From Investigations to Insight: The Evolution of ACI
Our Origins: ACI – American Construction Investigations
Every company has a story. Ours began in 1994, with a name that reflected our original mission: ACI – American Construction Investigations.
ACI was founded by Henry Hermis and Jack McGinty, whose combined expertise helped shape the firm’s early reputation for technical accuracy and investigative detail. Together, they set out to provide reliable, expert-driven evaluations of construction practices, launching a company built on forensic investigations, code compliance consulting, and a deep understanding of the built environment.
The foundation of accessibility consulting started here.
A Shift Toward Accessibility
As the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) began reshaping how spaces were designed and built, ACI recognized an emerging need in the industry: accessibility compliance wasn’t just about meeting regulatory standards. It was about promoting equity, managing risk, and protecting the long-term value of the built environment.
In response, ACI expanded its services to include third-party accessibility reviews and field inspections for compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS). With a growing team of Registered Accessibility Specialists (RASs), ACI became a go-to provider for TAS plan reviews and inspections, helping clients navigate state-mandated requirements with precision and clarity—something we proudly continue to offer today.
Through it all, Henry remained the cornerstone of ACI’s values, fostering a company culture rooted in accountability, humility, and a deep sense of family and mentorship.
Expanding Services and National Reach
In the early 2000s, Jeromy Murphy returned to ACI in a managing role, bringing both technical expertise and a natural leadership style that complemented Henry’s vision. During this period, ACI began to broaden its scope, adding Fair Housing Act (FHA) design guideline consulting to its growing list of accessibility services. This expansion positioned ACI as a key resource for architects and developers seeking clarity and Fair Housing Act design compliance, particularly in the multifamily residential market.
Throughout the mid-2000s and into the 2010s, ACI strengthened its national footprint, becoming a trusted partner to some of the nation’s leading multifamily developers, architects, and legal teams. Our expert consulting services helped project teams proactively meet ADA and multifamily accessibility compliance requirements during design and construction. While our accessibility litigation support work is primarily defense-oriented, ACI has also been called upon by U.S. Attorneys as subject matter experts in accessibility investigations, reinforcing our credibility and neutrality in high-stakes, compliance-driven environments.
ACI has worked in over 35 states nationwide, bringing accessibility expertise coast to coast.
When Henry Hermis passed away in 2020, Jeromy—by then a partial owner and one of ACI’s most tenured employees—stepped into full leadership. Under his direction, the firm rebranded from ACI – American Construction Investigations to ACI Consulting Architects, a name that better reflected its evolving identity and nationwide focus. Jeromy’s steady guidance helped ACI maintain its values while embracing the next chapter of growth.
A New Ownership Model with Familiar Faces
ACI’s leadership today: built on legacy, driven by purpose.
In 2024, ACI completed a strategic transition to a six-partner ownership model, reflecting the company’s continued growth and long-standing commitment to developing leadership from within. While ownership is now shared, day-to-day direction remains firmly rooted in a core executive team with deep institutional knowledge and complementary strengths.
Among the partners are Victoria Popoca, who began her ACI journey in 2005 as an administrative assistant and now serves as Director of Human Resources, and Robert Green, a longtime consultant and strategist in accessibility compliance whose insight has helped shape ACI’s national reach and service delivery. Together with Jeromy Murphy, whose leadership carried the firm through its most pivotal chapter, they form the foundation of ACI’s current leadership.
The transition to shared ownership marked more than a structural change—it ensured long-term stability while honoring the firm’s legacy of mentorship, accountability, and technical excellence.
Looking Ahead
At ACI, we’re more than consultants—we’re a team, a family, and a legacy in motion.
From its origins as ACI – American Construction Investigations to its current role as a national leader in accessibility and code consulting, ACI has remained grounded in the principles that launched it over 30 years ago: technical excellence, integrity, and a deep understanding of how the built environment affects real lives. While the regulations and challenges have evolved, our mission has stayed the same, to help our clients navigate compliance with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to the idea that accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a fundamental component of responsible design, thoughtful development, and long-term success.
Work With Us
Whether you need a TAS plan review, accessibility inspection, or expert guidance for your multifamily development, ACI is here to help.
Contact us today to learn how our team of Registered Accessibility Specialists and consultants can support your next project with insight, precision, and over 30 years of experience.