While an architect-in-training in southwest Missouri, Rob worked for a small architectural office, honing his design, drafting, and architectural review skills. His projects ranged in size from single family homes, to medical offices, as well as commercial and industrial buildings. While with this firm, Rob was in the process of evaluating the local school district facilities, and recommending various upgrades when the unexpected occurred. A major storm devastated the town and surrounding area. This storm drastically changed the nature of Rob's assignment. Many school-building roofs were damaged or blown off entirely, while several gymnasium end walls were destroyed. Over the next several months, Rob became intimately acquainted with the different types of roofs installed on the various buildings, and the methods of construction employed over the past seventy years. Rob worked closely with the insurance companies and contractors in an effort to complete the repairs before the upcoming fall term. This experience proved invaluable in the years ahead, and was one of the turning points in his career.

Later, as an employee of a firm in San Francisco, and due in large part to his experience in roofing work, he was named project manager for a reroofing project on a high rise condominium. The roof had failed for many reasons, and the homeowners association sued the original developer, claiming that the roof was defective. The roof was replaced and the lawsuit eventually settled. However, it was at this point that Rob truly recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to forensic architecture. Within months he left the firm to pursue forensic work full time.

Since 1985, Rob has been designated as an architectural expert in over 100 cases. He has testified in three jury trials and in several arbitrations. Clients have included insurance companies, homeowners, lenders, building owners, building maintenance firms, general contractors, and subcontractors.

Rob is presently licensed as an architect in California, Missouri, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.