We've been here since the beginning

Our experts were involved with the development and early application of mass timber criteria years before the International Code Council (ICC) adopted mass timber provisions in 2015. We serve on mass timber university studio panels, consult with wood laboratories and provide education to clients and industry associations to support ever-developing, modern uses for these green building products.

Crane over new construction high rise building at sunset

SUPPORTING NEW APPLICATIONS

Mass timber is still developing into its full potential for resiliency and design aesthetics. We support the research and discovery of undocumented uses and creative applications. Our experts navigate requirements governing tall wood buildings and develop alternate methods and materials for applications, such as increasing the exposed surface area of mass timber panels, joint protection and other performance-based solutions.

JURISDICTION COMMUNICATIONS

We collaborate with city officials and client stakeholders to address questions and develop strategies that meet the intent of code and local adoption while pushing forward innovation and modern design through custom research and analysis. Our compliance alternates and negotiations have resulted in mass timber used in high-rise buildings, healthcare facilities, residential towers, education and business campuses, and other civic and private developments. Photo Credit: Portland International Airport

ENABLING DESIGN GOALS

For each project we undertake, our goal is to understand the form and function of each structure, desired aesthetics, and code-compliance challenges so we can develop a scientific approach to address fire and life safety needs. We research and develop alternate means, methods, variances, interpretations, and research-backed engineering judgments to support our clients’ design goals.

SUPPORTING ALL PHASES + UNFORESEEN ISSUES

From master planning and construction documents to all the design team and AHJ meetings in between, we work with clients and stakeholders to achieve applicable fire and life safety design requirements. Our engineers, code experts, and analysts add value to a mass timber project by identifying the best construction type, proving performance, and providing analysis to allow combustible material use in a non-combustible structure.

How We've Protected Your World

Portland International Airport - PDX Next

Our team provided support on the mass timber canopy design and accessibility design support to accommodate the needs of staff and travelers.

Exploring and Optimizing Innovative Construction Solutions with Holistic Structural Fire Engineering

The holistic approach to structural fire design helps to address the important fire safety challenges related to new building products and designs.

Helsinki Airport Extension

Awarded as Best Airport in Europe 2023, our team of experts worked on the fire strategy plan for Helsinki Airport.

Mass Timber Experts

Samir Mokashi

Global Service Line Leader, Building Codes + Performance Based Design

Master of Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture

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Aleksi Ojala

Service Line Leader, Mass Timber, Europe

Tampere - Finland

Masters of Science, Civil Engineering, FISE Designer of Fire Safety (class PV)

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Tom Jaleski

Director + Managing Principal

Master of Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture, Certified Accessibility Inspector/Plan Reviewer, Certified Building Plans Examiner, Licensed Architect: OR, AK, WA, NY

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MBA (Honours), BSc, Civil Engineering, P.Eng., Civil: BC, AB, Certified Professional (CP), Fellow of Engineers Canada (FEC)

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Jeremy Lebowitz

Senior Director + Market Leader

BS, Chemical Engineering, MS, Fire Protection Engineering, Registered PE: MA

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Mikko Salminen

Structural Fire Engineering Lead, Europe

Tampere - Finland

Ph.D. in Structural Fire Engineering, FISE Designer of Fire Safety (Class PV, Exceptionally demanding), Chairman of the Structural Fire Safety Specialist group in the Finnish Constructional Steelwork Association, Finnish Constructional Steelwork Association, Club member #45

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Walker Donuji

Market Leader, Fire + Building Safety

BS, Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology, PE: CA, Member, Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)

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Mass Timber in Labs & Life Science Buildings