Code Council member Helen Kessler DiFate

International Code Council member Helen Kessler DiFate: Shaping the safety of the world around us

Code professionals ensure building safety today, for a stronger tomorrow. As the individuals behind modern codes and standards, these professionals are responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of codes and standards, shaping the safety of the world around us, and serve as the safety foundation for our buildings. They don’t just ensure that buildings are constructed to withstand the stress of everyday use, they are behind the security and stability of every building. They specialize in preventative measures to help communities weather unforeseen natural disasters and ensure that first responders have less to worry about and can do their jobs safely. Code professionals are an essential piece in the building and construction puzzle and are engaged in the building process from the initial building plan to the finished product.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association with over 64,000 members dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. They protect the public through their commitment to building safety; enforce code compliance to empower and educate stakeholders across the built environment to embrace and integrate safety standards in their work; support economic development by making our buildings sturdier, and therefore longer lasting. Their knowledge, skills, and abilities impact every building, in every community.

The Code Council recognizes the importance of continuing to grow awareness of the important work that code professionals do and the impact they have, in the hopes of encouraging aspiring building safety professionals to join in on the building safety movement. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Helen Kessler DiFate to share her experience in the industry, highlights of her professional career, and any insights or advice she has concerning the industry and the future of building safety.

Helen Kessler DiFate
President
DiFate Group PC
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
International Code Council member for 16 years
St. Louis Professional Chapter

BSJ: What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession in building safety?
DiFate: I always liked art and math and decided that architecture was where I could combine them… I would be an architect! Buildings fascinated me. Realizing the challenge ahead, I started on my path… Math and Physics, Fordham University, NYC; a B.A. (Art Major), College of New Rochelle, NY; a B.Architecture, Cooper Union, NYC; the required work experience; and, the Architect Registration Examination. I passed and became an architect! To this day, buildings and the responsibility for safety continue to engage me.

BSJ: What three things do you need to be successful in this industry and in your profession?
DiFate: Success requires a curiosity to learn, a commitment to doing your best, and an ability to work with others.

BSJ: What role have mentors, advisors or your network played in your career?
DiFate: Although no one officially assumed the role, many have encouraged and supported me along the way. My father was the first to do so… his friends asked why he was letting me pursue architecture and he responded that it was what I wanted to do… a true vote of confidence!

BSJ: What led you to become an ICC member?
DiFate: An interesting discussion topic brought me to my first chapter meeting. The discussion was continued to the next meeting… so I returned. One meeting led to another. The President was William Stewart, FAIA, PE, Honorable ICC. I realized that I could learn and I could contribute; I could make a difference. Bill encouraged me to become an ICC member and get involved. I did.

BSJ: Are you involved in any ICC committees or councils? Do you have any ICC certifications?
DiFate: I have been a member of the IRC-B Code Development Committee for the 2009, 2012 and 2015 I-Codes and chaired the IECC-RE Code Development Committee for the 2018 I-Codes. I am an alternate for the Administrative Code Development Committee for the 2024 I-Codes. Also, I am currently President of the St. Louis Professional Chapter of ICC and Secretary of the Missouri Association of Building & Fire Officials, our ICC State Chapter.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
DiFate: Forty-plus years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
DiFate: Many! The use of technology has become standard practice! Robots can lay brick. 3-D printing can provide building components.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
DiFate: The constant evolution and change are exciting and challenging. We are developing new ways to make our buildings safer. Rapid communication allows us to quickly share knowledge globally… learning from each other.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
DiFate: Get involved… contribute!

BSJ: What do you see as most surprising about the work that you do?
DiFate: It always surprises me when others are in awe of what I do.

BSJ: What would you like to do next in your professional/personal life?
DiFate: I would like to continue to give back both in my professional and in my personal life.

BSJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
DiFate: I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I enjoy people! I rarely miss working out… weight training, pilates and cycling class re-focus and energize me.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be?
DiFate: “HKD: A Work in Progress”

There’s a world of opportunity in being a member of the International Code Council. Membership provides the tools to get the most out of each workday: from discounts on essential International Codes and other publications to the best prices on top-quality training and ICC certification renewals, Code Council membership helps budgets go further. Exclusive member benefits include code advice from expert technical staff as well as access to member-exclusive news and articles at the Building Safety Journal news portal. Plus, only Code Council members vote in the ICC code development process. An online Career Center allows job postings and searches for new job opportunities — all at no additional charge.

The Code Council offers numerous councils, committees, and resources to help code professionals grow and network with colleagues. Six discipline-specific Membership Councils offer members a place to come together and be a more powerful force in shaping your association, your industry, your career, and your future. Code Development Committees are an instrumental part of the ICC code development process and are responsible for the review and evaluation of code change proposals submitted to the International Codes. Professional Development Committees serve to better align the ICC education programs and certification programs to ensure that quality training is available to meet the needs of all members, customers and certification holders. Finally, the Value of the Code Official toolkit helps members to heighten awareness of the importance of code officials to their communities and to highlight the code official’s role as a helpful advocate for community safety, health and welfare, and economic development.

To learn more about ICC membership, click here, or contact ICC Member Services by email or 888-ICC-SAFE (888-422-7233) ext. 33804.