Engineering Trust in Building & Construction

26 Sep 2025

In building and construction, a test report or certification mark is only part of the story. The real measure is confidence that a product, system, or building will perform as promised.

When people ask me what Intertek really sells, my answer is trust. Not data, not reports, not labels. Trust that a product is fit for purpose. Trust that a building system will last. Trust that an owner’s investment will be protected for decades to come.

Every certification mark, test result, and consulting engagement we deliver is part of that larger promise. What we provide is not just proof on paper, but confidence that performance will hold up in the real world.

That belief has guided my entire career. From my early days leading hurricane testing in Florida to now overseeing our global Building & Construction products business, I have seen time and again that trust is the most valuable outcome we deliver.

Lessons from Hurricanes

My journey began in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew when new codes and testing standards were created in response to catastrophic failures. I quickly saw the stakes. When a product fails in the real world the cost is not just financial. It is human safety.

That lesson still guides how I approach every client relationship. No matter the project my principle is the same. Every interaction must be grounded in reliable advice even when it is not what the client expected to hear.

Sometimes the most valuable service we provide is telling a manufacturer they do not need a certain test. What they do need is clarity on where their investment will have the greatest impact. Doing business the right way with transparency, integrity and a focus on long term performance has built Intertek’s reputation as a trusted partner.

Why Trust Matters More Than Ever

The building industry runs on public confidence. Everyday millions of people walk into offices, schools, hospitals, and homes expecting them to stand strong, keep out the weather, and provide healthy air. Those expectations may be invisible, but they are non-negotiable.

Our role in that chain of confidence is to provide certifications and data that stand up to scrutiny. Trust is what we deliver. The moment we lose it there is nothing left to sell.

Meeting Today’s Pressures

The demands on manufacturers have changed dramatically since the 1990s. Clients expect faster timelines, supply chains are more complex, and digital transformation has reshaped how products come to market. Companies no longer want just a passing report. They want a partner who can help them anticipate risks, navigate codes, and plan successful launches.

Resilience and healthy buildings are now central concerns. Rising insurance costs, climate-driven hazards, and stricter performance standards are pushing owners to look beyond code minimums. Intertek helps meet that demand through building envelope testing and guidance on healthier, more sustainable buildings.

Beyond Compliance: Building for the Future

The future of building science is not about paperwork or minimum thresholds. It is about anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.

We have certified the “whitest paint” that can lower cooling loads by 30 to 40 degrees. We are verifying air leakage performance in next-generation facades. We are advising hospitals on energy systems resilient enough to operate through extended outages.

Across all of these projects the message is consistent. Trust, delivered the right way, creates resilience.

Closing Thought

For me, trust is more than a business principle. It is the product we deliver. It is what turns a one-time project into a decades-long partnership. And it is what helps the buildings we support continue serving their purpose not just today, but well into the future.

In the end codes set the minimum. Trust is what makes buildings last.