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Forensic Specialist Joelle Nelson, PE, Joins DeSimone as Principal
Recognized forensic structural engineer to lead complex investigations and expand practice capacity
NEW YORK CITY, April 23, 2026— DeSimone Consulting Engineering has announced that Joelle Nelson, PE, has joined its forensic consulting practice as a Principal based in the company’s New York City headquarters. The move augments the DeSimone forensic team’s expertise and capacity to complete complex, large-scale forensic investigations across the US and enhances DeSimone’s ability to identify and resolve the underlying causes of issues affecting structural assets throughout their lifecycles.
A recognized leader in forensic engineering, Nelson brings more than 20 years of experience in structural investigation, design, and litigation support for high-profile, multi-million-dollar disputes to her new role at DeSimone. She will lead complex forensic investigations involving structural failures, construction defects, and performance issues across a wide range of building types and structural systems. Drawing on her expertise as a structural engineer in the design, renovation, and construction of long-span, high-rise, historic, and temporary structures, Nelson will provide expert witness services and play a critical role in shaping pre-litigation and litigation strategy for clients.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joelle Nelson, PE, to DeSimone to strengthen our forensics practice,” said Stephen V. DeSimone, PE, Chairman and CEO of DeSimone Consulting Engineering. “This addition represents a pivotal moment in the evolution and continuing growth of our team. Her experience investigating the cause and origin of construction defects and structural failures, from catastrophic building and crane collapses to excessive building deflections, will enhance our ability to respond to our clients’ most trying challenges, whether by designing emergency stabilization and preserving evidence, developing targeted remediation plans to address the root cause of the failure, or resolving disputes with expert testimony and litigation support.”
Nelson joins DeSimone from SOCOTEC, where she served as vice president following a long tenure at Thornton Tomasetti as an associate principal. Over the course of her career, she has served as a forensic structural engineering expert for a wide range of disputed matters, including standard of care and cause and origin for construction defect, insurance coverage, and adjacent construction disputes.
Her work experience includes investigations into such high-profile incidents as parking structure collapses, tower crane failures, and damage assessments following extreme weather events. She has also supported litigation efforts on technical matters, including disputes related to excavation, structural deflection, and construction defects.
“I’m excited to bring my passion for forensic engineering as a leader in DeSimone’s forensics practice and overseeing the rigorous investigation of the cause and origin of construction and design failures,” said Joelle Nelson, PE. “In investigating why failures occur, I can effectively assist clients in shaping litigation strategy and resolving disputes, while also advancing the field of engineering—and enhancing the performance of our own teams as we apply the lessons learned from failures to the development of future design solutions and innovations.”
As a structural engineer, Joelle has served on teams for such projects as the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava on the World Trade Center site in New York City, structural renovations to 195 Broadway, a Landmarked 1916 office and retail building in Manhattan’s Financial District, and the completion of a structural analysis of the cast iron dome at the United States Capitol Building to bring it in line with current code standards.
Nelson is active in the industry and currently serves on the New York City Department of Buildings 2023 Code Revision Structural Committee, as well as several ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) committees focused on wind loads and construction-stage design. She holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Columbia University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states, including New York.
DeSimone’s forensic engineering practice provides comprehensive investigative, consulting, and litigation support services for a wide range of structural issues. With the addition of Nelson as a Principal and leader of the practice, the firm continues to expand its capabilities in delivering rigorous, innovative solutions for complex challenges in the built environment.
Media Contact:
Rosemary Siciliano
(212) 652-9163
rosemary.siciliano@desimone.com
