About Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering

David Stacy, the Principal & Founder of Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC, is an esteemed professional with extensive experience in the fire protection field. His specialized expertise lies in computational modeling, which serves as the cornerstone of his successful consulting firm.

David's firm is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions in fire and egress modeling, performance-based designs, Smoke Control Rational Analyses (SCRA), and Alternative Means & Methods (AM&M). His deep understanding of these areas allows him to deliver innovative and customized fire protection strategies to clients.

David’s expertise and contributions extend beyond his consulting firm. He is highly regarded within the fire protection field and has made significant contributions to the advancement of computer fire modeling. His expertise has been showcased through presentations at national conferences organized by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These presentations have focused on the latest developments and advancements in the field, highlighting David's commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and methodologies. His active involvement in industry conferences underscores his dedication to continuous learning and his desire to drive innovation in fire protection engineering.

David Stacy's extensive experience, niche skill set, and active involvement in professional organizations make him a respected figure in the fire protection industry. Through his leadership and innovative approach, he continues to drive Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC towards excellence, ensuring optimal fire protection solutions for their clients.

Aric Aumond is a Fire Protection Engineer with experience in many aspects of fire protection engineering, with an emphasis on code consulting, hazard analysis and fire protection systems design. While attending the University of South Florida (USF) as an undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering, he worked as a designer producing fire sprinkler and fire alarm shop drawings. Soon after starting, he was recommended a book – The Killer Show. This book accounts first-hand experiences of the events leading up to and during the Rhode Island night club fire of 2003 responsible for the deaths of 100 people and the evolution our current building codes. It was then, knowing he could help to prevent horrific tragedies like this, that his passion for the industry ignited. He continued to advance his knowledge in the field by obtaining his Masters in Fire Protection Engineering from The University of Maryland (UMD).

Through the progression of his career from large architecture and engineering firms to small specialized life-safety consulting firms, he continued gaining valuable organizational insight and engineering experience. Ultimately, his desire to help build and grow a value-centric organization led him to Performance-Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC.

Aric also holds a NICET II certification in Water Based Systems Layout, Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), and shares affiliation with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE).

Austin Grant is a Principal Fire Protection Engineer with multi-state licensure, based out of Louisville, Kentucky.  It took him some time to figure out what he wanted to do as a career path, but after some time as a volunteer firefighter and a few engineering classes, Fire Protection Engineering is where he knew he belonged.

As a graduate from Eastern Kentucky University’s Fire Protection Engineering Technology program, followed by obtaining his B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, Austin’s strong technical knowledge base and impact on the fire protection industry has been a great addition to the firm.  Having a solid background in fire protection system design including special hazards, over his professional career he has been involved in projects on military bases around the world, distilleries, breweries, schools, hospitals, hotels, office buildings, and everything in between.

For fun, he enjoys woodworking projects, photography, hiking, traveling, and playing with his dogs (a beagle and a golden retriever).

Like other engineers at PBFPE, Pierce has strong roots in the fire service, following a family history of volunteer firefighters in his Minnesota home town, followed by participating in the live-in student firefighter program at the College Park Volunteer Fire Department while he attended the University of Maryland.

Pierce obtained his B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, College park in 2015.  Upon graduation, he began his career as a consultant focusing on code consulting, Statement of Conditions (SOC) and Life Safety surveys, hazardous materials analyses, and system design.  He also quickly fell into a niche of performing performance-based designs and computational fire and egress modeling, hence how his expertise brought him to Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC in 2020.

Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Corey Kinsman stands as a distinguished Fire Protection Engineer and Code Consultant at Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC. With over 19 years of comprehensive experience, Corey has emerged as a leader in providing expert fire protection engineering and code consultation services across a diverse array of sectors, including lithium-ion battery manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centers with high-piled combustible storage, commercial nuclear power, government research, and other industrial facilities.

Corey's expertise is broad, covering essential aspects of fire safety such as building and fire code compliance, hazardous materials analysis, automatic fire suppression and alarm systems, and performance-based design. His ability to negotiate and liaise with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and his skill in inspection, testing, and commissioning of fire protection systems have been instrumental in delivering tailored, innovative solutions for complex fire protection challenges.

Corey is not only committed to his professional work but also to the advancement of the fire protection engineering field. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Middle Tennessee Chapter and is an active member of the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), contributing to the development of codes and standards.

Educated at Bradley University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Corey has continued to build on a solid foundation with relentless dedication. He has contributed significantly to the field of fire protection engineering and impacting safety and compliance standards on a national scale. Corey's multi-state licensure underscores his broad recognition and the trust placed in his expertise.

