Certified Access Specialists

A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is a professional certified by the State of California to have specialized knowledge of the applicability of state and federal construction-related accessibility standards.

The following list of CASp inspectors have attested to the following criteria:

  • I am well-versed in the nuances of the San Francisco building code. This includes familiarity with the Planning Department’s Historic Preservation and SF Public Works.
  • I have conducted CASp inspection reports for at least 5 businesses in San Francisco.
  • I am available to conduct CASp inspection reports for San Francisco businesses.
  • I am experienced in construction, design and inspection. 
  • My reports are prepared according the Construction-Related Accessibility Standards Compliance Act (CRASCA, Civil Code §55.51-55.545

Please note, references to specific individuals and companies is for informational purposes and does not constitute endorsement by the Office of Small Business. 

Certified Access Specialists serving San Francisco small businesses

Bassam Altwal, CASp #109
CalAccessibility
415-310-3010
bassam@calaccessibility.com
calaccessibility.com

Dawn Anderson, CASp #050  
408-422-6155
CASp@asitstands.com

Steven Hall, Architect, CASp #955, CASI 
650-465-2112
steven@BayAreaCASp.com
https://bayareacasp.com

Arnie Lerner, CASp #149
Lerner + Associates Architects
415-863-5475
arnie@lernerarch.com
www.lernerarchitects.com

Sivaji Muggari, CASp #969
510-899-7006
sivaji.muggari@terracon.com
www.terracon.com
Services available in Hindi

Zachary Nathan, CASp #76
Zachary Nathan Architects
415-701-0877
info@zacharynathan.com
www.zacharynathan.com

Gilda Puente-Peters, CASp #24
Gilda Puente Peters Architects
510-526-6226
gilda@gppaarchitects.com
www.gppaarchitects.com
Services available in Spanish and Vietnamese 

Shao Cong Chen, CASp #802
415-307-8882
scchen@comcast.net
Services available in Chinese

Robert L. Cooley, CASp #593
Cooley Architectural Corporation
925-334-5980
www.cooleyarch.com
rcooley@cooleyarch.com

SZS Engineering
Daniel Politte, CASp #966
Io Seng Ng, CASp #1014
Syroun Sansossian, CASp #096
866-694-7637
info@szs.engineering
www.szs.engineering
Services available in Cantonese and Mandarin

Why hire a Certified Access Specialist?

Through an inspection report, a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) will identify construction-related accessibility barriers found at your business and describe the barrier removal requirements to comply with federal and state accessibility guidelines.

Read more about why a CASp is good for your business.

How much will a CASp inspection cost?

The cost varies based on experience and the business type location size.

Search comprehensive list of CASp inspectors in California

California Department of General Services Division of State Architect's database: https://www.apps2.dgs.ca.gov/DSA/casp/casp_certified_list.aspx

 

Tips for selecting a CASp inspector

Price, report thoroughness, location and availability are all factors to consider when selecting a CASp inspector. For San Francisco small businesses, experience is key. The City’s distinct topography and preservation of historic elements of older buildings pose unique accessibility challenges not found in other cities. A qualified CASp inspector should have experience navigating the San Francisco building code and working with local businesses.  

  • Ask about their background with the ADA and Building Code. Don’t rely just on a resume.
  • For entryway alterations: Ask if they have experience working with the Planning Department’s Historic Preservation staff and Public Works Infrastructure Design and Construction division.
  • A good CASp inspector will have experience in construction, design, and inspection.
  • Ask how many CASp inspections they have done.
  • Ask for references, and then follow up by calling the reference or visiting the business.
  • Ask if they work with an attorney, and under what circumstances.
  • Ask if they will work with a contractor.
  • Ask to see a sample CASp report. 

About the CASp inspection report

  • Your CASp inspector should pull a full building permit history and include a summary of the remodeling work in the report in order to place the context or previous triggers for access under Californian Building Code.
  • The CASp report should describe both the building and its characteristics such as on-site parking, and the occupancy type such as M-retail or A-dining banquet and bar.
  • The CASp report should identify all of the barriers, following the format of the priority table in the ADA where the 1st priority is the entrance, the 2nd priority is the path of travel, 3rd priority is the restrooms, tables and chairs, and counters.
  • The report should have photos of the barriers.
  • Your CASp inspector should be capable of identifying both problems and solutions.
  • And last of all, your CASp inspector should help you assemble a plan for barrier removal that is tailored to your site and your financial circumstances. 
Last updated January 8, 2024