LaSalle Engineering, LLC Firm Profile

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "LaSalle Engineering, LLC Firm Profile"

Elisabeth Moody
6 years ago
Views:

630 Fitzwatertown Road Suite A1 Willow Grove, PA 19090 Phone: 215.658.

1772 LaSalle Engineering, LLC LaSalle Engineering, LLC is a consulting engineering firm specializing in fire protection and life safety engineering, code consulting, litigation support, and

1 630 Fitzwatertown Road Suite A1 Willow Grove, PA Phone: Fax: LaSalle Engineering, LLC LaSalle Engineering, LLC is a consulting engineering firm specializing in fire protection and life safety engineering, code consulting, litigation support, and construction administration. Founded in June, 2004, the firm s performance philosophy is based on the following principles: Understanding our clients problems, goals, and expectations. Developing solutions that achieve these goals in a costeffective way. Creating an atmosphere of cooperation and respect with all team members. Focusing on practicality, maintainability, and reliability of systems and solutions. Recognizing the unique roles individuals play in fire and life safety solutions. Integrating engineering principles into a largely code-driven field of practice. Although these principles may seem obvious, their successful implementation requires technical excellence, effective communication, respect for all viewpoints, and a desire to create a safer community. LaSalle Engineering, LLC advocates a holistic approach to building fire safety based on engineering and systems-oriented principles. We believe in solving fire protection problems through the application of state-of-the-art fire engineering knowledge and technologies, education, and with a cooperative approach that recognizes the unique contributions of all stakeholders. We recognize that code compliance is important, but codes address neither the specific needs of building owners nor unique building designs. Appropriate, cost-effective building fire safety depends on an understanding of goals, the reliability and maintainability of the systems, and the roles of people in fire safety practice. LaSalle Engineering s areas of expertise include: Fire Safety Strategic Planning Code Consulting Fire Suppression Systems Analysis & Design Fire Hazard Assessment/ Risk Management Fire Alarm Systems Analysis & Design Construction Administration Smoke Control System Analysis & Design Hydraulic Modeling & Water Supply Analysis Life Safety Analysis & Design Project Management Fire Investigation Litigation Support Fire Modeling Fire Safety Inspections/ Audits

2 Page 2 of 8 KEY PERSONNEL: Jeffrey LaSalle, P.E., Founder and Principal Mr. LaSalle has been a fire protection engineer and consultant since 1988 when he received a Master of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Throughout his career, Mr. LaSalle has worked in a variety of roles across building and facility types including health care, industrial, telecommunications, research & development, residential, academic, museum, sports, and commercial facilities. His experience includes fire testing, fire hazard analysis, fire protection audits, life safety consulting and design, fire protection and alarm systems analysis and design, smoke control system analysis and design, systems failure analysis, systems commissioning, litigation support, and construction administration. M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA. October, B.S. in Fire Science, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY, June, 1985 Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PE049812E Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Member. National Fire Protection Association, Member. National Society of Professional Engineers, Member. International Code Council, Member. City of Philadelphia Board of Safety and Fire Prevention, Member Kevin E. Kimmel, P.E., Project Manager/ Senior Fire Protection Engineer Mr. Kimmel serves as Project Manager responsible for project management and technical oversight of a variety of fire protection and building code consulting projects. Mr. Kimmel has more than 25 years experience in fire protection engineering, risk analysis, and project management and he has worked on projects related to building and fire code analysis, systems design and construction oversight. Mr. Kimmel s building type experience includes: historic and monumental structures, sports complexes and casinos, hospital and healthcare facilities, residential, retail, high-rise, and government facilities. Mr. Kimmel offers a high level of project management and fire protection design expertise in fire detection and suppression systems design, building code and life safety consultation, fire modeling, egress analysis and smoke control design. B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, May 1982 Registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Member Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), Member International Code Council (ICC), Member

3 Page 3 of 8 Jungkyoo (JK) Park, Fire Protection Consultant Prior to joining LaSalle Engineering Mr. Park had experience in South Korea in sprinkler design, assessment of blast valve performance, and risk assessment. Since joining LaSalle Engineering in January, 2006, Mr. Park has been involved in a variety of projects including the development of hydraulic gradients for the fire protection water distribution system at an environmental research site, building plan reviews, fire modeling, development of life safety plans, and various sprinkler and fire alarm system designs. M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA. December, 2006 Bachelor of Engineering in Fire Protection Engineering, Hoseo University, Korea, February 2002 SELECT COLLECTIVE PROJECT EXPERIENCE: Health Care Facilities: Lancaster General Hospital June, 1997 Present Over the past ten years, Mr. LaSalle has been involved with a number of projects at this one million square foot facility located in South Central Pennsylvania, including the fire alarm system replacement, sprinkler system retrofits, fire pump replacement, smoke barrier analysis, smoke control system commissioning, and code consulting. Currently, LaSalle Engineering serves as Lancaster General Hospital s Fire Protection Engineer, responsible for fire protection, fire alarm, and life safety design for all new construction and renovation projects. Veteran s Administration RTKL August, 2006 Present LaSalle Engineering was hired by the District of Columbia office of RTKL to serve as the lead Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineer for the design of a new VA Medical Center located in North Las Vegas, Nevada. This new 800,000+ square foot complex will include a 90-bed inpatient hospital, a 120-bed Nursing Home Care Unit, an Ambulatory Care Center, Administrative and support functions, and a Warehouse facility. LaSalle Engineering is responsible for all fire protection and fire alarm systems design, smoke control systems coordination, and code consulting. Government/ Military Facilities: United States Military Academy Preparatory School December, 2007 Present LaSalle Engineering is a small business consultant to EwingCole for the design of the new Military Academy Preparatory School on the campus of the West Point Military Academy. We are responsible for all Life Safety, Fire Protection, and Fire Alarm system design. Social Security Administration May, 2006 September, 2007 LaSalle Engineering served as the lead Fire Protection Engineer for a smoke control system analysis and testing program for a high-rise building in the City of Chicago. The building is equipped with a zoned smoke pressurization and purge system that had fallen into disrepair and