Haavard has over 14 years of experience with complex performance-based fire protection design, forensic analysis, and fire research. His work focuses on application of computer modeling of fire and pedestrian movement to analyze problems such as smoke extraction, structural fire exposure, evacuation and crowd management, battery gas release, and occupant tenability. He was lead researcher for the 2020 NFPA Research Foundation report on Fire Hazards of Modern Vehicles.

He has presented research at technical conferences for the NFPA, SFPE, AIChE, and been published in peer reviewed journals such as Fire Technology. He is a licensed professional engineer in Maryland.

Rosalie Hrybyk is a licensed Fire Protection Engineer based out of Baltimore, Maryland. She obtained her B.S. and M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

Upon graduation, Rosalie began her career as a consultant, focusing on code consulting, plan review, system design, Statement of Conditions (SOC) Life Safety surveys, and performance-based designs with computational fire and egress modeling. She focuses on full building code compliance design through plan reviews and code consulting. She also concentrates on smoke control modeling for high-rise stair pressurization design.

In addition to her duties at PBFPE, Rosalie is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Fire Protection Engineering Department at the University of Maryland. She is also the treasurer of the University of Maryland FPE Alumni Club. She is a proud member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), including the local Chesapeake Chapter.

Rachel Kirk is a highly experienced Fire Protection Engineer based in northern New Jersey. With over 6 years of dedicated work in fire protection engineering consulting, Rachel's expertise is backed by a strong educational foundation. She holds a B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, complemented by a graduate certificate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Fire Protection Engineering.

Throughout her career, Rachel has focused on providing comprehensive code consulting services for a diverse range of building types, including health care facilities, higher education institutions, office buildings, assembly spaces, and residential structures. Her expertise encompasses various aspects of code compliance, such as plan reviews, system designs, third-party reviews, life safety assessments, and fire and egress modeling.

Furthermore, Rachel has fostered collaborative relationships with state authorities, actively engaging in plan reviews and conducting code compliance inspections for buildings in New York State. Her close collaboration with architects, mechanical engineers, and owners has cultivated a well-rounded perspective on projects undertaken at Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC.

Rachel's extensive experience working alongside AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) positions her as a valuable resource for ensuring compliance and regulatory adherence. Her multifaceted skill set and holistic approach contribute to the successful execution of projects, delivering comprehensive fire protection solutions to clients.

With her depth of knowledge, practical expertise, and collaborative mindset, Rachel Kirk consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism and effectiveness in her role as a Fire Protection Engineer.

Zachary Hatten is a licensed fire protection engineer based in Tampa, Florida, with over five years of experience. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida before entering the fire protection consulting field, inspired by his father’s 30+ years of service as a firefighter and fire marshal.

After obtaining his M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, Zach became a licensed fire protection engineer in the state of Florida.

Zach has experience in all facets of fire protection consulting, including smoke control modeling in high-rises, life safety plan review, code consulting, and performance-based designs. He has been involved in a range of project types, from new construction projects and existing buildings, ranging from condos and hotels to warehouses.

Zach strives to deliver the best possible results to clients with comprehensive fire protection solutions and high levels of professionalism.

Christopher Hallock, P.E., is a Fire Protection Engineer located in the Baltimore/Washington DC Metro area.  He specializes in smoke control special inspections and code consulting, as well as extensive experience across the fire protection engineering service line.

Christopher earned his B.S. in 2019 and M.Eng. in 2021 from the University of Maryland's Department of Fire Protection Engineering. A recognized professional, he received one of SFPE's Global 5 Under 35 Awards in 2023.

Additionally, Christopher serves as a Captain with the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, where he is able to connect the field of fire protection engineering to the fire service and his community. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Howard Community College and is actively involved with the University of Maryland's Fire Protection Engineering Department and industry societies.

Dillon Grewing, P.E., GSP, P-CFEI, is a Fire Protection Engineer in Dallas, TX. He specializes in existing site fire suppression, fire alarm and life safety evaluations as well as design and code consulting for new facilities. Dillon also performs fire risk assessments, explosion risk assessments, safety assessments and performance-based design, including developing engineering and administrative controls to mitigate many process equipment and facilities hazards.

Dillon earned his B.S. in Engineering Technology—Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University in 2018. He is working on his M.B.A. in General Business from West Texas A&M University.

Outside of work, Dillon serves as President of the SFPE DFW and is a member of various SFPE and NFPA subcommittees.

