Code Download | Top Code Issues: Plan Review to Construction

This is the third session in the 2025 Code Download Series presented by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee.

This course explores the top code issues that plan reviewers, architects, engineers, contractors, and inspectors encounter during the design, permitting, construction, and inspection process. Understanding how to navigate and apply the adopted building and fire codes effectively is essential to delivering safe, compliant, and successful projects. We’ll cover real-world examples of code misinterpretations, oversights, and compliance challenges. This session is designed to help architects proactively identify and resolve code-related risks early in the design process, improving project outcomes and reducing costly revisions.

Join us on Monday, September 8th 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm for Code Download | Top Code Issues: Plan Review to Construction, in person at the National Nordic Museum – Osberg Great Hall (4 LU/HSW).

The program includes a closing happy hour in the Fisherman’s Sun Terrace (weather permitting!) as an opportunity to network and connect, thanks to our sponsor Interior Tech.

Cost

Includes continuing education credit (4 LU/ HSW) + light refreshments and happy hour

$143.00 $165.00 AIA Member/Corporate Allied Partner (CAP)/Allied Member
$143.00  $165.00 Government
$91.00 $105.00  Associate Member
$39.00 $45.00 Student/Emeritus
$243.00 $280.00 Non-Member

REGISTER

Early Bird Deadline: Monday, August 25, 2025. After this time, the price increases 15%.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 4, 5:00pm PT.

Reduced rate options are available! Please submit the Continuing Education Scholarship / Reduced Rate Request form via email by Monday, August 25, 5:00PM PT.

Learn more about our program pricing, the member ticket rate, and other benefits associated with membership. Explore the other major education programs we offer.

Schedule

Monday, September 8, 2025 | @ Osberg Great Hall, National Nordic Museum | 2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

  • 12:30 pm – Check in, light refreshments
  • 1:00 pm – Program starts
  • 5:00 pm – Program content concludes + happy hour begins
  • 6:00 pm – Program ends

All speakers and sessions subject to change. See the Schedule.

Venue

  • Venue: The forum will be held in the Osberg Great Hall at the National Nordic Museum (2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107). Learn more about accessibility at the National Nordic Museum.
  • Transportation: We encourage attendees to take advantage of public transit options and plan your trip. Parking is available at the onsite pay-to-park parking lot. Alternatively, you can find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Learn more about getting to the National Nordic Museum.
  • Covid Parameters: AIA Seattle strongly encourages masking to demonstrate community care.

Accessibility

  • Learn more about accessibility at the National Nordic Musuem.
  • Presenter files and other program materials (as applicable) will be available on the password-protected attendee resources page at least 1-2 business days before the program. The password will be sent in follow-up email communications to all registered attendees.
  • We encourage speakers to create accessible presentations to ensure attendees can fully engage with the session content.

If you have access needs for this program, please note them in your registration form or contact Programs Coordinator, Riyansha Goyal. You can reach Riya via email at riyag@aiaseattle.org or via phone at 206-957-1922. Please reach out by August 29. We will do our best to support access needs conveyed after this date.

Speakers

Ana Parke has over fifteen years of experience as a licensed architect, contributing to the design and delivery of several nationally recognized sustainable multifamily buildings in Seattle. She has dual advanced degrees in architecture and construction management from the University of Washington. Her work with Runberg Architecture Group has given her an extensive knowledge of construction and code compliance, with a particular focus on multi-family mixed use construction.  Ana currently serves as co-chair of the AIA Seattle Code Committee.

Andi is a Principal at Delta E Consulting, overseeing Energy services. She has fifteen years of professional experience in operational energy and carbon modeling and analysis, and mechanical HVAC design. In her role as an energy analyst she cultivates an integrated design process, working with owners, architects, MEP engineers, lighting designers, sustainability consultants, and commissioning agents to find pragmatic and optimized solutions for each project’s goals. Andi is actively involved in industry, volunteering to support development of Washington state energy codes and policies, as well as serving on LEED’s Energy and Atmosphere (EA) technical advisory group, and is   the Seattle Chapter lead for the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBSPA). Her broad involvement with new programs and policies, as well as incentive procurement help her bring a forward-looking approach to projects.

