William D. Smith is a Principal and expert witness at GCI Consultants with more than 50 years of experience in the design and construction of glazing systems and building envelopes. A state-licensed building contractor, he brings decades of practical field experience, industry leadership, and technical expertise to his consulting and forensic work.

Smith is widely recognized as an expert in windows, doors, glass, and exterior wall systems, including all aspects of weatherproofing and water intrusion. He is also considered an authority on exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS), sealants, and waterproofing systems, with an extensive history of forensic building investigations. His experience includes hurricane damage assessment and the development of hurricane protection systems, and he has performed numerous post-hurricane damage investigations. Throughout his career, Smith has designed a wide range of glazing applications for new construction projects, including windows, doors, glazed curtain walls, specialty glazing systems for exhibits, and blast-resistant glazing systems.

He has been an active member of numerous industry organizations, including the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials), the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). He has also served as a director of the Southeast Glass Association, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, and the National Associate Members Council. In addition, he was a founder of the Glazier’s Apprenticeship Program, which has trained many young men and women for careers in the glazing industry.

Smith has published papers on water infiltration, quality control construction methods, and testing procedures for hurricane-resistant glazing systems. He has been a speaker at meetings of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA), ASTM International, and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).