WDP Office: New York
John specializes in building enclosure performance, building science, and hygrothermal analysis of exterior wall assemblies. His work involves performing forensic field investigations, façade and building envelope condition surveys, and deploying climatic datalogging building instrumentation for use in condensation and hygrothermal analyses. Based on the synthesis these field investigation results, John establishes thoughtful design recommendations and leads the development of architectural and structural retrofit and repair design documents. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he is passionate about finding cost effective ways to integrate sustainable and emerging building concepts with reliable and durable high-performance building design.
“Building Science is a passion of mine, as it combines the rigorous principals of physics with the opportunity for creativity and innovation inherent in the evolving market of high-performance building design. As new construction continues to reach net-zero and even net-positive energy consumption in part due to superinsulation and improved airtightness, the drying potential of exterior walls continues to become more limited, and more than ever it is important to consider the hygrothermal response of each discrete enclosure assembly to the specific climate in which a project is located. I am passionate about working towards transforming the built environment to reduce the carbon emissions of buildings through passive building enclosure retrofit strategies and take pride in developing responsible solutions to the challenges and intricacies of significantly modifying an exterior wall assembly within the given constraints of an existing building.”
Technical Papers/Publications & Speaking Engagements
- Civitillo, J., and Civitillo, V. “Calibrated Energy Modeling Importance – A Sensitivity Analysis of Building Enclosure Performance Factors” ASTM STP1635-EB Symposium on Building Science and the Physics of Building Enclosure Performance, June 12, 2022
- “Forensic Engineering: Building Enclosure and the Structure. Lessons Learned”, University of Virginia Structural Engineering Course Guest Speaker, April 28, 2022.
- “Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Mass Masonry Walls with New Insulation and Air/Vapor Barriers” AIA continuing education presentation
- “The Evolution of Stone Masonry Veneer Requirements – Past, Present, and Future” June 26, 2018 Conference Proceedings – ASTM Symposium: Innovations in Collaborative Research, Development and Applications.
- Harris, D., Civitillo, J., and Gheitasi, A.: “Performance and Behavior of Hybrid Composite Beam Bridge in Virginia: Live Load Testing” Journal of Bridge Engineering, 21(6), Paper ID 04016022, 2016.
- Harris, D., Gheitasi, A., and Civitillo, J.: “Field Testing and Numerical Modeling of a Hybrid Composite Beam Bridge in Virginia” Proceedings of the 16th European Bridge Conference, June 2015.
- “In-service Performance and Behavior Characterization of the Hybrid Composite Bridge System – A Case Study” July 2014 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference and Medium Span Bridges (SMSB).
