Experience
Carl Baldassarra is a nationally recognized expert in fire protection engineering, including fire/life safety analysis, egress design, fire protection system design and analysis, code consultation, loss investigations, and related services for a wide range of facilities and systems. Over his career, he has managed operations, led project teams, and participated in numerous design, consulting, and research projects. Mr. Baldassarra is a recognized authority for his development of innovative design solutions using performance-based principles for a wide range of facilities to meet clients’ design objectives. His experience includes loss prevention surveys, on-site construction period services, litigation support, water supply analysis, and expert testimony in virtually all types of building occupancies.
Prior to joining WJE, Mr. Baldassarra was executive vice president of Rolf Jensen & Associates, where he managed the firm’s western region. His experience also spans thirty-five years at Schirmer (Aon) Engineering Corporation, where he served as president of the firm for seventeen years, as well as in various other roles.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Fire/Life Safety Assessment
- 3M Company Corporate Headquarters - Maplewood, MN *
- Chicago City Hall - IL
- Hallmark Cards Corporate Headquarters - Kansas City, MO *
- Hyatt Regency Kansas City - MO
- Procter & Gamble Miami Valley Laboratories - Colerain Township, OH *
Fire Protection System Design
- Burton Barr Central Library - Phoenix, AZ: Replacement fire suppression system for unique facility architecture
- Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) - Chicago, IL: Atrium fire detection system *
Loss Investigation/Litigation Support
- ArcelorMittal Steel - Burns Harbor, IN: Loss investigation, code analysis, and expert testimony
Performance-Based Design
- Hyatt Regency O’Hare - Rosemont, IL: Alternative smoke control system design *
- Sawgrass Mills Super Regional Shopping Mall - Sunrise, FL: Alternative fire-resistive construction, smoke control system, and egress systems *
- United Airlines Terminal - Chicago, IL: Alternative fire-resistive construction *
- Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL: Development of fire protection/life safety/code compliance concept for historic
facility * - Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) - Chicago, IL: Development of fire protection/code compliance plan for major renovation project of iconic high-rise building
Code Development
- Chicago Life Safety Evaluation System: Development of code requirements and alternative compliance method for existing high-rise buildings *
Research
- Crosspoint 20/30 - Dallas, TX: Fire testing for special sprinkler system design
* Indicates with previous firm
Professional Affiliations
Illinois Society of Professional Engineers
International Code Council
National Fire Protection Association
National Society of Professional Engineers, Fellow
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Underwriters Laboratories Fire Council
Registrations
Professional Engineer in AZ, IL, KS, NM, and WI
Education
Illinois Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science, Fire Protection and Safety Engineering, 1974
Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
Master of Business Administration, 2007
RELATED INFORMATION
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Fire protection and life safety consultants Carl Baldassarra and Garner Palenske have been... MORE >News | Baldassarra and Palenske Appointed to Advisory Committee
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Senior Principal Carl Baldassarra has been recognized as the principal contributor providing... MORE >News | Baldassarra Recognized as Course Contributor for SFPE's New Ethics Course
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Our professionals are experienced providers of fire protection and life safety services for all... MORE >Services | Fire Protection and Life Safety
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The CARES Act recently passed by Congress allows businesses to accelerate expensing of retrofit... MORE >Articles | WJE Primer: New Tax Law Provides Economic Benefits for Retrofit Fire System Installations
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Recipient of the 2019 Foundation Medal MORE >News | Baldassarra Receives NFPA Research Foundation Award
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Baldassarra receives SFPE's Hats Off Award MORE >News | Baldassarra Receives SFPE Award
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SFPE has awarded Carl Baldassarra its 2018 John J. Ahern President’s Award. MORE >News | Baldassarra Wins SFPE President’s Award
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Changes to the building, contents, operations and water supply often occur, affecting the... MORE >Articles | Existing Systems: Reviewing the Design
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MORE >Services | Fire and Property Loss Investigations
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Overview of Chicago's High-Rise Fire Ordinance and guidelines to achieve compliance MORE >Webinars | After the Deadline: Compliance with Chicago's High-Rise Fire Ordinance
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Fire Protection Engineering and Code Consulting MORE >Projects | Wintrust Arena at McCormick Place
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