4 Page 4 of 8 had unknown performance. LaSalle Engineering, in conjunction with EwingCole investigated the system design documentation, developed a test procedure, tested the system, developed a list of recommendations for system improvements, and conducted staff training. General Services Administration September, 2005 December, 2007 Prior to joining LaSalle Engineering, Mr. Kimmel served as the Project Manager for the renovation of the GSA Fallon Federal Office building located in Baltimore, Maryland. The project encompassed phased architectural reprogramming and engineering redesign of the low rise section of the high-rise office tower. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems were evaluated, and replaced as required to provide the building a renewed 20 year life span. Veterans Administration, Veterans Benefits Academy, DHS, IRS computer center, IRS Public Assistance Office, Cafeteria, Health Club and Child Care facilities were all provided within the final office building program. Museum/ Historic Facilities: Smithsonian Institution August, 2002 Present Prior to starting his own practice Mr. LaSalle served as the Lead Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineer for the design of the Pod 5 addition to the Museum Support Center facility for the National Museum of Natural History. Since May, 2004 LaSalle Engineering has been involved with a number of Smithsonian projects, including the Museum Support Center expansion and Fire Alarm System Replacement; Fire Protection Water Supply Analysis for the Environmental Research Center; Backflow Preventer and Fire Pump installations for (9) museums; and the re-development of the MSC Pod 3 facility. Philadelphia Museum of Art April, 1997 May, 2004 Prior to forming LaSalle Engineering, LLC, Mr. LaSalle was involved in a number of projects for this Philadelphia landmark, including the design of fire suppression systems for the lower level art storage areas and the design of a new state-of-the-art addressable, voice evacuation fire alarm system for the building. Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall April, 1997 May, 2004 Messrs. LaSalle and Kimmel were involved with the redevelopment of this iconic structure, which was home to the Miss America Paegant for over 70 years. This building is on the United State Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark and contains the Midmer-Losh Pipe Organ - the largest, loudest and most complex working musical instrument ever constructed. Mr. LaSalle served as the lead fire protection engineer for the reconstruction of the arena bowl, the installation of fire detection and suppression systems for the pipe organ chambers, and the installation of sprinkler systems in this landmark building. Mr. Kimmel served as Project Manager for these and other projects. Research and Development Facilities: Alcon Laboratories January, 2000 December, 2003 Mr. LaSalle served as the lead fire protection engineer for the design of a new 120,000 vivarium and laboratory building at the U.S. headquarters for this worldwide leader in eye care products.

5 Page 5 of 8 Wyeth-Ayerst January, 2000 December, 2003 Mr. LaSalle was involved with a number of projects for this pharmaceutical leader, most notably the re-development of their Piperacillin manufacturing facility located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, which included sprinkler and fire alarm systems installation in Class 10 through Class 10,000 clean rooms. College/University Facilities: Bucknell University January, 2000 August, 2003 Mr. LaSalle served as the Lead Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineer for the design of the new Recreation and Athletic Center, which is the new home for all Athletics activities at this Lewisburg, PA institution. The Center includes a 5,000 seat Pavilion, an Olympic-size Natatorium, a fitness center, weight room, fieldhouse, and gymnasium. University of Pennsylvania August, 1999 December, 2004 Mr. Kimmel served as the Project Manager for a series of projects at this Philadelphia University. These included the complete renovation of historic dormitories, including architectural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection system replacements. Mr. Kimmel was directly involved in all phases of design and construction, and managed a team of architects and engineers. Lehigh University October, 2000 April, 2004 Mr. LaSalle served as the Project Manager for a five year phased project for the design and installation of sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems throughout 50 fraternity, sorority, and dormitory buildings and for academic buildings on campus. Sports and Entertainment Facilities: Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park March, 2001 May, 2004 Mr. LaSalle was the Lead Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineer for the design and construction of the new home of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball Club a 43,500 seat ballpark. He was responsible for development of all code compliance strategies, City of Philadelphia approvals, and Fire Protection, Alarm, and Life Safety design. He coordinated the effort to obtain 30 variances from the City. MODELING IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING: LaSalle Engineering is a proponent of the use of state-of-the-art calculation methods and modeling techniques in solving both common and unique fire safety problems. Models used in Fire Protection Engineering practice run the gamut from hydraulic analysis software for sprinkler systems and underground piping networks to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software used to model fire and smoke spread in multi-compartment structures. Hydraulic modeling is an example of a commonly used technique to help solve routine hydraulics problems. These software packages are based on well established hydraulic calculation methods. Fire modeling can include use of hand calculations, single application spreadsheet or software routines, and more complex zone, field, and egress model software. Our philosophy is that these

