Experience: Service: Fire Protection & Life Safety Code Consulting

Raising Cane’s West Coast Flagship

The new Raising Cane’s Flagship Restaurant in Inglewood, California, is a three-story building, featuring two levels of above-grade restaurant space and a basement-level commercial kitchen, with a footprint of approximately 2,226 square feet. Located near SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, the flagship is designed to reflect Inglewood’s vibrant sports and entertainment culture. The restaurant features stadium-inspired architecture, a giant halo video/light display surrounding the building, immersive digital experiences, a DJ booth, custom artwork, and local-inspired design elements, creating a unique destination for Raising Cane’s customers.

In collaboration with Donaldson + Partners, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, delivering expertise in life safety, fire protection, and accessibility consulting services.  We provided bid-level fire alarm/fire protection design, reviewed plans, developed life safety strategies, and interfaced with local building officials and LA County Fire to obtain approvals. Our work was instrumental in ensuring the project received its Certificate of Occupancy just-in-time for the World Cup’s opening match in Inglewood.

Location

Inglewood, CA

Completion

2026

Raising Cane’s West Coast Flagship

The new Raising Cane’s Flagship Restaurant in Inglewood, California, is a three-story building, featuring two levels of above-grade restaurant space and a basement-level commercial kitchen, with a footprint of approximately 2,226 square feet. Located near SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, the flagship is designed to reflect Inglewood’s vibrant sports and entertainment culture. The restaurant features stadium-inspired architecture, a giant halo video/light display surrounding the building, immersive digital experiences, a DJ booth, custom artwork, and local-inspired design elements, creating a unique destination for Raising Cane’s customers.

In collaboration with Donaldson + Partners, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, delivering expertise in life safety, fire protection, and accessibility consulting services.  We provided bid-level fire alarm/fire protection design, reviewed plans, developed life safety strategies, and interfaced with local building officials and LA County Fire to obtain approvals. Our work was instrumental in ensuring the project received its Certificate of Occupancy just-in-time for the World Cup’s opening match in Inglewood.

MBTA Foxboro Station

The newly renovated MBTA Foxboro Station marks a major milestone in enhancing regional transit infrastructure, supporting both daily commuters and the thousands of visitors anticipated for the 2026 World Cup. The project transforms the station into a modern, accessible facility that meets current demands while accommodating large‑scale future events.

Code Red Consultants partnered with VHB, Fennick McCredie Architecture, and Suffolk Construction to deliver extensive station renovations and infrastructure upgrades. Our team provided code consulting services with a focus on egress evaluations to demonstrate compliance and support safe operations during high‑volume events. Through close coordination with the project team, our work helped address the complexities of large occupant loads, ensuring the station is well‑equipped to serve both everyday use and peak event conditions.

Location

Foxboro, MA

Cost

$35 Million

Completion

2026

MBTA Foxboro Station

The newly renovated MBTA Foxboro Station marks a major milestone in enhancing regional transit infrastructure, supporting both daily commuters and the thousands of visitors anticipated for the 2026 World Cup. The project transforms the station into a modern, accessible facility that meets current demands while accommodating large‑scale future events.

Code Red Consultants partnered with VHB, Fennick McCredie Architecture, and Suffolk Construction to deliver extensive station renovations and infrastructure upgrades. Our team provided code consulting services with a focus on egress evaluations to demonstrate compliance and support safe operations during high‑volume events. Through close coordination with the project team, our work helped address the complexities of large occupant loads, ensuring the station is well‑equipped to serve both everyday use and peak event conditions.

Welch’s Corporate Headquarters

Welch’s new 60,000 sf headquarters in Waltham, MA, supports a wide range of work styles and operational needs.  The office incorporates a variety of meeting and social spaces, and a thoughtful balance of private and communal zones, ranging from casual lounges to high-top seating and traditional conference rooms to encourage interaction and well-being.  Occupying the lower level is the lab zone – a streamlined, highly functional environment shaped directly by its end-users. Specialized labs were organized for fluid workflows, including Product Development, a Pilot Plant for small-scale production and testing, a Sensory Lab, a Packaging Lab, and a flexible Test Lab for emerging research. Select labs were placed along exterior walls to bring in natural light, requiring thoughtful equipment planning to preserve efficiency.

In collaboration with SGA, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, delivering expertise in life safety, fire protection, and hazardous materials code compliance. We reviewed plans, developed life safety drawings, and developed the project hazardous chemical basis of design to address project challenges and to ensure the successful coordination with the base building existing conditions.

Location

Waltham, MA

Size

60,000 sf

Completion

2025

Photography Credit

Ari Burling

Welch’s Corporate Headquarters

Welch’s new 60,000 sf headquarters in Waltham, MA, supports a wide range of work styles and operational needs.  The office incorporates a variety of meeting and social spaces, and a thoughtful balance of private and communal zones, ranging from casual lounges to high-top seating and traditional conference rooms to encourage interaction and well-being.  Occupying the lower level is the lab zone – a streamlined, highly functional environment shaped directly by its end-users. Specialized labs were organized for fluid workflows, including Product Development, a Pilot Plant for small-scale production and testing, a Sensory Lab, a Packaging Lab, and a flexible Test Lab for emerging research. Select labs were placed along exterior walls to bring in natural light, requiring thoughtful equipment planning to preserve efficiency.

In collaboration with SGA, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, delivering expertise in life safety, fire protection, and hazardous materials code compliance. We reviewed plans, developed life safety drawings, and developed the project hazardous chemical basis of design to address project challenges and to ensure the successful coordination with the base building existing conditions.

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

Northridge, 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.