Experience: Service: Fire Protection & Life Safety Code Consulting

California State University, Northridge Matador Success and Inclusion Center

The new Matador Success and Inclusion Center (MSIC) at California State University, Northridge is a modern 50,000 GSF facility designed to support inclusion, diversity, and student success. The building serves as a welcoming hub that fosters a sense of belonging and academic achievement among students from all backgrounds. By bringing together support services, community centers, and educational resources, the MSIC creates a dynamic environment where students can access the tools they need to thrive and build meaningful connections with their peers.

In collaboration with Steinberg Hart, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, delivering expertise in fire protection, life safety, and accessibility compliance. As code consultants, we provided a code narrative, reviewed plans, developed life safety compliance strategies, and addressed AHJ concerns. Additionally, we were instrumental in winning this design-build pursuit with our unique strategy for addressing construction type and height/area requirements, which enabled shortened separation distances from existing structures. As a design-build project, keeping to schedule, maintaining budget, and delivering a quality code-compliant product were paramount.  Our work ensured code compliance, AHJ approval, and occupant safety while supporting the project team’s goals.

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Size

50,000 gsf

Completion

Ongoing

Rendering Credit

Steinberg Hart

California State University, Northridge Matador Success and Inclusion Center

The new Matador Success and Inclusion Center (MSIC) at California State University, Northridge is a modern 50,000 GSF facility designed to support inclusion, diversity, and student success. The building serves as a welcoming hub that fosters a sense of belonging and academic achievement among students from all backgrounds. By bringing together support services, community centers, and educational resources, the MSIC creates a dynamic environment where students can access the tools they need to thrive and build meaningful connections with their peers.

In collaboration with Steinberg Hart, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, delivering expertise in fire protection, life safety, and accessibility compliance. As code consultants, we provided a code narrative, reviewed plans, developed life safety compliance strategies, and addressed AHJ concerns. Additionally, we were instrumental in winning this design-build pursuit with our unique strategy for addressing construction type and height/area requirements, which enabled shortened separation distances from existing structures. As a design-build project, keeping to schedule, maintaining budget, and delivering a quality code-compliant product were paramount.  Our work ensured code compliance, AHJ approval, and occupant safety while supporting the project team’s goals.

Boston Medical Center – Main Lobby Expansion & Fire Alarm Upgrade

Code Red Consultants partnered with Boston Medical Center, Walsh Brothers Incorporated, and DLR Group (formerly Tsoi Kobus Design) to provide code consulting services, NFPA 241 construction fire safety consulting, impairment planning, interim life safety measure (ILSM) risk analysis, and fire alarm design services for the Boston Medical Center Main Lobby Expansion project. The project established a central entrance for patients and visitors by expanding the Menino and Yawkey Buildings and linking their lobbies, all while hospital operations continued without interruption during multi-phase construction. The project scope also included the introduction of a new retail pharmacy, an expanded emergency department, and the extension of the cafeteria seating.

A key challenge of the project was relocating the fire command center for the Menino and Moakley Buildings, requiring the transfer of all major fire alarm and smoke control infrastructure to a new location within the expanded lobby. Serving as Engineer of Record, Code Red Consultants designed the new fire alarm system and its integration with upgraded smoke control panels, including a building-wide upgrade from an EST-3 to an EST-4 networked system. Extensive coordination and detailed phasing were critical to minimizing disruption to patients, staff, and critical hospital functions.

Through careful design planning and close field coordination with the integrated project team, the relocation of the fire command center and the replacement of the fire alarm backbone were completed without any major interruption to patient care or hospital operations. Code Red Consultants also served as the smoke control special inspector, supporting testing, verification, and timely turnover of key life safety systems to ensure the successful delivery of this high-profile, safety-critical healthcare project.

 

Location

Boston, MA

Size

4,500 sf addition and 13,000 sf renovation

Cost

$47M

Completion

2025

Rendering Credit

DLR Group (formerly Tsoi Kobus Design) – Chris Goldthwaite

Boston Medical Center – Main Lobby Expansion & Fire Alarm Upgrade

Code Red Consultants partnered with Boston Medical Center, Walsh Brothers Incorporated, and DLR Group (formerly Tsoi Kobus Design) to provide code consulting services, NFPA 241 construction fire safety consulting, impairment planning, interim life safety measure (ILSM) risk analysis, and fire alarm design services for the Boston Medical Center Main Lobby Expansion project. The project established a central entrance for patients and visitors by expanding the Menino and Yawkey Buildings and linking their lobbies, all while hospital operations continued without interruption during multi-phase construction. The project scope also included the introduction of a new retail pharmacy, an expanded emergency department, and the extension of the cafeteria seating.

