Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC: Company Profile
Background
Overview
Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC (PBFPE) is a specialized firm dedicated to delivering innovative fire protection and life safety solutions. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, PBFPE focuses on performance-based designs, computational fire and egress modeling, and smoke control analyses. The company serves architects, developers, builders, and engineers, aiming to create safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing built environments.
Mission and Vision
PBFPE's mission is to provide flexible and innovative engineering solutions without compromising life safety. Their vision centers on integrating advanced technology and deep expertise to meet clients' needs, ensuring that fire protection and life safety considerations enhance the overall design and functionality of structures.
Industry Significance
Operating within the architecture and planning industry, PBFPE holds a significant position by offering specialized fire protection engineering services. Their expertise in performance-based design and advanced modeling techniques distinguishes them in a field that demands both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
PBFPE aims to deliver customized fire protection solutions that not only comply with prescriptive codes but also align with the unique visions of their clients. Their strategic focus includes:
- Implementing performance-based designs to address complex fire safety challenges.
- Utilizing advanced computational modeling for fire and egress scenarios.
- Conducting thorough smoke control analyses to ensure occupant safety.
Areas of Specialization
The company specializes in:
- Fire and egress modeling
- Smoke control rational analyses
- Alternative Means & Methods (AM&M)
- Fire and life safety system design
- Code consulting
Key Technologies Utilized
PBFPE employs advanced technologies such as:
- Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) for fire modeling
- Pathfinder for egress analysis
- CONTAM/VENTUS for smoke control modeling
Primary Markets Targeted
The firm serves a diverse range of markets, including:
- Healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions
- Commercial and industrial buildings
- Government and research facilities
Financials and Funding
Funding History
Specific details regarding PBFPE's funding history are not publicly disclosed. However, the company's strategic acquisition by Summit Fire Consulting in May 2025 indicates a significant investment aimed at expanding their capabilities and market reach.
Utilization of Capital
The acquisition by Summit Fire Consulting is expected to enhance PBFPE's resources, broaden geographic coverage, and provide broader technical support, enabling the firm to tackle more complex and diverse projects.
Pipeline Development
As a consulting firm specializing in fire protection engineering, PBFPE does not have a traditional product pipeline. Instead, they focus on delivering tailored solutions for each client, addressing specific fire safety challenges through customized designs and analyses.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
PBFPE utilizes proprietary methodologies in performance-based design and advanced computational modeling to provide innovative fire protection solutions.
Significant Scientific Methods
The firm employs:
- Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) for simulating fire behavior
- Pathfinder for modeling occupant egress
- CONTAM/VENTUS for analyzing smoke control systems
AI-Driven Capabilities
While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, PBFPE's use of advanced modeling and simulation tools reflects a commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies in their engineering solutions.
Leadership Team
David Stacy, P.E. – Principal & Founder
David Stacy is the Principal and Founder of PBFPE, with extensive experience in fire protection engineering. He specializes in computational modeling and has contributed to the advancement of computer fire modeling through presentations at national conferences.
Aric Aumond, P.E. – Vice President
Aric Aumond serves as Vice President, focusing on code consulting, hazard analysis, and fire protection systems design. He holds a Master's in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland and has experience in various aspects of fire protection engineering.
Austin Grant, P.E. – Principal Fire Protection Engineer
Austin Grant is a Principal Fire Protection Engineer with multi-state licensure, based in Louisville, Kentucky. He has a strong technical knowledge base and has been involved in projects on military bases, distilleries, schools, hospitals, and more.
Pierce Lushinsky, P.E. – Director of Engineering
Pierce Lushinsky serves as Director of Engineering, specializing in code consulting, life safety surveys, hazardous materials analyses, and system design. He has a background in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland and has been with PBFPE since 2020.
Corey Kinsman, P.E. – Principal Fire Protection Engineer
Corey Kinsman is a Principal Fire Protection Engineer based in Nashville, Tennessee, with over 19 years of experience. He has expertise in building and fire code compliance, hazardous materials analysis, and performance-based design.
Haavard Boehmer, MSc., P.E. – Fire Protection Engineer
Haavard Boehmer has over 14 years of experience in performance-based fire protection design, forensic analysis, and fire research. He focuses on computer modeling of fire and pedestrian movement to analyze problems such as smoke extraction and evacuation.
Rachel Kirk, P.E. – Fire Protection Engineer
Rachel Kirk is a Fire Protection Engineer based in northern New Jersey, with over 6 years of experience. She holds a B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland and specializes in code consulting for various building types.
Zachary Hatten, P.E. – Fire Protection Engineer
Zachary Hatten is a licensed fire protection engineer based in Tampa, Florida, with over five years of experience. He specializes in smoke control modeling, life safety plan review, code consulting, and performance-based designs.
Christopher Hallock, P.E. – Fire Protection Engineer
Christopher Hallock is a Fire Protection Engineer located in the Baltimore/Washington DC Metro area. He specializes in smoke control special inspections and code consulting, with extensive experience across the fire protection engineering service line.
Dillon Grewing, P.E., GSP, P-CFEI – Fire Protection Engineer
Dillon Grewing is a Fire Protection Engineer in Dallas, TX, specializing in existing site fire suppression, fire alarm and life safety evaluations, as well as design and code consulting for new facilities. He also performs fire risk assessments and explosion risk assessments.
Adam Reis, P.E., ASP – Fire Protection Engineer
Adam Reis is a licensed fire protection engineer from Chapel Hill, NC, with over 18 years of experience. His career has primarily focused on his role as an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) within the federal government, where he gained invaluable insight into federal regulations and requirements across various building occupancies and construction types.
Sean Vizgirda, EIT, CFPS, MIFireE – Fire Protection Associate
Sean Vizgirda is a Fire Protection Associate located in the greater Cincinnati, OH, area. With over 15 years in the industry, Sean specializes in fire protection system design, code consulting, oil and gas facility safety management, emergency response, risk assessment, and project management.
Josh Keller – Fire Protection Associate
Josh Keller is a Fire Protection Associate based in Columbus, Ohio. He obtained his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Ohio State University in 2020. Josh specializes in fire alarm and special hazard suppression system designs that prioritize safety while optimizing efficiency and cost to clients and end users.
