About Argon Elevator Consulting – Trusted Elevator Experts with Over 40 Years of Industry Leadership

Our Mission and Vision – Elevating Industry Standards Through Independent Expertise

At Argon Elevator Consulting, our mission is to provide expert and unbiased guidance. We help ensure that elevator and escalator systems are safe, reliable, and fully code compliant. Our team supports clients by reducing liability, improving performance, and guiding smart decisions. We do this through design consulting, modernization planning, code review, and litigation support.

Why Choose Argon Elevator Consulting?

At Argon Elevator Consulting, we bring over 40 years of trusted experience in elevator and escalator consulting. We help property owners, managers, architects, and attorneys manage the technical and financial challenges of vertical transportation systems. Clients choose us for our independent, expert guidance. We focus on reducing costs, minimizing liability, and ensuring full code compliance.

Who We Serve – Property Owners, Architects, and Legal Teams Nationwide

At Argon Elevator Consulting, we serve clients across the United States who depend on elevators and escalators for safe, efficient building operation. They choose us for our independent expertise, technical knowledge, and trusted litigation support in all aspects of vertical transportation systems.

Property Owners and Building Managers

We help commercial and residential property owners improve the performance, safety, and reliability of their elevator systems. Whether you’re planning a modernization, reviewing maintenance contracts, or preparing for an inspection, our consulting services reduce risk, lower costs, and ensure code compliance.

Architects and Design Professionals

We work closely with architectural firms to provide elevator design guidance, equipment specifications, and feasibility assessments for new construction and renovation projects. Our team helps architects make informed decisions that meet building codes, ADA requirements, and long-term performance goals.

Attorneys and Legal Teams

Legal professionals rely on our forensic investigations, expert witness testimony, and document reviews during elevator-related disputes. Whether it’s a personal injury claim, contract issue, or code violation, our clear, evidence-based analysis helps attorneys build stronger cases.

Our Core Services – Comprehensive Elevator and Escalator Consulting

At Argon Elevator Consulting, we offer a full range of independent elevator and escalator consulting services. Our work is tailored to property owners, architects, and legal professionals. With over 40 years of industry experience, we provide expert insights that enhance safety, improve performance, and increase cost efficiency.

Elevator Modernization Planning and Specification Development

We help clients evaluate aging elevator systems and create detailed modernization specifications. These plans align with your budget, building needs, and the latest ASME A17.1 code requirements. Because we are fully independent, our guidance is unbiased and not influenced by vendors or service providers.

Maintenance Contract Reviews and Vendor Performance Audits

We conduct contract evaluations and vendor performance audits to identify over-billing, non-compliance, or under performance. Our cost analysis helps property owners and managers reduce unnecessary expenses while maintaining high operational standards.

Expert Witness Services and Litigation Consulting

With decades of forensic experience, we provide expert witness testimony, incident analysis, and code compliance evaluations for elevator-related legal cases. Attorneys rely on us to deliver credible, defensible insights for personal injury, negligence, and contract disputes.

Elevator Design Support for Architects and Engineers

Our consultants assist design teams by reviewing elevator specifications, traffic analysis, and ADA compliance during new construction and renovation projects. We help ensure code compliance and long-term reliability from the design phase forward.

Code Compliance Inspections and Safety Risk Assessments

We perform detailed elevator code compliance inspections to identify deficiencies, safety hazards, and maintenance gaps. These proactive evaluations help reduce liability and ensure your elevators meet all jurisdictional requirements.

Expert Witness Testimony and Forensic Investigations

When elevator-related legal disputes arise, Argon Elevator Consulting provides expert witness services and forensic investigations. We support attorneys, insurers, and property owners with trusted, technical insight. With over 40 years of industry experience, we deliver clear analysis and credible testimony for cases involving personal injury, code violations, and contract disputes.

Expert Witness Testimony for Elevator Litigation

We serve as qualified expert witnesses in elevator and escalator cases across the United States. Our services include courtroom testimony, depositions, and expert opinions based on ASME A17.1 code compliance, maintenance records, industry standards, and applicable statutes. We help legal teams strengthen their arguments with clear, fact-based evidence.

Forensic Investigations and Incident Analysis

Our forensic process includes comprehensive accident investigations, site inspections, review of maintenance logs, and root cause analysis. We determine whether proper procedures were followed and identify technical failures, safety hazards, or maintenance negligence.

Support for Injury, Negligence, and Contract Disputes

Whether you’re handling a passenger injury, elevator entrapment, wrongful death, or a service contract dispute, we provide clear, objective evaluations. Our detailed reports help clarify liability. We also support subrogation claims and defense strategy development for property managers, elevator contractors, and attorneys.

Credibility That Stands Up in Court

Our founder, Russ Viciedo, is nationally recognized for his elevator industry expertise. He has served as an expert in many complex legal cases. With deep knowledge of elevator mechanics, code enforcement, and industry practices, his testimony is trusted in both plaintiff and defense litigation.

Elevator Modernization Planning and Specification Writing

At Argon Elevator Consulting, we specialize in elevator modernization planning and specification writing. We help property owners and managers upgrade outdated systems efficiently, safely, and within budget. Our independent approach ensures that all decisions are based on technical merit, performance goals, and long-term value—not vendor sales pressure.

Comprehensive Modernization Assessments

We start with a detailed evaluation of your existing elevator equipment. This includes performance, safety compliance, energy efficiency, and maintenance history. Our team identifies aging components, code issues, and functional concerns to determine whether full modernization is needed or if targeted upgrades can extend the system’s service life.

Custom Elevator Modernization Specifications

Our consultants prepare detailed, vendor-neutral specifications that clearly define the scope of work for elevator modernization projects. These documents include equipment requirements, design standards, and references to applicable codes such as ASME A17.1 and ADA. They also outline measurable performance criteria to guide contractor bids and ensure accountability. At Argon Elevator Consulting, we use our own copyright-protected, non-proprietary specification language. This ensures consistency, clarity, and fairness across all modernization projects—without being influenced by any specific manufacturer or service provider.

Bidding Support and Contractor Evaluation

We help clients solicit and compare competitive bids from reputable elevator contractors. Our technical expertise ensures that all proposals meet the written specifications and that cost, quality, and schedule are properly balanced. We assist in contractor selection to ensure accountability and value.

Project Oversight and Compliance Verification

During the modernization process, Argon provides oversight to verify that work is completed according to specification and code. We review submittals, perform progress inspections, and ensure that the final product meets your expectations for performance, safety, and reliability.

Maintenance Contract Reviews and Cost Analysis

At Argon Elevator Consulting, we provide expert reviews of elevator maintenance contracts and cost analysis. Our goal is to help property owners, managers, and facility teams understand exactly what they’re paying for—and whether their service providers are delivering full value. Our independent evaluations reveal hidden costs, clarify contract language, and promote accountability.

Unbiased Elevator Maintenance Contract Review

Nearly all elevator service contracts are written by the service provider—and 100% of them are heavily biased in the provider’s favor. These contracts grant the vendor most of the rights and privileges, while offering building owners and managers little to no protection. Many also include vague terms, hidden exclusions, or excessive fees that often go unnoticed until problems arise. Our consultants perform a detailed, line-by-line review of your existing contract. We identify weak points, missing services, and clauses that may unfairly benefit the vendor instead of the owner.

Elevator Cost Analysis and Budget Optimization

After completing the review, we provide clear and actionable recommendations. These insights help you renegotiate or re-bid your elevator maintenance contract with confidence. We can also help draft new contract language that includes measurable performance metrics, defined service intervals, and cost protections tailored to your building’s needs.

Negotiation Support and Contract Recommendations

After the review, we provide clear, actionable recommendations to help you renegotiate or re-bid your elevator maintenance contract. We can also assist in drafting new contract language that includes measurable performance metrics, clear service intervals, and cost protections tailored to your building’s needs.

Accountability for Service Providers

Ongoing service audits and performance evaluations help ensure that vendors meet their contractual obligations. We assist building owners in documenting deficiencies, escalating service issues, and enforcing contract terms. Throughout the process, we help maintain a professional working relationship with the vendor.

Meet Russ Viciedo – Founder & Industry Veteran

Russ Viciedo, founder of Argon Elevator Consulting, is a nationally recognized expert in the elevator industry. He brings over 40 years of hands-on experience in elevator operations, maintenance, modernization, and code compliance. His deep technical knowledge and commitment to client advocacy make him a trusted advisor to property owners, architects, and legal teams across the United States.

Over Four Decades of Elevator Industry Expertise

Russ began his career in field operations and quickly advanced into supervisory, management, and consulting roles. His experience spans all areas of vertical transportation systems, including mechanical troubleshooting, modernization planning, contract negotiation, and forensic analysis. He also led a global research and development team and served on the North American leadership team for a major international elevator manufacturer.

Respected Elevator Consultant and Expert Witness

Throughout his consulting career, Russ has served as an expert witness in many legal cases involving elevator injuries, maintenance disputes, and fraudulent billing. He is known for translating complex technical issues into clear, court-admissible findings. Russ has provided expert support for both plaintiffs and defendants, helping legal teams achieve successful outcomes.

Committed to Independent, Client-Focused Solutions

Russ founded Argon Elevator Consulting to provide unbiased elevator consulting services that put building owners first—not equipment manufacturers or service providers. Under his leadership, the firm delivers fully independent evaluations. Every recommendation is based on safety, performance, and cost efficiency.

Recognized Industry Leader and Educator

In addition to his consulting work, Russ regularly shares his expertise through training programs, code seminars, and industry publications. He stays current on emerging technologies, elevator code updates, and modernization trends. This ensures every client engagement is informed by the latest industry knowledge.