A key challenge of the project was relocating the fire command center for the Menino and Moakley Buildings, requiring the transfer of all major fire alarm and smoke control infrastructure to a new location within the expanded lobby. Serving as Engineer of Record, Code Red Consultants designed the new fire alarm system and its integration with upgraded smoke control panels, including a building-wide upgrade from an EST-3 to an EST-4 networked system. Extensive coordination and detailed phasing were critical to minimizing disruption to patients, staff, and critical hospital functions.

Through careful design planning and close field coordination with the integrated project team, the relocation of the fire command center and the replacement of the fire alarm backbone were completed without any major interruption to patient care or hospital operations. Code Red Consultants also served as the smoke control special inspector, supporting testing, verification, and timely turnover of key life safety systems to ensure the successful delivery of this high-profile, safety-critical healthcare project.

David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University

The David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University is a conference center and collaboration hub comprising a three‑story building with a mezzanine totaling approximately 60,250 gross square feet. Designed to bring students, faculty, and visitors together, the facility includes meeting and event spaces, a ballroom, catering kitchens, a media studio, retail and bar areas, and an exterior terrace. Its mass timber structure, paired with innovative low‑carbon concrete, supports Harvard’s sustainability goals as part of the Enterprise Research Campus.

Working in collaboration with Studio Gang Architects, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, providing expertise in life safety, performance‑based design, and accessibility compliance. Our services included a comprehensive code analysis, ongoing design reviews, life safety and place‑of‑assembly permit plans, and advanced atrium fire modeling to support the design of the atrium smoke control system.

During construction, Code Red Consultants developed and maintained the NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Program and conducted monthly site walks to verify compliance and address construction fire safety challenges. We also provided turnover consulting services in coordination with the Boston Fire Department on behalf of the owner, assisting the project team in successfully passing all required tests. In addition, we performed NFPA 4 Integrated Testing and served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector, commissioning the integrated life safety systems and atrium smoke control system. Through close coordination with the project team, we helped resolve complex code and life safety challenges associated with mass timber construction, egress, and vertical openings, supporting the successful delivery of this distinctive facility.

Location

Boston, MA

Size

55,000 sq ft

Completion

2025

Photography Credit

Jason O’Rear Photography

David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University

The David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University is a conference center and collaboration hub comprising a three‑story building with a mezzanine totaling approximately 60,250 gross square feet. Designed to bring students, faculty, and visitors together, the facility includes meeting and event spaces, a ballroom, catering kitchens, a media studio, retail and bar areas, and an exterior terrace. Its mass timber structure, paired with innovative low‑carbon concrete, supports Harvard’s sustainability goals as part of the Enterprise Research Campus.

Working in collaboration with Studio Gang Architects, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, providing expertise in life safety, performance‑based design, and accessibility compliance. Our services included a comprehensive code analysis, ongoing design reviews, life safety and place‑of‑assembly permit plans, and advanced atrium fire modeling to support the design of the atrium smoke control system.

During construction, Code Red Consultants developed and maintained the NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Program and conducted monthly site walks to verify compliance and address construction fire safety challenges. We also provided turnover consulting services in coordination with the Boston Fire Department on behalf of the owner, assisting the project team in successfully passing all required tests. In addition, we performed NFPA 4 Integrated Testing and served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector, commissioning the integrated life safety systems and atrium smoke control system. Through close coordination with the project team, we helped resolve complex code and life safety challenges associated with mass timber construction, egress, and vertical openings, supporting the successful delivery of this distinctive facility.

Morehead State University Multidisciplinary Academic Building

The new Multidisciplinary Academic Building at Morehead State University is a four-story facility totaling approximately 118,000 square feet that will serve the Schools of Business and Performing Arts. The building is designed to support a wide range of academic and creative activities, with spaces that encourage collaboration, innovation, and student engagement. The program includes classrooms, faculty offices, breakout and study areas, rehearsal spaces, small performance venues, and a large performance hall.

