Company President Stefen Gustafson is a licensed general contractor, general engineering contractor and registered architect who brings more than 30 years of building experience to each project. He is a respected industry consultant who leads the Nautilus team in resolving complicated reconstruction issues through comprehensive evaluation and dedicated follow-through.
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Litigation Support
We are committed to supporting our clients through the litigation. Our work is backed by real-life project experience, thorough preparation, and thoughtful delivery—whether we are speaking for a plaintiff, a defendant, or as a neutral expert. Our collaborative approach with a variety of litigation teams has resulted in a successful history working on thousands of cases—including depositions, trials and arbitrations—in both state and federal court, across four states.
Forensic Architectural Services
We employ targeted visual and destructive testing, the latest technologies, and meticulous analytical skills to carefully uncover the root causes of architectural defects, isolate mechanisms of failure, and develop the appropriate repair or improvement recommendations. This leads to solid reconstruction plans that prevent recurrence of problems.
Construction Cost Estimating
Nautilus’ estimators and consultants use digital technology, on-site analysis, and knowledge that can only be gained from years of industry experience to collect information promptly and precisely, accurately evaluate it, and then clearly present it. We deliver cost-of-repair estimates that we can actually guarantee—an offering that is unique to our company.
Andaz Hotel
Andaz Hotel
San Diego, California
Challenge:
Reconstruct a fully operational, historic hotel with minimal guest disruption. Large team of experts from the client’s side. Numerous construction deficiencies and escalating responsibilities, including specialty installations. Fast-paced, inflexible deadlines to accommodate guest and event reservations.
Solution:
This project required an adept and flexible Nautilus team as we worked with an evolving team of lawyers, managers, owners and designers to deliver a stellar outcome. From on-point cost estimates, minimally intrusive destructive testing, discreetly executed construction repairs, to innovative solutions that include a sound wall as well as a custom, retractable roof, Nautilus built confidence each step of the way and became the client’s go-to contractor and problem solver.
Pinnacle Marina Tower
Pinnacle Marina Tower
San Diego, California
Challenge:
Complete redesign and renovation of lobby and repair of multiple defects within a high-profile, high-end building located on a tight urban site. Required careful balancing between sensitive project budgets and construction priorities to ensure smooth running and completion of project, while keeping tenant disruption to a minimum.
Solution:
Nautilus was hired solely based upon our interview with a highly exacting Board, to whom our resume of experience and education was extremely important. In addition, they were looking for a team who could interface well with a demanding demographic, and who would take extreme care in preserving the high-end units throughout the process. From extensive waterproofing, to the removal and replacement of a cooling tower atop the high-rise, we have been consistently supported by the HOA to make proper and lasting repairs.
Eagle Run at Juniper Springs
Eagle Run at Juniper Springs
Mammoth Lakes, California
Challenge:
Project was located away from Nautilus home offices, requiring qualified local subcontractors to complement our labor force and solid project management and supervision. Because of the exterior exposure of the repairs, we had to aggressively schedule the work between the winter snow seasons.
Solution:
Nautilus’ initial involvement in this project was unique in that we were hired as experts for the defense. By providing realistic, guaranteed estimated costs for the plaintiff’s claims, we were instrumental in the resolution of the case. Post-litigation, we were interviewed by the plaintiffs and then hired as both the reconstruction architect and contractor because of our industry experience. Our system of work and communication tools ensured that the remote work was done to Nautilus’ standards. The successful completion of this project led to several new consulting and reconstruction projects in the area.
The Plaza Condominiums
The Plaza Condominiums
Pacific Beach, California
Challenge:
Aging condo complex with building systems reaching the end of their useful life. History of progressing plumbing issues within a copper water system that lacked shut off capability to individual units, floors or plumbing stacks, requiring an intricate phased approach to minimize water service downtime for residents.
Solution:
Nautilus was brought in based on our successful completion of a previous challenging with one of the Board members. We provided expert advice over the course of four workshops that included Board members and a team of construction professionals. This led to an investigation, analysis and eventual repair concepts and design. Our main task was the complete replacement of the copper potable water lines, but we also upgraded lighting and fiber optics at the same time. We first completed work on one of the five buildings as proof of concept, which led to the approval for Nautilus to reconstruct the remaining four.
Montefaro Condominiums
Montefaro Condominiums
La Jolla, California
Challenge:
Plaintiff’s high cost of repair hampered litigation settlement. High-end project with residents that had costly artwork and furnishings. Required skillful interaction to find middle ground between plaintiffs, defense and high-profile residents. Extensive repairs including critical geotechnical, architectural, plumbing and mechanical repairs on a very compact site.
Solution:
Nautilus was initially retained as a neutral expert, nimbly working with the teams from both sides—forensic architects, plumbing/mechanical and geotechnical experts, cost estimators, lawyers—to develop out-of-the-box, middle-ground repair solutions that were instrumental in getting the litigation settled. Post litigation, Nautilus was hired as the reconstruction contractor prior to bidding the work, which was a testament to the client’s trust in our capabilities. Beyond reconstruction, we created a meticulous work plan that maximized efficiency and minimized the impact on residents.