Code Unlimited Expands

One of the frequently overlooked implications of modern design when accommodating population growth is the challenge of building and fire code compliance. Due to these increasing needs, the minority-owned firm, Code Unlimited, has been experiencing explosive growth. Code Unlimited provides support in the areas of design review, code compliance, accessibility, alternative strategies and materials, inspections, jurisdictional negotiations, rational analysis, and computer fluid dynamics for starters.

One of the firm’s most recent office openings is in the Denver region, with Principal & Fire Protection Engineer Vince Collins at the hilt. Collins has over 30 years of experience as a Fire Protection Engineer and Mechanical Engineer and is a member of the NFPA and SFPE. He started his career with Factory Mutual Engineering and Research (now FM Global), spent 12 years of his career with the Federal Aviation Administration as the Western Service Area Fire Life Safety Specialist, and has served as a code official for local jurisdictions in Washington. His areas of expertise are in construction management, building and fire codes, fire protection systems, collaborating with local jurisdictions, alternative compliance strategies, and hazardous materials.

As a firm, Code Unlimited has been involved in hundreds of projects across the U.S. and internationally. Since Collins moved to the Denver area to be closer to his grandson in late 2018, Code Unlimited has been involved in hazardous materials work locally, while managing several other projects in other states. In the Pacific Northwest, the firm was part of the initiative to incorporate Cross Laminated Timber into state codes and consulted on several of the groundbreaking Mass Timber projects in that region.

Code Unlimited has a unique approach, separating themselves from other code consultants because they look for creative solutions to code issues that arise, rather than performing basic compliance reviews. Collins said, “When a client comes to us for answers, the first thing we do is rephrase the question, to make sure that we are delivering what the client needs. Rephrasing the question often drives creative solutions that otherwise might not have been considered.”

###

Code Unlimited was founded to provide accessibility, building code, and fire consulting services to architects, engineers, and developers. We are a certified Emerging Small Business, a Minority Business Enterprise #8146, and were listed as one of the fastest growing businesses in the Pacific Northwest within the first ten years of operation. Our client list ranges from notable architecture firms, to large government entities, to prominent private businesses. We have written 450+ approved building code alternates, participated in 150+ LEED projects and seen 1700+ buildings through to final construction. The keys to our success are the trust and respect of local authorities and our 200+ years combined multi-disciplinary expertise.