Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Fire Protection & Code Consulting Services
Established in 1998, Technovation Engineering has built a reputation as a trusted leader in fire protection engineering and code consulting. Our team specializes in delivering tailored solutions for building code compliance, fire suppression systems, and alternative solutions that meet regulatory requirements while prioritizing client needs. With over 25 years of experience across British Columbia, we have completed more than 1,000 projects spanning commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential sectors. Our expertise includes conducting independent third-party reviews, developing innovative alternative solutions accepted by 90% of AHJs, and providing expert witness services for legal teams. We maintain active memberships in the National Fire Protection Association and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, ensuring our practices align with the latest industry standards.Our principal engineer, Darren E. Wattie, brings 30 years of construction-related consulting experience, including specialized training in fire alarm systems, advanced building code applications, and lithium-ion battery fire protection. We prioritize direct supervision of delegated work through a network of trusted associate professionals while maintaining rigorous quality control. Our commitment to continuing education ensures clients benefit from cutting-edge knowledge of evolving fire safety regulations and technologies. We serve clients across British Columbia, including major organizations like UBC, Okanagan College, and Gorman Bros. Lumber, with a focus on achieving project goals through technical excellence and collaborative problem-solving.
Services
Code Consulting
Fire Protection Engineering
Alternative Solutions
Expert Witness Services
Fire Suppression Design
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of construction-related consulting engineering experience.
- Our alternative solutions have a 90% acceptance rate with AHJs.
- We provide expert witness services for fire code litigation support.
- Our team maintains direct supervision of delegated work through trusted professionals.
- We complete over 1,000 fire protection projects across British Columbia.
Associations and certifications
- National Fire Protection Association
- Society of Fire Protection Engineers
What people say
True expert in building code
Responsive and creative team
Capable and diligent consultant
Practical services to highest standards
Knowledgeable and quick solutions
Services
Code Consulting
We conduct comprehensive reviews of building designs to ensure compliance with BC Building Code and Fire Code requirements. Our engineers use a proprietary checklist system to identify code violations and develop practical solutions. Clients receive detailed reports outlining compliance status and recommended corrective actions for both new and existing structures.
Fire Protection Engineering
Our firm specializes in designing fire suppression systems including sprinklers, standpipes, and specialized systems for high-risk environments. We provide field reviews during installation and collaborate with authorities to ensure systems meet regulatory standards while addressing client-specific needs in commercial and industrial settings.
Alternative Solutions
When standard code requirements cannot be met, we develop alternative compliance paths using objective-based code analysis. Our 90% approval rate for alternative solutions demonstrates our ability to create innovative fire safety approaches that satisfy regulatory requirements while maintaining project feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
Expert Witness Services
We provide expert testimony and technical reports for legal cases involving fire code compliance and building safety issues. Our principal engineer has extensive experience preparing court-admissible documentation and offering professional insights on fire protection system failures and code interpretation disputes.
Fire Suppression Design
We design specialized fire suppression systems for unique environments including aircraft hangars, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings. Our expertise covers hybrid systems combining water and inert gases, exposure protection, and foam-based solutions tailored to specific occupancy risks and operational requirements.
People
Darren E. Wattie
Principal and Senior Consultant
With 30 years of mechanical engineering experience, including 25 years focused on fire protection, Darren leads code consulting and engineering projects. He holds a UBC engineering degree and maintains active professional registration while completing ongoing fire safety education.
Questions
What fire protection services do you offer?
We provide full-service fire protection engineering including system design, field reviews, and compliance assessments for commercial and industrial clients.
How do alternative code solutions work?
We develop alternative compliance paths using objective-based code analysis when standard requirements cannot be met, maintaining 90% approval rate with authorities.
Do you serve areas outside Nanaimo?
We serve clients across British Columbia including Kelowna, Penticton, and Vancouver Island with project experience throughout the province.
Can you assist with existing building assessments?
Yes, we conduct comprehensive fire code compliance assessments for existing buildings, identifying deficiencies and recommending practical upgrade solutions.
What experience do you have with building codes?
Our principal engineer has 30 years of code consulting experience, including advanced training in BC Building Code Part 3 applications and ongoing professional development.
Do you provide expert witness testimony?
Yes, we offer expert witness services for fire code litigation with experience preparing technical reports and court-admissible documentation.