Che Fortaleza is an Associate at Jackson | Main Architecture with over 25 years of experience, specializing in multifamily and mixed-use projects. Her portfolio includes student and senior housing, hospitality, retail, and religious facilities. Through collaborative approach and deep code knowledge, Che leads complex projects from concept through completion. She has practiced in the Philippines and across the U.S., — including Tennessee, Colorado, California, and Washington — bringing valuable insight into diverse jurisdictions and regulatory environments. Che earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. She plays an active role in the architectural community, serving as Co-Chair of the AIA Seattle Code Committee, a member of the Downtown Seattle Design Review Board, and a Technical Advisory Group member for the Washington State Building Code Council. Che is passionate about thoughtful, inclusive design and advancing best practices in the built environment.

Eric is a Principal and the Director of Engineering Services at Delta E Consulting in Seattle. He has more than 28 years of mechanical system design and construction experience working for both MEP consultants and design build mechanical contractors. He is a regional expert at leading integrative design teams on high-performance building designs. Eric’s experience includes both public and private projects that range from small specialty use buildings to large mixed use high-rise multiple tower projects. Eric has been deeply involved in building code development in Washington State since 2008 serving as mechanical chair on the Washington State Building Code Council and Seattle Construction Codes Advisory Board. Eric’s holistic approach to the design of the building envelope and MEP systems is tailored to meet each project’s energy usage, carbon emissions, and wellness goals.

Mark Chubb is a senior fire protection engineer in the Seattle Fire Department Fire Prevention Division. His responsibilities include plan review for compliance with fire code requirements in new construction and alterations of existing commercial, institutional, and multifamily residential buildings and the installation or modification of fire protection systems. Mark is a former AIA Seattle Code Committee co-chair and a current member of the AIA Seattle Board of Directors and Professional Practice Committee. He is an Associate member of AIA and a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. Mark’s presentation will address fire department access and water supply issues, common fire safety deficiencies, and the responsibilities of architects to oversee code compliance of subcontracted designers for automatic sprinkler and fire alarm work.

Susan Chang, Ph.D., P.E. is the supervising geotechnical engineer for the City of Seattle Dept. of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). She is an active member of the Structural Engineers Association of Washington (SEAW) Earthquake Engineering Committee and recently served as Co-Editor for the Proceedings of ASCE’s GeoCongress 2024. She also recently led an effort with SEAW and SDCI to allow the early use of multi-period response spectra within the framework of ASCE 7-16 through a state-wide building code change. Susan received the 2022 Puget Sound Engineering Council Government Engineer of the Year award, and she is a former councilmember for the city of Shoreline, Washington. Susan’s presentation will address typical correction items from geotechnical reviews for ECA and non-ECA projects in the City of Seattle.

Tom Miller’s extensive career in the construction and building inspection fields spans over four decades. Beginning in 1978, he honed his skills in construction, working his way up to superintendent on multi-family, wood-framed projects. Before transitioning to public service, Miller oversaw three such projects within the City of Bellevue, WA. In September 2000, Miller joined the City of Bellevue as a Building Inspector, leveraging his practical experience to ensure safety and compliance. He advanced to Building Plan Reviewer in 2003, notably serving as the non-structural reviewer for two high-rise projects in downtown Bellevue. By 2007, his leadership abilities were recognized, leading to his promotion to supervisor for both plan review and inspection staff. His expertise and dedication further culminated in 2014 when he became a supervisor for the City’s Building Inspection team, overseeing a team of up to 12 inspectors.

*All sessions and speakers subject to change.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and avoid common misapplications of code requirements related to occupancy classification, egress, and fire protection.
  • Apply code-compliant strategies to improve accessibility and life safety in architectural design.
  • Evaluate the impact of coordination and documentation errors on code compliance and project delivery.
  • Integrate code knowledge into early design decisions to enhance public health, safety, and welfare outcomes.

Special Thanks to the Code Committee

Special thanks to the Code Committee for planning this session and the entire Code Download series!

CODE COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Ana Parke AIA
Che Fortaleza AIA

When

September 8, 2025

1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Cost

$39-243

Where

Osberg Great Hall, National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Organizer

AIA Seattle

Schedule

Monday, September 8, 2025 | @ Osberg Great Hall, National Nordic Museum | 2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

  • 12:30 pm – Check in, light refreshments
  • 1:00 pm – Program starts
  • 5:00 pm – Program content concludes + happy hour begins
  • 6:00 pm – Program ends
Schedule

Attendee Resources

Resources Page

Questions?

Registration or Credit Questions?
Contact Riyansha Goyal, Programs Coordinator at AIA Seattle

Program Questions?
Contact Zoe Guckenheimer, Senior Programs Manager at AIA Seattle

Sponsorship Questions?
Contact Andrea Aguilera, Development Manager at AIA Seattle