David H. Nicastro

M.S., University of Texas at Austin, 1985 
B.A. Mathematics, Pomona College, 1983

David Nicastro is the founder and CEO of Building Diagnostics, Inc., a building-failure analysis firm with branches in four cities. He contributes to standards development with insight gained by analyzing building failures. His work has set the standard for other companies both nationally and internationally, and he is a leader in advancing the field of forensics engineering related to building systems and closures.

Nicastro and his firm, Building Diagnostics, Inc., are the premier consultants for building envelope problems and solutions. He continues to excel and lead the industry by conducting ongoing research and testing of numerous products at the request of multiple national clients.

At a young age, he had an inclination for architecture and railroads. He came to UT to study architectural engineering with the goal of becoming a forensic engineer. Nicastro not only investigates failures but also designs remedies for most of the problems his team investigates, and they try very hard to prevent failures of critical structures.

He strongly believes in sharing knowledge and educating clients and engineering colleagues. He regularly speaks and frequently publishes articles. In fact, he has published over 50 articles and written, edited or contributed to 4 books on the durability and failure of building materials. He is also the past chairman of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants.

Nicastro gives back to UT by regularly making presentations, hiring our graduates, and even creating The Durability Lab, a testing center housed at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus.