The demand for code consultants during the design stages of projects is continuing to increase as the value of our specialized services is being realized throughout the architectural industry. Having involvement early on during the design process identifies potential compliance issues at a key stage of the design. Advising on local interpretations and identifying features which could benefit from alternative solution design our services can identify significant cost savings and determine potential avenues to implement novel building designs in new construction and renovation projects.

Our objective based codes allow the acceptance of new construction techniques, materials and novel building design which may not have been considered during the development of the current building code being enforced. Prescriptive requirements can often hinder architectural visions or pose construction challenges when altering existing buildings. To address these challenges, compliance with the building code can be demonstrated through alternative solution utilizing an analytical process to assess compliance with the relevant areas of performance of the prescriptive requirement being varied.

Existing and historic buildings can present challenges due to features which do not conform to current code requirements. The costs of upgrading an existing building to full compliance is often not economically feasible, and in the case of historic buildings, doing so could destroy important historic features. Building codes recognize that implementing in an existing building a design solution intended for new construction may be prohibitive. When contemplating a renovation to an existing or historic building it is necessary to determine what upgrades are needed to provide an appropriate level of life safety.

The requirements of the building code can’t cover all possible situations or design permutations. Situations can arise where the requirements of the code do not specifically address certain aspects of a design in which local authorities are left having to interpret how to apply the Code. Interpretations can vary widely between different authorities and project to project. In these situations, it is expected the code requirements will be interpreted, applied and enforced by reasonable and well-informed people using good judgement. Identifying potential interpretive challenges early on in a project and discussing with the local authority can prevent major issues arising during the permit submission process.