Michael Cuevas
Partner HKA
- Coral Gables FL
Forensic structural engineer specializing in building damage, façades, roof systems and construction defects.
Social
Biography
Michael has been cross-examined in arbitration and at deposition for projects with disputed values of up to $800 million. He is a qualified, well-regarded expert and highly experienced in complex civil and structural engineering issues.
Michael specialises in expert forensic structural analysis of buildings and structures damaged by fire, wind, floods, storm surges, explosions, tree impacts, vehicle impacts, freezing temperatures, hail, moisture intrusion, and construction defects, including catastrophe responses. He has worked on projects in the Caribbean, South America, and the United States.
Michael’s expertise includes evaluating buildings and structures, reviewing and preparing structural repair drawings, conducting site condition assessments, recertifying buildings, and performing due diligence studies. He has also evaluated exterior and interior building envelope systems for defective construction, weather related damage, and impact damage. These systems include roof coverings, exterior wall claddings, interior ceiling finishes, interior wall finishes, and interior floor finishes.
Michael is a member of the Structural Engineering Institute, the American Society for Civil Engineers, and the National Council for Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. He holds a masters in structural engineering, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and is a Haag Certified Inspector for residential roofs.
INDUSTRIES SERVED INCLUDE:
Buildings | Industrial & Manufacturing | Mining & Metals | Oil & Gas | Power & Utilities | Sports & Entertainment | Transportation Infrastructure
Areas of Expertise
Highlights
- Experienced civil and structural engineer.
- Proven as a credible expert witness under cross-examination.
- Specialises in forensic structural analysis of damaged buildings and structures and exterior building envelope evaluations.
- Expertise in complex civil and structural engineering issues, facades, and roof coverings.
- Bi-lingual in English and Spanish.
Qualifications
- Professional Engineer
- Haag Certified Inspector – Residential Roofs
Professional Memberships
NCEES
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers
SEI
Structural Engineering Institute
Media Appearances
HKA adds two directors to US forensic engineering practice
Consulting.us online
2026-06-05
Quoted as an HKA partner discussing the firm’s forensic engineering practice and the appointment of a new Miami-based structural engineer.
Catastrophic Weather Events Lead To Unanticipated Delays, Costs In Construction
Mondaq online
2023-04-10
Bylined expert commentary by Michael Cuevas and Patricia McCunney-Thomas on severe-weather impacts, construction delays, insurance coverage and damage-related costs.
How to manage impact of weather events on construction projects
Consulting.us online
2023-04-03
Industry-news coverage summarizes recommendations from Michael Cuevas and Patricia McCunney-Thomas on weather-related construction delays, damage assessment, insurance claims and project costs.
What caused the partial collapse of Champlain Towers South in Miami? A forensic engineer explains
Telemundo online
2021-06-25
Video interview in which forensic engineer Michael Cuevas discusses possible causes of the Surfside, Florida, condominium collapse and the direction of the investigation.
Education
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
MEng
Structural Engineering
1997
University of Hartford
BS
Civil Engineering
1996

