 2022 for golf course safety investigations.
Questions
What types of cases do you handle?
We specialize in golf course safety evaluations, building design investigations, and expert witness services for litigation involving premises liability, construction defects, and golf-related accidents.
Do you work with both plaintiffs and defendants?
Yes, we provide independent, objective analysis for both plaintiffs and defendants in legal cases involving golf course safety and building design issues.
What areas do you serve?
We handle cases across all 50 states and Canada, with particular experience in high-profile golf destinations and urban architectural disputes.
How much does a safety evaluation cost?
Our standard errant golf ball safety evaluation fee is $5000, which includes comprehensive analysis, site measurements, and a detailed written report with remediation recommendations.
What qualifications do you have?
Our lead architect holds licenses in North Carolina and California, with 40+ years of experience and 245+ completed forensic investigations. We maintain affiliations with major architectural and forensic engineering organizations.
