John Farkas: State building code council must include architects

I am writing to express my profound disappointment in the North Carolina General Assembly’s recent override of Governor Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 1661 this month, a decision that will have far-reaching implications for our state’s building safety.

This bill removes architects from the State Building Code Council, along with other critical members such as active fire service professionals, coastal experts and local government officials.

Locally, state Sen. Kandie Smith and state Rep. Timothy Reeder landed on the wrong side of this issue. Both voted “yes” on the initial bill, and Rep. Reeder voted to override the veto. Sen. Smith did not even show up for the override and let it sail through without Pitt or Edgecombe County having a vote in the chamber.

I thank state Rep. Gloristine Brown for recognizing the serious problem this legislation posed and voting “no” on both the initial vote and veto override.

I have been a practicing architect for over 30 years and am deeply invested in the safety and well-being of our community. I am alarmed by this choice to exclude these subject matter experts from the council.

The Building Code Council’s role is to ensure that all buildings are designed with the highest standards of safety, functionality and resilience. Removing architects — a group of professionals trained and licensed to specifically protect health, safety and the welfare of the public — significantly undermines this objective.

Architects bring invaluable practical experience and technical knowledge to the council, which is crucial in developing codes that address both emerging trends and existing challenges. Our profession plays a crucial role in ensuring life safety by designing buildings that adhere to stringent codes and regulations, which prevent hazards and protect occupants.

During the design phase of any project, especially public projects, the project architect is the only professional with the training and expertise to incorporate all the various design disciplines (architectural, as well as civil, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural engineering) into integrated, clear and safe construction documents. The exclusion of architects will undoubtedly narrow the council’s perspective, leading to less informed decisions that could compromise public safety.

Additionally, the removal of diverse voices, including those of fire service professionals and coastal experts, diminishes the council’s ability to address a wide array of critical issues, from fire safety to coastal resilience. This lack of representation will hinder the council’s effectiveness in creating comprehensive, forward-thinking building codes.

I strongly urge the General Assembly to reconsider the implications of this poor decision and advocate for the reinstatement of these essential members. Our community’s safety should not be compromised by a diminished decision-making body.