In collaboration with K. Norman Berry Associates and Goody Clancy, Code Red Consultants worked with the design team to develop the project’s fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code strategy. With a mix of academic spaces and performance venues, the project required careful coordination to address the complexities of large assembly occupancies and flexible event environments. Our team evaluated egress strategies throughout the building to support safe, efficient movement during both daily use and large events. This approach helps ensure the facility can accommodate a wide range of performances, gatherings, and academic activities while remaining adaptable to future campus needs.

Location

Morehead, KY

Size

120,000 sq ft

Completion

Ongoing

Rendering Credit

K. Norman Berry Associates

Morehead State University Multidisciplinary Academic Building

The new Multidisciplinary Academic Building at Morehead State University is a four-story facility totaling approximately 118,000 square feet that will serve the Schools of Business and Performing Arts. The building is designed to support a wide range of academic and creative activities, with spaces that encourage collaboration, innovation, and student engagement. The program includes classrooms, faculty offices, breakout and study areas, rehearsal spaces, small performance venues, and a large performance hall.

In collaboration with K. Norman Berry Associates and Goody Clancy, Code Red Consultants worked with the design team to develop the project’s fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code strategy. With a mix of academic spaces and performance venues, the project required careful coordination to address the complexities of large assembly occupancies and flexible event environments. Our team evaluated egress strategies throughout the building to support safe, efficient movement during both daily use and large events. This approach helps ensure the facility can accommodate a wide range of performances, gatherings, and academic activities while remaining adaptable to future campus needs.

UCI Health – Irvine Campus Medical Complex

The University of California, Irvine – Campus Medical Complex (ICMC) is a state-of-the-art healthcare campus designed to advance patient care, clinical innovation, and sustainability. Anchored by a five-story hospital and a four-story ambulatory care center, the complex brings together emergency, inpatient, surgical, imaging, and outpatient services within a highly coordinated environment. Officially opened in December, ICMC is one of the few major hospitals worldwide to operate entirely on electricity, supported by an all-electric central utility plant. Complemented by a multi-level parking structure, the campus embodies UCI Health’s commitment to high-performance, forward-looking healthcare infrastructure that promotes both clinical excellence and long-term environmental responsibility.

In collaboration with CO Architects, Code Red Consultants brought specialized fire engineering expertise to the project, helping navigate complex construction challenges. We carefully reviewed multiple Engineering Judgments (EJs) for rated assemblies and provided conformance letters to address situations where tested joint and through-penetration firestop systems were unavailable. Our work ensured full compliance with HCAI EJ criteria while enabling the project team to achieve their design and construction goals efficiently and effectively.

Location

Irvine, CA

Size

~500,000 sq ft

Completion

2025

UCI Health – Irvine Campus Medical Complex

The University of California, Irvine – Campus Medical Complex (ICMC) is a state-of-the-art healthcare campus designed to advance patient care, clinical innovation, and sustainability. Anchored by a five-story hospital and a four-story ambulatory care center, the complex brings together emergency, inpatient, surgical, imaging, and outpatient services within a highly coordinated environment. Officially opened in December, ICMC is one of the few major hospitals worldwide to operate entirely on electricity, supported by an all-electric central utility plant. Complemented by a multi-level parking structure, the campus embodies UCI Health’s commitment to high-performance, forward-looking healthcare infrastructure that promotes both clinical excellence and long-term environmental responsibility.

In collaboration with CO Architects, Code Red Consultants brought specialized fire engineering expertise to the project, helping navigate complex construction challenges. We carefully reviewed multiple Engineering Judgments (EJs) for rated assemblies and provided conformance letters to address situations where tested joint and through-penetration firestop systems were unavailable. Our work ensured full compliance with HCAI EJ criteria while enabling the project team to achieve their design and construction goals efficiently and effectively.

Novel Scott’s Addition

The Novel Scott’s Addition project is a seven-story podium apartment building in Richmond, Virginia’s dynamic Greater Scott’s Addition neighborhood. The building features 275 carefully designed residential units, from one- and two-bedroom apartments to loft-style dwellings on the top floor. Residents enjoy an array of high-end amenities, including lounge spaces, a saltwater pool with cabana, a rooftop sky lounge, a hidden cocktail lounge, and a 356-space parking garage.

Code Red Consultants partnered with KTGY and Crescent Communities to provide comprehensive building and fire code consulting, including successfully negotiating a key modification with the City of Richmond Fire Department during Construction Administration. This approval saved weeks of construction time and allowed the general contractor, Clancy & Theys, to stay on schedule and deliver the project seamlessly.

