David Ballast, FAIA, CSI, NCARB, NCIDQ is the author of Handbook of Construction Tolerances, 2nd ed. and has consulted with the Access Board to attempt the development of industry standard construction tolerances to which ADAAG can refer. Mr. Ballast completed a research project for the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study and recommend suggested tolerances for right-of-way construction. Mr. Ballast has also provided expert witness consulting in the area of construction tolerances.

He is the author of numerous magazine articles and 16 books including four volumes of study guides for the Architect Registration Examination. Other books include Interior Design Reference Manual, A Guide to the NCIDQ Exam, Interior Construction and Detailing for Designers and Architects, The Encyclopedia of Associations and Information Sources for Architects, Designers, and Engineers, and the Architect’s Handbook of Construction Detailing, 2nd ed.

Mr. Ballast holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree with special honors (1971) from the University of Colorado and has over 35 years of experience in the architectural and interior design professions. He is owner of Architectural Research Consulting, a consulting firm offering applied research, technical advice, specifications, and information management services to architects, interior designers, and others in the construction industry.