NEWS
Community Impact: How Design Firms Can Give Back & Why It Matters
Design has the power to do more than shape buildings – it can shape communities. When firms intentionally engage with the people and places they serve, their work becomes rooted in purpose, connection, and long-term impact. Community-centered design strengthens not only the built environment, but also the well-being, resilience, and identity of those who call it home.
Preserving Historic Truss Systems: Where Engineering Meets Stewardship
Historic timber trusses are more than structural systems; they are enduring pieces of craftsmanship that carry a building’s history forward. Preserving them requires thoughtful engineering that balances modern performance demands with deep respect for the original design. It takes careful investigation, creative problem-solving, and close collaboration to strengthen these systems while maintaining their character. When done well, truss preservation extends a building’s life and allows communities to reconnect with places that matter.
Our Commitment To Serving Our Community
NKB is proud to give back to the communities we serve each year, and this year was no exception. Explore NKB’s community giveback initiatives and see how our team is making a positive impact beyond the projects we deliver.
Understanding Firestopping: The Often Overlooked Protector in Building Safety
When we think about fire safety, attention usually goes to visible systems like alarms, sprinklers, and exits. Yet one of the most critical protections is often hidden from view: firestopping. Firestopping is a passive fire protection system that seals openings in fire-resistance-rated walls, floors, and ceilings, helping prevent the spread of smoke, heat, and flames during a fire. Required under Chapter 7 of the International Building Code, these systems play a vital role in life safety. With most fire-related deaths caused by smoke inhalation, properly installed firestopping can truly be the difference between containment and catastrophe.
The Nuances of Knowing Codes
When it comes to federal building design, applying the “right” building code isn’t simply a matter of referencing the latest edition on the shelf. Federal projects occupy a unique regulatory space – one that balances national consistency with local adaptation, agency-specific requirements, and overarching federal mandates. Understanding how these layers intersect is essential for architects and engineers navigating design compliance, ensuring not only that facilities meet technical and safety standards but also that they align with the complex hierarchy of federal and model building codes.