Cracking the Code: Understanding the IEBC and Designing for Existing Buildings
- Kora Wilkes, LMSW
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
September 11, 2025 - Breakout Session #2
Tyler Lewis, AIA
BRR Architecture
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Bosin Ballroom
Credit: 1.0 HSW
Abstract: Working on existing buildings is one of the most common — and creatively challenging — aspects of practicing architecture. Whether you're retrofitting a mid-century office or reviving a forgotten warehouse, knowing how to navigate building codes for client projects is essential. This session will introduce you to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — the guide that replaced Chapter 34 of the IBC starting in 2015. We'll break down the 2021 IEBC into digestible concepts so attendees can better understand how to use it to guide the design needed to bring old buildings up to modern standards.
Learning Objective #1: Understand and apply the Prescriptive Compliance Method to existing buildings — a structured path that makes code navigation more straightforward.
Learning Objective #2: Explore the Work Area Compliance Method — useful when dealing with partial renovations or adaptive reuse.
Learning Objective #3: Apply the Performance Compliance Method — ideal for when creative solutions are needed to meet code requirements without compromising design intent.
Learning Objective #4: Connect these methods to real-world design situations — gaining insight into how attendees might approach code challenges in their future projects.
About Tyler: Tyler joined BRR in 2013 and currently works in our Kansas City office. As a program lead, he has been integral in implementing and adapting program design standards into active projects at various stages of completion. Day-to-day, Tyler works with designers through all project phases, from entitlement, design development through construction document production and contract administration, providing daily consultant and client coordination, and follow-up related to jurisdictional questions and concerns.