Location

Richmond, VA

Size

275 Units

Completion

2024

Photography Credit

Crescent Communities

Novel Scott’s Addition

The Novel Scott’s Addition project is a seven-story podium apartment building in Richmond, Virginia’s dynamic Greater Scott’s Addition neighborhood. The building features 275 carefully designed residential units, from one- and two-bedroom apartments to loft-style dwellings on the top floor. Residents enjoy an array of high-end amenities, including lounge spaces, a saltwater pool with cabana, a rooftop sky lounge, a hidden cocktail lounge, and a 356-space parking garage.

Code Red Consultants partnered with KTGY and Crescent Communities to provide comprehensive building and fire code consulting, including successfully negotiating a key modification with the City of Richmond Fire Department during Construction Administration. This approval saved weeks of construction time and allowed the general contractor, Clancy & Theys, to stay on schedule and deliver the project seamlessly.

Hotel Burg

Located at 208 S. King Street in downtown Leesburg, Virginia, Hotel Burg is a 39-room boutique hotel comprised of three architecturally distinct buildings, one of which includes the preserved 1885 historic house. Designed by Michael Graves Architecture & Design with Madison Dale, the property seamlessly blends Federal, Colonial, and Italianate styles to complement the charm of Leesburg’s Old & Historic District. With its thoughtful design and preservation of history, the hotel provides guests with a unique balance of modern amenities and timeless architectural character.

Code Red Consultants provided code, accessibility, and fire protection consulting services for the project. Our team worked closely with the design and ownership groups to navigate complex code requirements, including the approvals of several key variances that allowed occupancy of the roof deck. Our efforts ensured the project achieved compliance without compromising the required building program or the historic fabric of the buildings.

Location

Leesburg, VA

Completion

2025

Photography Credit

Madison Dale

Hotel Burg

Located at 208 S. King Street in downtown Leesburg, Virginia, Hotel Burg is a 39-room boutique hotel comprised of three architecturally distinct buildings, one of which includes the preserved 1885 historic house. Designed by Michael Graves Architecture & Design with Madison Dale, the property seamlessly blends Federal, Colonial, and Italianate styles to complement the charm of Leesburg’s Old & Historic District. With its thoughtful design and preservation of history, the hotel provides guests with a unique balance of modern amenities and timeless architectural character.

Code Red Consultants provided code, accessibility, and fire protection consulting services for the project. Our team worked closely with the design and ownership groups to navigate complex code requirements, including the approvals of several key variances that allowed occupancy of the roof deck. Our efforts ensured the project achieved compliance without compromising the required building program or the historic fabric of the buildings.

Celina Downtown Center & Parking Garage

The Celina Administration Building & Parking Garage is a transformative development designed to meet both governmental and public needs. This 5-story facility (4 above grade, 1 subterranean) spans 105,000 square feet, accommodating a public library alongside government office space. A centerpiece of the design is the 5-story atrium, which visually and physically connects all levels from the basement to the occupied roof level, creating a bright, open, and inviting interior environment. Constructed primarily of concrete, the building utilized a Type IIA construction type strategy that also allowed for the incorporation of cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability and aesthetics. Adjacent to the main facility, a new parking garage addresses longstanding parking challenges, providing much-needed capacity and improving accessibility for municipal staff and the public alike. This building was also designed to accommodate for a full conversion throughout to public library space as part of the building’s 10-year outlook.

Code Red Consultants partnered with Harley Ellis Devereux Corporation to provide comprehensive fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code consulting services for the project. Our team reviewed design documents, coordinated with city officials, and offered guidance throughout construction to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards. By collaborating closely with the design team, we helped balance functional requirements, safety considerations, and architectural intent, supporting the successful delivery of this new facility. Code Red Consultants’ strategy was integral the to atrium design receiving approval without the need for smoke control, while also tackling the complex coordination between security, access, and safety in the public/private office/library building.

