ICC Members: Shaping the safety of the world around us — Paul DeBaggis

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 Paul DeBaggis to share his experience in the industry, highlights of his professional career, and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry and the future of building safety.

Paul DeBaggis
Local Inspector
Building Department
Easton, Massachusetts, United States
International Code Council member for five years
SEMBOA Chapter

BSJ: What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession in building safety?
DeBaggis: I built multi-family dwellings throughout the 1960s. An assistant building inspector’s job opened in my hometown in 1969. I took the exam and was first on the list. I’ve been doing the work since then.

BSJ: What three things do you need to be successful in this industry and in your profession?
DeBaggis: Determination, patience and a brain.

BSJ: What role have mentors, advisors or your network played in your career?
DeBaggis: Good role models guided me in the early days. For the past 25 years, I have sought out and listened to several top-tier experts in various aspects of codes and construction.

BSJ: What led you to become an ICC member?
DeBaggis: The quest for uniformity and excellence.

BSJ: Are you involved in any ICC committees or councils? Do you have any ICC certifications?
DeBaggis: No, however, I do write stories for the Building Safety Journal.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
DeBaggis: 60 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
DeBaggis: State codes have replaced local, bringing some sanity to inspection work. ICC has standardized many codes, improving national conformity. Wood trusses, CLT, post-tensioned concrete, other engineered lumber, drywall & plaster vs. rock lath. Power equipment and tools, energy conservation, ADA regulations, general advances in all products.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
DeBaggis: The opportunity for further new products and improvement of the old, with an eye toward increased quality.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
DeBaggis: In a single word, read. Overall, don’t be satisfied with quick and easy answers. Generally, the deeper one probes, the more he or she learns.

BSJ: What do you see as most surprising about the work that you do?
DeBaggis: As of this late date, people lack much knowledge of the importance of our work.

BSJ: What would you like to do next in your professional/personal life?
DeBaggis: Complete my book.

BSJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
DeBaggis: Tennis and basketball with my grandsons. Writing. Local affairs.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be?
DeBaggis: I really do not know. Maybe “Man of Many Contrasts.”

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.