Business Details
27 Years
experience
Trusted Construction Risk Management Experts
Professional Associates Construction (PACS) specializes in construction consulting for financial institutions, applying engineering and estimating expertise to mitigate project risks. Founded in 1999 by Bertie Chawla and Kent Robertson, both former Bank of America executives, we deliver tailored solutions for construction lending and real estate risk assessment. Our team of licensed engineers, architects, and construction professionals brings decades of industry experience to projects nationwide, from multifamily housing to commercial developments. We prioritize transparent communication and actionable recommendations, serving as a trusted partner for lenders seeking expert due diligence. With offices across the U.S., our services span construction cost analysis, environmental assessments, and project management.Our 35+ years of collective experience in construction consulting ensures clients receive technically rigorous and strategically valuable insights. We maintain a client-centric approach, focusing on long-term relationships built through consistent delivery of high-quality, risk-mitigation services. Our work supports informed decision-making for lenders financing projects ranging from adaptive reuse to luxury residential developments.
Services
Construction Cost Estimating
Project Monitoring
Environmental Reports
Property Condition Assessments
Construction Management
REO Support
Insurance Claims
Capital Reserves
Deferred Maintenance
Probable Maximum Loss
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of combined experience in construction consulting for financial institutions
- Our team includes licensed civil engineers and architects with banking industry expertise
- We serve clients nationwide with offices in 10+ U.S. locations
- We provide transparent, actionable recommendations based on technical construction expertise
- We maintain long-term relationships with major national financial institutions
Services
Construction Cost Estimating
Our construction cost estimating service provides precise financial projections for development projects. Utilizing industry-standard methodologies and real-time market data, we deliver accurate budget forecasts that help lenders assess project viability. Our team's extensive experience with multifamily, commercial, and specialty developments ensures reliable cost breakdowns for all project phases.
Property Condition Reports
We conduct comprehensive property condition assessments to identify maintenance needs and potential risks. Our reports evaluate structural integrity, mechanical systems, and compliance with building codes. These detailed analyses help financial institutions make informed lending decisions while highlighting necessary repairs or upgrades.
Construction Progress Monitoring
Our construction progress monitoring service tracks project development against approved plans and budgets. Through regular site visits and documentation reviews, we verify work completion percentages and ensure adherence to specifications. This service provides lenders with transparent updates on construction milestones and draw requests.
Environmental Site Assessments
We perform Phase I and II environmental site assessments to identify potential contamination risks. Our evaluations follow ASTM standards and include historical research, site inspections, and laboratory testing when required. These assessments help clients understand environmental liabilities associated with real estate transactions.
Probable Maximum Loss Reports
Our Probable Maximum Loss (PML) reports assess potential financial exposure from construction projects. By analyzing structural vulnerabilities and risk factors, we determine maximum potential loss scenarios for lenders. These reports incorporate engineering analysis and market conditions to quantify risk exposure.
People
Bertie Chawla
CEO
Bertie Chawla, CEO and co-founder, is a licensed civil engineer with 35+ years of construction consulting experience. He previously worked at Bank of America for 11 years before establishing PACS in 1999. He has managed over 5,000 projects valued at $100B+ across diverse property types.
Ben Mencias
Senior Consultant
Ben Mencias brings 30+ years of construction risk management experience to PACS. He worked at Union Bank of California for 14 years before joining PACS in 2004. His expertise includes construction due diligence for multifamily and commercial developments nationwide.
Asha Isacc
Architectural Consultant
Asha Isacc joined PACS in 2012 with a background in architectural design and project management. She holds a Masters in City Planning from IIT and has worked on diverse projects including hotels, multifamily housing, and historic renovations across the United States.
Randall Etnyre
Texas Office Director
Randall Etnyre leads PACS' Texas operations with 20+ years of construction consulting experience. A Texas A&M graduate, he specializes in land development projects and has worked on all property types nationwide since joining PACS in 2002.
Wendell Jackson
Senior Consultant
Wendell Jackson has 50+ years of construction industry experience, including 15 years at PACS. His career spans architectural design, construction management, and software development. He has worked on nearly 100 commercial and industrial buildings ranging from 3,000 to 1.8 million square feet.
Questions
What types of construction projects do you specialize in?
We work on multifamily housing, commercial developments, industrial facilities, hotels, assisted living centers, and specialty projects like casinos and historic renovations.
How long has your company been in business?
PACS was founded in 1999 by Bertie Chawla and Kent Robertson, both former Bank of America executives with over 10 years of experience each.
Do you provide services outside California?
Yes, we operate nationwide with offices in 10+ locations including Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington, serving clients from Maine to Saipan.
What qualifications do your consultants have?
Our team includes licensed civil engineers, architects, and construction professionals with decades of industry experience and specialized certifications.
How do you help lenders manage construction risk?
We provide detailed cost analysis, progress monitoring, and risk assessments that help lenders make informed decisions throughout the construction process.
Can you handle complex construction projects?
Yes, our team has experience with complex developments including high-rise buildings, adaptive reuse projects, and specialty facilities like healthcare centers and entertainment venues.
