Building codes are among the most complex technical and legal documents used in the construction industry. Requirements are often spread across multiple sections, referenced standards, appendices, and interpretations, making code research both time-consuming and difficult.

Building Code-Pilot was created to address these challenges.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools, Building Code-Pilot was developed specifically for architects, engineers, code consultants, builders, developers, and authorities having jurisdiction. It was designed by Barry Qiu, one of the industry’s leading building code consultants, with the goal of making building codes easier to understand, navigate, and apply in practice.

Reliable and Verifiable Answers

Building Code-Pilot was designed with a strong emphasis on reliability by incorporating:

• Direct code references
• Hyperlinks to original source documents
• Supplementary interpretations and appeal decisions
• Proprietary retrieval methods to identify related code requirements

Rather than simply answering questions, Building Code-Pilot helps users locate connected requirements and understand the broader context behind a code provision.

The platform is also designed to understand common industry terminology, abbreviations, and shorthand that may not appear directly within the code text, allowing professionals to search naturally.

Canadian Code Coverage

Building Code-Pilot currently includes:

• National Building Code of Canada
• British Columbia Building Code
• Alberta Building Code
• Vancouver Building By-law
• National Building Code with Saskatchewan Amendments
• National Building Code with Manitoba Amendments

To provide additional context, the platform also integrates:

British Columbia

• Building Code Appeals decisions
• BC Building Code Interpretations

Alberta

• STANDATA interpretations
• STANDATA variances

Integrated Building Code Tools

Building Code-Pilot also includes a growing collection of free tools, including:

• Washroom calculations
• Spatial separation calculations
• Rated assembly search
• Article 3.2.2 construction tools

Looking Ahead

Building Code-Pilot is only the first step in a much larger vision.

The next stage is to integrate the platform with a drawing review system capable of understanding both building code requirements and architectural drawings. Future capabilities being explored include understanding floor plans, elevations, and sections, while making references to specific locations directly on drawings.

The long-term objective is to connect written code requirements directly with the drawings used to implement them.

Building Code-Pilot is the foundation for that future.

Less time searching. More time applying professional judgment.