The Role of a Building Code Consultant

Mitigating Risk, Maximising Opportunity

As building designs evolve and construction methodologies become more complex, navigating compliance with building codes is more important and more challenging than ever. Whether you are working on a hospital, mixed use, warehouse, or prefabricated building, code compliance needs to be part of the conversation from day one.

That is where a building code consultant adds critical value. Far more than compliance checkers, building code consultants are trusted technical advisors who help project teams navigate the building approval process, manage risk, and ensure design intent is maintained without compromising safety or compliance.

What Does a Building Code Consultant Do?

A building code consultant ensures that your project complies with relevant building codes and regulations, such as the National Construction Code (NCC) in Australia. But their role goes far beyond reviewing drawings or checking boxes.

A good building code consultant brings:

• Early stage design advice to reduce risk and avoid delays
• Interpretation of codes, standards, and local variations
• Assessment of both deemed to satisfy (DTS) and performance solutions
• Interface with designers, building certifiers, building surveyors, and fire engineers
• Strategic implementation of performance based design to maximise building design whilst maintaining code compliance
• Documentation that supports development applications and approvals.

By engaging early, clients can avoid costly rework and ensure design flexibility is preserved, all while maintaining compliance.

Why Bring in a Building Code Consultant Early?

Engaging a building code consultant during the planning or concept design stage can save time and money throughout the project lifecycle. Here’s how:

• Risk reduction: Early input helps identify non-compliances before they impact construction.
• Design certainty: Consultants guide teams in aligning design with regulatory requirements.
• Design efficacy: Identify performance based compliance pathways to maximise building potential and maintain building safety.
• Time efficiency: Well prepared documentation and stakeholder coordination reduce approval delays.
• Informed decision making: Clear advice on compliance pathways supports confident design choices.

Whether you are considering performance solutions or navigating complex site conditions, building code consultants help minimise risk and improve clarity for the entire team.

Enabling Performance Based and Innovative Design

The industry is seeing growing interest in innovative building types, from modular and offsite construction to mass timber and adaptive reuse. These often require performance solutions, which must be developed with care and defensibility.

Building code consultants work closely with fire engineers and design teams to:

• Identify the most suitable performance pathway
• Analise and critique performance based compliance approaches
• Assess supporting evidence aligned with authority expectations
• Ensure alignment with the intent of the NCC.

At Jensen Hughes, our building code consultants frequently support projects involving fire engineering strategies, façade compliance, and integrated risk assessments. We also deliver performance based solutions beyond fire safety, including accessibility, energy efficiency, and other alternative solutions, helping ensure the building performs safely and meets all regulatory requirements.

The Jensen Hughes Approach

We take a collaborative, practical approach to building code consulting that supports design integrity and compliance. Our team provides:

• Strategic code interpretation and advice
• Regulatory risks and opportunity advice during early design
• Assist in the development and documentation of DTS and performance solutions
• Support liaison with authorities including building certifiers and building surveyors, fire authorities, and councils
• Offer end to end support from concept design through construction certification and final occupation.

Need a Building Code Consultant?

Whether you need guidance on a new development, support for a complex performance solution, or advice on upgrading existing assets, our team is here to help.

Explore Our Code Consultancy Services