3 minute read
Contributors: Eric Cresswell and Leif Watson
Fire Suppression, Engineered Differently
Fire safety in modern buildings isn’t an afterthought — it’s a design discipline in its own right. Whether you’re developing expressive timber facilities or high-rise towers, effective suppression systems depend on seamless integration with mechanical systems and early coordination across every discipline.
At AME, our dedicated in-house Fire Team works side-by-side with mechanical engineers, architects, and project teams to design systems that are efficient, code-compliant, and aligned with each building’s vision. Leveraging advanced tools like Revit and Building Information Modeling (BIM), we support precise coordination of every component — from pumps to sprinklers — minimizing redesigns and preserving both form and function.
In this post, we’ll explore how AME’s integrated, engineering-led approach to fire suppression design supports safer, smarter buildings across British Columbia, Alberta, and beyond.
Our Dedicated Fire Team
AME’s Fire Team is part of our organization, not an external consultant. We provide complete fire suppression design services including wet, dry, and pre-action systems, fire pumps, seismic restraint, and code strategy reviews. This enables real-time collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines.
For architects, this means fewer coordination challenges and greater design cohesion. Completing fire suppression design in parallel with other systems, we can help identify spatial requirements early, manage ceiling congestion, and streamline communication between teams.
Designed in Revit for Seamless Coordination
Our fire suppression systems are modelled 100% in Revit, allowing our engineers and design partners to work within the same 3D environment. This supports precise coordination and provides a clear visual understanding of how suppression elements fit within the building.
For architects, Revit integration offers:
- Clear visualization of layouts in context with architectural features
- Early identification of space constraints and coordination challenges
- Accurate documentation that connects directly with other design disciplines
This modelling approach promotes informed decision-making during design, helping teams maintain both function and form through every stage of the project.
Mechanical Engineers Behind Every Design
Fire suppression design is deeply connected to a building’s mechanical systems. At AME, our fire specialists are seasoned mechanical engineers who work with the mechanical team, creating a direct link between suppression, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
This integrated approach helps:
- Balance system performance with practical installation and maintenance needs
- Coordinate equipment placement early to avoid costly rework
- Support design aesthetics through thoughtful routing and component selection
And when AME delivers both the fire suppression and mechanical design, that’s when the magic really happens — designs align technically and visually, helping projects move forward efficiently and cohesively.
Regional Expertise: Alberta and British Columbia
Fire suppression design benefits from early integration, particularly in British Columbia, where municipalities like Surrey, Nanaimo and Squamish require detailed fire suppression drawings for Building Permit submission. Early involvement allows engineers to coordinate with architectural and structural elements, optimize equipment placement, and align with mechanical systems—preserving both performance and aesthetics.
Projects like Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) demonstrates how regulatory compliance and creative engineering can coexist: using BIM, our team routed wet, dry, and pre-action sprinklers along the building’s curves, maintaining code compliance while supporting the architectural vision. In Alberta, fire suppression systems are often introduced later through contractor-led design build scope. Engaging engineers early, however, can minimize rework, streamline coordination, and support suppression systems that fit seamlessly with the overall building design.
Rendering courtesy of David Nairne & Associates Ltd., Deutscher Architecture, and Loon Foundation
High-Rise Fire Suppression: TriCity Case Study
High-rise buildings present unique fire suppression challenges, including pressure zones, tight mechanical cores, and limited ceiling space. Water pressure is a key consideration: pumps must deliver consistent flow and pressure across dozens of floors without over-pressurizing lower levels.
TriCity Central is a mixed-use development (estimated completion 2030), featuring four towers reaching 52 stories and six levels of underground parking. AME’s fire suppression experts worked with our mechanical engineers to design coordinated fire suppression systems that integrate with HVAC, plumbing, fire alarm, and emergency power. Redundant pumps and precise pressure zoning enable reliable operation even where local fire departments are not equipped to boost to upper floors. BIM modelling supports early spatial coordination and preserves architectural intent, helping create a safe, efficient, and code-compliant system.
At AME, we take a holistic, engineering-led approach to high-rise fire suppression design. Using BIM, water supply modeling, and deep code expertise, our team ensures every component—from pump room to riser—is optimized for performance, compliance, and constructability. In tall buildings, where access is limited and system reliability is critical, coordination across all life safety systems is essential.
For guidance on how integrated life safety testing ensures system harmony, see our overview of the CAN/ULC-S1001 standard here.
Rendering courtesy of Perkins&Will
Built to Protect. Designed to Perform.
Engineering fire suppression systems is a collaborative process that blends technical expertise with design sensitivity. With our dedicated in-house Fire team, Revit-based modelling, and mechanical engineering background, AME develops suppression systems that integrate smoothly within today’s most complex buildings—from expressive timber facilities to high-rise developments.
Have a project in mind? Connect with our AME Fire team!
Eric Cresswell
Principal, P.Eng.
Leif Watson
Technical Lead - Fire Suppression, P.Eng.
Jeremy Maguddayao
Project Manager