Our performance-based design (PBD) methodology provides a structured and engineering-led alternative to prescriptive code compliance, enabling project-specific fire and life safety solutions that demonstrably meet the intent of applicable regulations.
The approach is founded on the definition of clear performance objectives, acceptance criteria, and quantitative analysis to verify that proposed solutions achieve an equivalent or higher level of safety than prescriptive requirements.
PBD is particularly suited to complex buildings, non-standard geometries, mixed-use developments, and existing facilities undergoing refurbishment, extension, or change of use, where strict prescriptive compliance may be impractical or disproportionate. Through systematic fire engineering analysis, including scenario development, modelling, and, where required, risk assessment, the approach enables the rational application of alternative measures while maintaining life safety, property protection, and operational continuity.
This methodology also enables the controlled integration of innovative materials, emerging technologies, and sustainable design strategies, provided that compliance with regulatory intent is clearly demonstrated through documented engineering justification and verification.
Codes, Standards, and Engineering References
All performance-based design submissions are developed in accordance with internationally recognised fire engineering standards and accepted best-practice guidance to ensure technical robustness, transparency, and regulatory acceptance. Our designs are prepared to support review and approval by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) through clear documentation, traceable assumptions, and defensible engineering methodologies.
Key reasons to adopt a performance-based approach:
- Enables flexibility in design, especially for unique or complex buildings
- Supports the use of non-standard materials or innovative technologies
- Provides customised fire safety and structural strategies
- Helps meet sustainability targets and modern performance benchmarks
- Reduces over-design and unnecessary construction costs
- Demonstrates compliance using fire and structural modeling techniques
Key codes, standards, and references include, but are not limited to:
- International Fire Engineering Guidelines (IFEG)
- NFPA 5000 – Building Construction and Safety Code
- National Building Code of Canada (NBC)
- SFPE Engineering Guides for Performance-Based Fire Protection
Where required, coordination is undertaken with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with local approval processes and authority-specific requirements.
