Consulting / Advisory Expertise

Code, accessibility, and senior living — aligned from day one.

Steven H. Ruiz, AIA, NCARB provides high-level advisory services to owners, developers, operators, and design teams focused on building codes, accessibility, and senior living environments. As Architect of Record for over 400 projects, his work integrates building codes, life safety requirements, accessibility standards, and the Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) to align design, operations, and licensing.

Multi-Family Code & Development Strategy

Advisory services focused on building code strategy, accessibility, and development optimization for multi-family residential projects — from low-rise to high-rise, market-rate to affordable housing with funding-driven accessibility requirements. This service supports the design team through strategic code analysis.

Red-brick multi-family building with a rounded corner and ground-floor retail — Multi-family & mixed-use — construction type, height, area, and podium strategy drive density, cost, and feasibility.

Accessibility & Funding Integration

Projects may be subject to ADA, FHA, UFAS, and ICC A117.1 depending on jurisdiction and funding sources, which directly influence unit layouts, circulation, and site design. In affordable housing, particular attention must be given to financing programs such as HUD 221(d)(4) and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Early coordination is essential to ensure compliance, avoid redesign, and maintain project efficiency.

Where Value is Delivered

Early determination during due diligence of construction type, height, and area strategy
Optimization of density and yield within code constraints
Integration of mixed-use and podium configurations
Identification of opportunities for cost-effective structural systems
Alignment of code decisions with development and financial goals
Coordination of accessibility requirements across funding sources

Podium, Mixed-Use, & Construction Type

Type I podium with Type III or V construction above
Integration of parking and retail uses
Increased height and density through code strategy
Horizontal separation requirements
Combustible vs. non-combustible construction trade-offs
Strategic use of firewalls to increase allowable building area — balanced against structural, fire-protection, and cost implications

The approach

Through early evaluation of these systems, I provide strategic guidance that reduces redesign risk, supports accurate budgeting and scheduling, and aligns code decisions with overall development objectives — integrating cost, constructibility, and leasing considerations into the building strategy.

Experience

Licensed in 25+ states (some may require re-authorization)

Architect of Record for 400+ projects nationwide and in Canada

Over 40 years specializing in building codes and senior living environments

Advisor on projects throughout the U.S. and internationally

Recognized resource for developers, operators, architects, and code officials

Get in touch

To discuss a project or learn more about these services, contact Access Green Design Group.

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