--- title: "Architecture Expert Allowed to Opine on Storm Damage" meta: "og:description": "The architecture expert is sufficiently qualified to assess the alleged storm damage and aftermath" "og:title": "Architecture Expert Allowed to Opine on Storm Damage" author: "Expert Witness Profiler" description: "The architecture expert is sufficiently qualified to assess the alleged storm damage and aftermath" --- # Architecture Expert Allowed to Opine on Storm Damage Posted on April 14, 2026 by Expert Witness Profiler This action arises from a claim for property damage brought by Plaintiff because of damage allegedly caused by a storm in May 2024. Plaintiff retained [Anna Kangas](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/expert-witness/Anna-Kangas/1573785) of Boulder Construction as its expert tosupport its claim for damages against Church Mutual. Church Mutual filed a motion to exclude the testimony of Kangas because: (1) her cost estimate to repair the property is unreliable and speculative because it admittedly fails to consider the actual damage caused by the Storm and assumes the entire property must be repaired; and, (2) she used flawed and unreliable methodologies to calculate the repair estimate. ## **Architecture Expert Witness** [Anna Kangas](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/expert-witness/Anna-Kangas/1573785) has a bachelor degree in architecture and a masters degree in public administration. She has been involved in architectural and construction work, including as a building and code enforcement manager, a construction project specialist, ADA Title II coordinator, and community development director. [Get the full story on challenges to Anna Kangas’ expert opinions and testimony with an in-depth Challenge Study](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/order/add?eId=1573785&pId=3). ## **Discussion by the Court** Kangas provided three opinions: - Opinion 1 – The damage caused by the tree falling on the church building caused extensive damage to the building structure. - Opinion 2 – Being open to the elements and animals since the storm has caused additional damage. - Opinion 3 – The costs of repairing the building to its condition prior to the storm. ### _**Analysis**_ Beginning with the first part of the _[Daubert](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/daubert_standard)_ test, the Court is persuaded that Kangas possesses specialized knowledge or skill in the areas of building structures and all aspects of repair and replacement and general commercial contracting work. She has fifteen years of experience in these areas including not only the architect and preconstruction aspect, but also in the building and code enforcement aspect. Plaintiff has shown that Kangas is sufficiently qualified to assess the alleged storm damage and aftermath, as well as to the estimate for the cost of repairs or replacement. With respect to the second part of the test, the Court found that Kangas is qualified to assist the trier of fact. It is undisputed that Kangas personally inspected Plaintiff’s roof and building on two occasions, took photographs, and reviewed a “visual structural assessment” prepared by Ms. Alayna Nordstrom, PE, of Strickland Engineering and a report from the City of Dexter, Missouri. Kangas’ opinions are reflected preliminarily in her reports, but she also provided further explanations and clarifications for her opinions in her deposition testimony. Finally, as for the third part of the test, the Court found that Kangas’ testimony is reliable or trustworthy in an evidentiary sense. While Church Mutual made numerous arguments alleging that Kangas’ opinions and estimates are not sufficiently reliable and lack foundation or support, the factual basis of an expert opinion goes to the credibility of the testimony, not the admissibility, and it is up to the opposing party to examine the factual basis for the opinion in cross-examination.” Church Mutual may cross-examine Kangas regarding her methodology and factual bases. ## **Held** The Court denied Church Mutual’s motion to exclude the testimony of Anna Kangas. ## **Key Takeaway** An expert need not have specialized education to qualify as an expert and may be qualified on experience alone. Very few jurors are architects, preconstruction managers, or construction estimators, so Kangas’ testimony on these matters will be useful in helping them judge the relevant facts. ## **Case Details:** --- ## **You Might Also Like** ![Architecture Expert Allowed to Opine on Storm Damage](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-14T214142.934.jpg) [**Architecture Expert Allowed to Opine on Storm Damage**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/architecture-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-storm-damage/architecture-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-storm-damage)![Corrections Expert Was Allowed to Opine on High-Risk Inmates](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-14T204636.906.jpg) [**Corrections Expert Was Allowed to Opine on High-Risk Inmates**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/architecture-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-storm-damage/corrections-expert-was-allowed-to-opine-on-high-risk-inmates)![Marketing Expert Allowed to Opine on Deception](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-14T192529.431.jpg) [**Marketing Expert Allowed to Opine on Deception**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/architecture-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-storm-damage/marketing-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-deception)![Expert Testimony on Marine Docks Admitted](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-13T212321.608.jpg) [**Expert Testimony on Marine Docks Admitted**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/architecture-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-storm-damage/expert-testimony-on-marine-docks-admitted)![Economics Expert Allowed to Opine on Lost Fringe Benefits](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-13T200954.751.jpg) [**Economics Expert Allowed to Opine on Lost Fringe Benefits**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/architecture-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-storm-damage/economics-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-lost-fringe-benefits)