Code Consulting Overview

The Sullivan Code Group is a unique group of architectural and engineering professionals. With over 100 years of collective experience, seven masters degrees, and a Ph.D., our staff possesses both the practical experience and the technical expertise necessary to confidently unravel the most complicated regulatory issues. The group consists of six registered professional engineers, a registered architect, and two LEED certified professionals. Their specialties include:

Building Code:
The Sullivan Code Group has undertaken Building Code consulting in 24 states and overseas. In Massachusetts we have provided code consulting on new and existing building projects, secured approval for alternative designs, handled variance applications and hearings at the BBRS Board of Appeals, submitted Code Amendment Proposals, and served on several of the Advisory Committees to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.

Access Codes:
The Sullivan Code Group has extensive experience negotiating the complex accessibility requirements that affect construction and renovation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations (521 CMR). We perform accessibility audits, describe compliance requirements in code reports, and provide variance application and hearing services.

Fire Prevention:
While Building Codes regulate construction, Fire Prevention codes are intended to regulate activities after a building has been occupied. Typical issues include furniture and upholstery, flammable liquids storage, and rubbish handling. The Code Group’s Fire Protection Engineers are well-qualified to interpret the requirements of Fire Protection codes in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

Plumbing Code:
Best known for its requirements for minimum plumbing fixtures, this code is little used and rarely understood by the design community. Who better to interpret the requirements of 248 CMR, the requirements of the Board of State Examiners of lumbers and Gas Fitters, than employees of a 60 year old plumbing engineering firm?

Zoning:
All cities and municipalities regulate land use with zoning regulations. In the City of Boston a given project could face several levels of municipal approvals requiring compliance with multiple layers of zoning regulations. With two former employees of the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department the Sullivan Code Group is well equipped to identify the pertinent requirements.

Fire-modeling:
With the recent dawn of a new computer age, computational fire modeling has become an accepted practice that allows qualified professionals to accurately predict the effects of a fire. The Sullivan Code Group has experience using these state of the art tools to support performance based evacuation programs, atrium designs, and alternative fire protection strategies.

Litigation Support:
Expertise in codes, construction practices, and building design is the basis for the Sullivan Code Group’s litigation support services. Group members have experience writing opinions, being deposed, and testifying for both the plaintiff and defense in civil procedures, and for the defense in a criminal case.

Following is a listing of Code Group members with brief biographical information. Please feel free to contact us for more information about our services.

Paul D. Sullivan, P.E., LEED, President of R.W. Sullivan, Paul has an M.S. Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered professional mechanical and fire protection engineer. pds@rwsullivan.com

James A. Ierardi, PhD, P.E., LEED AP has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering. jai@rwsullivan.com

Edwin A. Kotak, Jr., P.E., has over 20 years experience as a registered professional fire protection engineer and is a NICET Level IV Senior Fire Protection Engineering Technician. eak@rwsullivan.com

Vernon Woodworth AIA, LEED, is a registered Architect and a Certified Building Official with over 20 years of experience in design and code enforcement. avw@rwsullivan.com

Kevin S. Hastings, P.E., has an M.S. Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered professional fire protection engineer as well as a Certified Plans Examiner. ksh@rwsullivan.com

Donald E. Contois, P.E., has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and an M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered professional fire protection engineer. dec@rwsulllivan.com

Derrick J. Morse, P.E., has a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, and is a registered professional fire protection engineer. djm@rwsullivan.com