Building codes are the boundaries of our designed world. To have a cutting edge design, you need to know where the edge is.

As an Architect I am tasked with resolving design problems within the confines of model building codes. ICC, NFPA and Accessibility code are the boundaries of our designed world. They dictate anything and everything in plain black and white, and even the gray.

It is often hard to find a resolution to a design problem within the code for many reasons including but not limited to; remembering which book/chapter/paragraph to reference, contradictory code, interpretations found in commentary, and personal experience validation/invalidation. In some of the most unique problems I had to read the code, re-read it, read the commentary, scour the internet, consult with my peers, rely on 3rd party reviewers, bother permit reviewers, and even contact the ICC for a direct interpretation. Rather than lose my research, this blog will memorialize it for everyone’s benefit.

This blog intendeds to be the single source the building industry references for all of their questions. It aims to answer both common and uncommon questions the industry might have. It will do this in the most direct and complete method. The goal of this blog is to instill confidence.