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Babak Bahrani, Ph.D., is a Fire Protection Associate located in San Francisco, CA. He specializes in performance-based design, wildfires, thermal response of materials, and fire modeling. His research ranges from material response to elevated temperatures to building statistical models for wildfire spread mechanisms.

With over five years of experience applying fire models to support scientific research and fire protection engineering design, Babak has developed a deep understanding of fire behavior. As a professional consultant, he has experience working on projects ranging from fire protection/ safety strategy development to third-party review and fire and smoke modeling.

Babak has been an active member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers since 2013, participating in and leading various technical and non-technical committees such as Standard-Making Committees on Performance-Based Design, Fire Model Selection Task Group, and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Working Group Initiative. He is also a Principal Member (Special Expert) of NFPA 1140: Standard for Wildfire Protection.

Babak has developed and taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and North Carolina A&T State University.

Sean Vizgirda, EIT, CFPS, MIFireE, 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. He also has extensive experience delivering fire safety and emergency response training and conducting safety audits across international locations.

Sean earned his A.A.S. in Applied Fire Science from the Community College of the Air Force in 2011 and a B.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018. He is also an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist and a Cincinnati Fire Prevention Board of Appeals member.

Josh Keller is a Fire Protection Associate based out of 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.

Eager to continue his professional career, Josh has passed the Electrical and Computer FE Exam and is on track to becoming a licensed Fire Protection Engineer by the summer of 2025. Josh demonstrates his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth with a NICET Level 2 certification in Fire Alarm Systems and pursuing NICET certifications in special hazards.

Josh's comprehensive understanding of industry standards, including NFPA 70, 72, and 101, the IBC/IFC, and UFC, combined with his robust technical background in electrical engineering and fire protection, positions him as a valuable team member in our firm. His focus areas include fire protection system design, code consulting, hazard analysis, and smoke control system design and commissioning.

Klayton Smith is a highly skilled Fire Protection Associate specializing in designing fire protection systems for diverse applications, such as high-rises, hangars, schools, and office buildings. With a strong background in Chemistry, Klayton possesses a unique advantage in fire modeling, leveraging his in-depth understanding of chemical reactions, combustion processes, and thermodynamics. Holding a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of South Florida, he has built a solid foundation in the fundamental principles that drive fire behavior.

Klayton has consistently showcased exceptional proficiency in fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and performance-based designs. He has honed his expertise through immersive work at Performance Based Fire Protection Engineering, PLLC. By actively seeking professional growth opportunities, Klayton remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of the industry. His continuous pursuit of knowledge contributes to the advancement of fire protection engineering practices.

Klayton's commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable asset in developing effective fire protection solutions.

Kyle Carpenter is a Fire Protection Associate based in Kure Beach, North Carolina. In addition to his professional role, Kyle actively contributes to his community as a dedicated volunteer firefighter at the local fire department. Furthermore, he serves as the assistant head lifeguard for Kure Beach Ocean Rescue, demonstrating his commitment to public safety.

Kyle holds a B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering Technology, which he earned from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2022. Since joining PBFPE upon graduation, Kyle has swiftly immersed himself in various design projects, showcasing his proficiency and passion for the field. Committed to continuous growth, Kyle maintains a strong desire to expand his knowledge and skill set in performance-based fire protection design.

With his exceptional dedication to both professional and community endeavors, Kyle exemplifies a driven and versatile Fire Protection Associate who consistently strives for excellence in all aspects of his work.

Madeline is a dynamic and results-driven office manager at PBFPE. With a diverse background in business development and marketing across multiple states, she brings valuable expertise to the team. Madeline's primary focus is supporting and assisting her colleagues in any way possible, showcasing her unwavering dedication and passion for teamwork.

In addition to her role at PBFPE, Madeline holds a certification in Medical Coding and Billing, which demonstrates her commitment to professional growth and versatility. Her previous experience managing restaurants has further honed her organizational and leadership skills, making her adept at handling various responsibilities efficiently.

Outside of work, Madeline finds joy in spending quality time with her loving family. She cherishes moments with her husband and children. With a deep passion for fitness and ballet, Madeline actively embraces an active lifestyle. She also finds solace and joy in the company of her cats and puppy, fostering a love for animals. As a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, Madeline appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors and occasionally seeks thrills on roller coasters, adding excitement to her leisure time.

Madeline's vibrant personality, commitment to her team, and diverse range of interests make her an integral part of the PBFPE office, driving efficiency and fostering a positive work environment.