Fire Sprinkler Technical Expertise
Swanson Fire Protection's technical leadership team supports disciplined fire sprinkler design across commercial and multifamily construction. Our NICET-certified professionals align system classification, hydraulic demand, and jurisdictional code interpretation early in the project lifecycle—reducing redesign risk, improving first-pass approval probability, and protecting construction schedules. Many members of our technical leadership team began their careers installing fire sprinkler systems in the field. That experience informs our design approach, ensuring layouts are not only code-compliant but also practical to install, coordinate, and maintain.
Technical Oversight Areas
Technical oversight begins during preconstruction and continues through design development, plan review, and construction coordination. Our NICET-certified design professionals support commercial and multifamily construction across our multi-state footprint through hydraulic modeling, plan review alignment, and field-informed system layout.
Fire sprinkler system classification, standpipe integration, fire pump coordination, and code interpretation are not late-stage technical exercises. They are early risk decisions. Our technical leadership structure is built to reduce redesign cycles and improve first-pass approval probability.
Our technical leadership team provides oversight in the following areas:
- System classification strategy (NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D)
- Hydraulic modeling and density analysis
- Standpipe and vertical infrastructure planning
- Fire pump evaluation and water supply analysis
- Multi-jurisdiction code interpretation
- Plan review response and AHJ coordination
Why NICET Certification Matters
NICET certification validates experience-based competency in water-based fire protection systems. Level III certification reflects advanced knowledge of layout, hydraulic calculations, and code application under real-world construction conditions.
Certification signals disciplined design oversight—not drafting alone.
Projects involving complex occupancies, standpipe integration, fire pumps, or multi-jurisdiction approvals benefit from experienced NICET-certified design leadership.
Our Approach to First-Pass Approval
Permit delays are frequently driven by incomplete system classification, misaligned hydraulic assumptions, or insufficient coordination between trades.
Our technical leadership approach emphasizes:
- Early confirmation of system classification (NFPA 13, 13R, or 13D)
- Verified water supply data prior to design lock
- Accurate hydraulic modeling aligned with hazard classification
- Standpipe and fire pump evaluation during schematic coordination
- Complete and technically accurate responses to Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) comments
Disciplined design reduces resubmission cycles, protects schedules, and improves coordination with other construction trades.
NICET-Certified Design Leadership
Our technical leadership structure is anchored by experienced NICET-certified professionals responsible for design oversight and preconstruction alignment across our operating footprint.
Jacob Terherst
Vice President, Preconstruction & Design
- NICET Level III – Water-Based Systems Layout
Chad McCloskey
Operations Director, North
- NICET Level III – Water-Based Systems Layout
- NICET Level II – Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Bill Brown
Purchasing Director
- NICET Level III – Water-Based Systems Layout
Technical Resources
These articles provide practical guidance on system classification, hydraulic planning, and fire sprinkler coordination in multifamily and commercial construction.
Multi-State Technical Coordination
Our team has experience navigating jurisdictional amendments, plan review cycles, and coordination standards across multiple states within our operating footprint.
Height interpretation, standpipe triggers, water supply documentation requirements, and seismic bracing criteria can vary significantly by jurisdiction. Technical oversight during preconstruction reduces redesign risk and improves project predictability.
View our multi-state footprint · Learn more about our design services
Engage Technical Leadership Early
Fire sprinkler design is not a commodity drafting function. It is a risk-control discipline that directly impacts construction schedules and project outcomes.
Engage our technical leadership team during schematic design to align system classification, hydraulic demand, and vertical distribution strategy before drawings are finalized.
Start a Project Conversation
Contact our team to align on scope, timelines, and compliance requirements for your project.