6 Page 6 of 8 engineering tools must be used by experienced engineers with special attention to the use of the correct model for the problem, model input parameters, model limitations, model uncertainty and factors of safety. Models are a tool, not a substitute for engineering judgment, in solving fire protection problems LaSalle Engineering has experience in the use of a range of models for analysis, design, and fire investigation purposes. A partial list includes: Detact-QS THE Hydraulic Program Detact-T 2 Proprietary Spreadsheet Programs for: ASET o Fire Alarm Audibility Fire Dynamics Simulator o Radiant Heat Exposure FASTLite o Smoke Filling CFAST o Timed Egress LITIGATION SUPPORT: Mr. LaSalle has experience in litigation support and fire modeling in support of case development. Mr. LaSalle has been deposed as an expert witness in Florida and Pennsylvania, and has supported litigation on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. His areas of expertise and testimony include building and fire codes, systems design and failure analysis, human behavior in fire, fire spread, and systems response. While litigation support does not currently represent a significant portion of the firm s portfolio, it remains a service provided to our building owner clients and attorneys. PAPERS and PRESENTATIONS: Fundamentals of Fire Protection Systems, National Association of Women in Construction, Philadelphia, PA, October, Sprinkler System Conceptual Design, IFEMTA Risk Management Conference, King of Prussia, PA, September, Fire Dynamics Primer and Atrium Design Issues, AIA Central Pennsylvania Seminar: Integrating Life Safety Concepts into Architecture, Harrisburg, PA, June, Fundamentals of Smoke Production and Movement, Pennsylvania Facilities Managers Association 1995 Fall Conference, October, The Use of a Risk-Based Engineering Method in the Analysis of Alternative Levels of Building Fire Safety, International Conference on Performance-Based Codes and Fire Safety Design Methods, September, Current Trends in Performance-Based Design, Hospital Engineers Association of Delaware Valley Trade Show and Seminar, April, Performance-Based Codes and Performance Design & Fire Fundamentals, AIA Central

7 Page 7 of 8 Pennsylvania Seminar: Integrating Life Safety Concepts into Architecture, Part II, Lancaster, PA, April, Cultural Considerations on Fire Safety Design in the 21st Century, Second International Conference on Firesafety Design in the 21 st Century, Worcester, MA, June, The Future of Codes and Fire and Life Safety Design, Presentation to the Philadelphia Fire Department, December 14, It is a People Business: Developing a Design Process to Balance Concerns of Diverse Stakeholders in the Planning of Cultural Institution Facilities, Co-Presented with Walter Crimm, AIA, Vice President, Cultural Practice, EwingCole at the 2004 National Conference on Cultural Property Protection, Sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, February 10, Performance Based Fire Protection Design, The Thirty-Sixth Annual Safety & Education Seminar, Philadelphia Fire Department, June 10, Beyond Traditional Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, May, What s at Risk?, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, September, Fire Protection Professionals in A/E Project Management, National Fire Protection Association World Safety Conference, Boston MA, June Mr. Kimmel contributed in the preparation of a manuscript covering current methods involved with computer generated sprinkler hydraulics calculations. This information will be published within the second edition of "Sprinkler Hydraulics" by Harold S. Wass, Jr. of IRM Insurance. Mr. Kimmel participated in the Spring and Fall 1995 Continuing Education Program for the New Jersey Code Enforcement Officials, sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and Rutgers, The State University. The one day seminar entitled "Sprinkler/Standpipe Hydraulic Calculation Review" was prepared including an extensive seminar workbook with hydraulic calculation example problems.

8 Page 8 of 8 Summary of Experience by Facility and Building Type Facility and Building Types Activities Commercial Health Care Sports Museum & Historic Academic College & University Residential Research & Development Telecommunications Industrial Nuclear Fossil Fuel Petrochemical Building fire protection audits X X X X X X X X X X X X X Fire hazard analysis X X X X X X X X X Code consulting X X X X X X X X X Fire modeling (in support of alternative design approaches) X X X X X Timed exit calculations X X X Hydraulic modeling and water supply analysis Fire alarm system analysis and design Fire protection system analysis and design X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Construction administration X X X X X X X Systems failure analysis X X X X Performance-based design X X X X X Negotiation with AHJs X X X X X X X Life safety design X X X X X X X Structural fire protection design X X X Risk-based Assessment X X X Smoke control system commissioning X X X Firestopping design X X X X X X Litigation Support X X X Fire Testing X

Midwest Service Center

Midwest Service Center Ronald A. Langstaff, P.E. Forensic Fire Protection / Mechanical Engineer Chicago, IL 224-316-0841 rlangstaff@uis-usa.com EDUCATION: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Worcester,