Tim Austin, P.E. is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas and Principal at Iron Horse Development, LLC. With over 40 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors, he brings a broad and insightful perspective to civil engineering and construction management. Mr. Austin is a past president of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and has served on construction dispute resolution panels since 1996. He previously represented NSPE on the AAA’s National Construction Dispute Resolution Committee.
A licensed Professional Engineer with more than four decades of experience across public and private sector projects, Tim brings deep technical knowledge and industry insight to his work as a neutral. We asked him how his engineering background shapes his approach to dispute resolution.
Q: Tell us about your background in construction law or the construction industry.
Tim: I worked as a construction engineer for a state highway agency and then took a consulting position with a surety claims company where I became involved in a number of construction litigation matters. One of my mentors in the surety claims industry was a licensed lawyer and engineer, who taught me invaluable lessons in construction case law and claim documentation.
Q: What types of construction disputes do you typically handle as an arbitrator or mediator?
Tim: I have handled a wide variety of disputes involving general construction, heavy civil, professional liability, and residential home construction.
Q: What drew you to ADR work in the construction space? What do you value most about serving as a neutral on the AAA’s Construction Panel?
Tim: My interest in the law, fairness, and most importantly, professional obligation. Construction can be complex. The court or hearing officers can make reasoned, informed decisions when provided with objective and factual information, which a knowledgeable industry person can provide.
Q: What advice do you have for parties preparing for arbitration or mediation in complex construction disputes?
Tim: Parties should be prepared to focus on the facts, both in testimony and documentation.