Former Department of Buildings head Robert LiMandri has started a new division within engineering firm Vidaris focused on assisting developers adapt to the city’s new building codes.
LiMandri said the firm’s new division would help address “confusion about the changes” to city building codes that have “become a lot more stringent.”
Elements of the new codes emphasizing building safety have had an influence on design and construction – with high-end residential towers mandated to install enhanced fire-protection systems and emergency elevators requiring special designs that will properly ventilate smoke, according to Crain’s.
“More and more, builders are looking for experts to help them vet their designs,” LiMandri said, with the expeditious approval of projects becoming a concern for developers given the rising costs of land, building materials and labor.
LiMandri joined Vidaris last year after serving five years as DOB commissioner. [Crain’s] – Rey Mashayekhi