NEWS
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.
Our Commitment To Serving Our Community
NKB is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to give back to our community every year, and this year was no exception. Check out NKB’s most recent blog to see how we were able to help the Samaritan Center this year!
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.
Transforming Design & Construction with LiDAR 3D Scanning
With LiDAR progressing and expanding within the AEC industry, NKB is your premier partner for applying this technology effectively. In today’s rapidly evolving design and construction landscape, precision and accuracy are more important than ever. LiDAR 3D laser scanning is redefining how architects, engineers, and builders capture existing conditions, document facilities, and plan for future development.
From Legacy to Landmark: Why Does Historic Preservation Still Matter?
In a world racing toward the future, it is easy to overlook the quiet power of the past. But historic buildings, those weathered facades, ornate cornices, and timeworn bricks – are more than architectural relics. They are storytellers. They whisper tales of craftsmanship, community, and culture. They remind us of where we came from – and why that still matters.