Carl F. Baldassarra

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