N. QUINCY, and LEOMINSTER, MA, ISSUED APRIL 13, 2018…Matthew Bluette, AIA, ACHA, AICP, NCARB, LEED AP, Associate at JACAArchitects ( www.jacaarchitects.com), one of New England’s premier healthcare-exclusive architectural firms, recently presented at the 2018 New England Healthcare Engineers’ Society (NEHES) Spring Seminar, held Friday, April 6, in Leominster. Bluette was part of an experienced team of presenters who led the session “2012 Life Safety Code – Staying in Compliance with the New Rules,” in support of the seminar’s overall theme: “Maintaining Compliance: Balancing Increased Regulations and Decreased Budgets.”

In this session, a thorough review of the code was presented, including actual cases where hospitals faced challenges understanding the code and achieving compliance. New projects and existing nonconforming conditions were also reviewed.

Bluette presented some of JACA Architects’ recent project experiences and regulatory challenges, including how compliance was obtained. Case studies included a multi-floor and building-phased renovation project at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, a fit-out project at BIDH-Plymouth, and a building addition for a hybrid operating room.

Bluette was joined in the session by Peter Leszczak of PSL Engineering, a fire protection engineer with more than 25 years of experience in health care; and Philip Jose, PE CSP, owner of Private Code Consulting Company, who provided an understanding of how to approach a project and offer the AHJ view on projects. Attendees were offered a thorough understanding of how the separated approach to code compliance can save money, a clear and concise review of the new and expanded healthcare suite options now available to hospitals, an explanation and review of controversial changes in the new JC/CMS requirements, and a review of changes related to hospital projects in NFPA 2012.

“Matt has great information to share as a result of an abundance of experience working on a wide range of healthcare projects,” said Tony Cavallaro, president of JACA Architects. “We are always looking for opportunities to share our knowledge with our clients and colleagues in the industry, and we are grateful to the NEHES for offering Matt this occasion.”

About JACA Architects

JACA Architects is a 24-employee healthcare architectural firm founded in 1991 by Anthony Cavallaro, AIA, who serves as the company’s president and Chief Executive Officer. JACA focuses its practice exclusively in the field of healthcare and medical design. JACA’s design work can be seen in many healthcare facilities throughout the region. A partial list of clients includes Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Lahey Health, Southcoast Health, and Cape Cod Healthcare. The firm’s design expertise includes operating rooms, clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and all aspects of healthcare design. JACA maintains offices at 9 Billings Road, North Quincy, MA. For additional information on the firm, please visit www.jacaarchitects.com or call (617) 769-6300.