Clarissa Binkley & José Estrada: 4EA’s Envelope Innovators You Can’t Miss - AIA - East Bay Chapter

Clarissa Binkley & José Estrada: 4EA’s Envelope Innovators You Can’t Miss

Clarissa Binkley, Principal and Office Director of 4EA’s Oakland operation, brings 16 years of deeply rooted building enclosure expertise to the table. Her journey began in energy analysis—a foundation that informs everything from conceptual design to forensic envelope reviews, in‑situ testing, and commissioning in diverse climate zones across North America. Clarissa has overseen projects from schematic design through completion, always applying a building science lens to maximize performance and resilience. She’s known for integrating rigorous design with real‑world constructability, while ensuring airtight, waterproof, and energy‑efficient outcomes. 

José Estrada, Principal at 4EA, brings nearly two decades of global experience spanning multimillion- to multibillion-dollar developments—from the United States to Mexico, Israel, China, and Canada. Passionate about building science, José specializes in unitized facade systems, envelope diagnostics, and sustainability strategies. Whether it’s a high‑rise glazing façade or a podium plaza deck, he’s adept at navigating intricate designs and optimizing long‑term durability through integrated science-based solutions.

Together, Clarissa and José co-lead a session that unpacks one of the most prevalent waterproofing pitfalls: composite mock-ups. Their talk dives into real-world scenarios where mock-ups fail to reflect field conditions, and explores how design assumptions, testing protocols, and installation nuances must align to prevent system breakdowns. Expect crisp visuals, forensic anecdotes, performance lessons, and practical takeaways rooted in their combined experiences across climates and continents.

We’re thrilled to announce that Clarissa Binkley and José Estrada will be featured speakers at this year’s Waterproofing Symposium. Their joint presentation on “The Case of the Composite Mock‑Up” is your chance to learn how smart mock-up execution—and foresight—can be the difference between a system that weathers and one that fails. Don’t miss their insightful, energy‑packed session this October!

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