Location

Celina, TX

Size

105,000 sq ft

Completion

Ongoing

Rendering Credit

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Celina Downtown Center & Parking Garage

The Celina Administration Building & Parking Garage is a transformative development designed to meet both governmental and public needs. This 5-story facility (4 above grade, 1 subterranean) spans 105,000 square feet, accommodating a public library alongside government office space. A centerpiece of the design is the 5-story atrium, which visually and physically connects all levels from the basement to the occupied roof level, creating a bright, open, and inviting interior environment. Constructed primarily of concrete, the building utilized a Type IIA construction type strategy that also allowed for the incorporation of cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability and aesthetics. Adjacent to the main facility, a new parking garage addresses longstanding parking challenges, providing much-needed capacity and improving accessibility for municipal staff and the public alike. This building was also designed to accommodate for a full conversion throughout to public library space as part of the building’s 10-year outlook.

Code Red Consultants partnered with Harley Ellis Devereux Corporation to provide comprehensive fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code consulting services for the project. Our team reviewed design documents, coordinated with city officials, and offered guidance throughout construction to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards. By collaborating closely with the design team, we helped balance functional requirements, safety considerations, and architectural intent, supporting the successful delivery of this new facility. Code Red Consultants’ strategy was integral the to atrium design receiving approval without the need for smoke control, while also tackling the complex coordination between security, access, and safety in the public/private office/library building.

Moffitt Cancer Center

The Moffitt Cancer Center Campus project, designed by Tsoi Kobus Design, represents a transformative vision for the future of cancer research, care, and innovation in Florida. Spanning 775 acres, the mixed-use campus will feature research laboratories, light industrial and manufacturing facilities, general office space, and clinical buildings. A key component, the Moffitt Medical Ambulatory Clinic & Proton Therapy Center, is a two-story ambulatory care facility delivering advanced outpatient services and housing a state-of-the-art proton therapy vault.

Code Red Consultants provided code and accessibility consulting, as well as hazardous materials consulting for the Ambulatory Clinic & Proton Therapy Center. By combining technical expertise with a collaborative approach, we helped ensure Moffitt’s vision was realized in a way that prioritizes patient safety, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance, creating safe and functional environments for research, patient care, and campus operations.

Location

Speros, FL

Size

100,000 SF MOB

Completion

2025

Rendering Credit

DLR Group/Tsoi Kobus Design

Moffitt Cancer Center

The Moffitt Cancer Center Campus project, designed by Tsoi Kobus Design, represents a transformative vision for the future of cancer research, care, and innovation in Florida. Spanning 775 acres, the mixed-use campus will feature research laboratories, light industrial and manufacturing facilities, general office space, and clinical buildings. A key component, the Moffitt Medical Ambulatory Clinic & Proton Therapy Center, is a two-story ambulatory care facility delivering advanced outpatient services and housing a state-of-the-art proton therapy vault.

Code Red Consultants provided code and accessibility consulting, as well as hazardous materials consulting for the Ambulatory Clinic & Proton Therapy Center. By combining technical expertise with a collaborative approach, we helped ensure Moffitt’s vision was realized in a way that prioritizes patient safety, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance, creating safe and functional environments for research, patient care, and campus operations.

Iona College Kelly Center for Health Sciences

What was once a 50-year-old library at Iona University has been transformed into the Kelly Center for Health Sciences, a modern, 32,000 sq. ft. facility spanning three floors. Designed for Nursing and Occupational Therapy programs, the building features advanced simulation labs, high-tech training environments, patient examination rooms, administrative offices, and an overall eco-conscious design that reduces environmental impact while enhancing student learning.

In partnership with The S/L/A/M Collaborative, Code Red Consultants served as the fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code consultant for the project. Our role included developing a comprehensive code strategy, preparing life safety drawings, providing ongoing code consulting, and reviewing the proposed layout for compliance with key fire protection, life safety, and accessibility requirements

Location

New Rochelle, New York

Size

32,000 SF

Completion

2023

Rendering Credit

The S/L/A/M Collaborative

Iona College Kelly Center for Health Sciences

What was once a 50-year-old library at Iona University has been transformed into the Kelly Center for Health Sciences, a modern, 32,000 sq. ft. facility spanning three floors. Designed for Nursing and Occupational Therapy programs, the building features advanced simulation labs, high-tech training environments, patient examination rooms, administrative offices, and an overall eco-conscious design that reduces environmental impact while enhancing student learning.

In partnership with The S/L/A/M Collaborative, Code Red Consultants served as the fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code consultant for the project. Our role included developing a comprehensive code strategy, preparing life safety drawings, providing ongoing code consulting, and reviewing the proposed layout for compliance with key fire protection, life safety, and accessibility requirements