ICC Members: The individuals behind codes and safety — Dick Bower

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 Dick Bower 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.

Dick Bower
Owner/Principal Consultant
Bower Associates Consulting
Port Orchard, Washington
International Code Council member for 34 years
WABO Chapter

BSJ: What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession in building safety?
Bower: After college and a few years in business I became involved in the fire service, eventually becoming a fire marshal and fire chief. After seeing firsthand the trauma that a fire, flood, or other destructive events have on citizens and communities I developed an affinity for building and fire safety. Over the course of the next 30+ years I worked as a fire marshal, building official, and emergency manager for municipal departments on the west coast (I’ve been a chief building official for cities in Alaska, Washington, and California).

BSJ: What three things do you need to be successful in this industry and in your profession?
Bower: One, curiosity that drives you to learn technical code info. as well as effective administrative and leadership skills. Second,the ability to collaborate with colleagues and customers to solve knotty problems. Thirdly, the emotional maturity that allows one to enjoy successes when they come and to mitigate challenges that naturally come with regulatory responsibilities and the associated politics.

BSJ: What role have mentors, advisors or your network played in your career?
Bower: Mentors and my network have been essential to any successes I’ve had over my career. As a member, officer and director in WABO, and a long-standing ICC member, I developed enduring relationships with colleagues and allied professionals in the building industry. Those relationships allowed me to grow and improve my professional skills; to exercise my leadership abilities, and to be a better informed and capable building safety professional.

BSJ: What led you to become an ICC member?
Bower: Early in my career I became an ICBO and WFCA member as a governmental “voting” member because I wanted to learn how the codes I was enforcing were developed and to have at least a small hand in that development. Those same objectives have motivated me to continue membership in the ICC since it’s start. Since retiring from public service in 2020, I’ve continued my ICC and WABO chapter memberships to continue to inform my work as a consultant.

BSJ: Are you involved in any ICC committees or councils? Do you have any ICC certifications?
Bower: I was involved as a subject matter expert on the development of the ICC/ANCR Resilience Benchmark for Buildings. As a chapter member I’ve been involved in a number of ICC and chapter level initiatives. I currently hold nine ICC certifications including CBO, CFM, Building Inspector, and Plans Examiner.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Bower: 38 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Bower: The creation of the ICC from the former code bodies was an important leap forward in consistent building safety regulation in the U.S. and around the world.

The growing complexity of building construction technology and the influence of social and environmental causes on code development (think energy, IAQ, WUI, Solar) has greatly expanded the codes and the expertise required to administer them. This has resulted in numerous new certifications and areas of study for building safety staff.

Rapid advancements in information technology have also had a significant impact on building department administration. Codes are now available for anyone’s viewing anywhere a smartphone has service. Customers can apply for permits online without a trip to the permit counter. Plans are reviewed and comments/corrections exchanged electronically resulting in virtual permit approvals and in some cases issuance. And recently, virtual inspections have become more mainstream. Technological advancements now provide easy access to online training and certification testing, improving access to professional development and credentialling even for building safety professionals in remote and rural locations.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Bower: In general, it’s the industry’s resilience and adaptability. Over my career, I’ve seen industry booms in residential and commercial construction (at times, happening concurrently!). I’ve also experienced the industry’s busts resulting from economic downturns and supply chain challenges. When the industry has taken its lumps, it’s always come back stronger and wiser for the future.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Bower: The most valuable tool in your toolbox is the network of colleagues and peers you can develop through involvement and engagement in organizations such as ICC (and local chapters), NFPA, IAPMO, and other industry leaders.

BSJ: What do you see as most surprising about the work that you do?
Bower: The sense of fulfillment and accomplishment I’ve gotten from the simple act of ensuring that my neighbors, and the community in general, are safer and better served by the built environment they occupy.

BSJ: What would you like to do next in your professional/personal life?
Bower: Exactly what I’m doing. Since retirement from public service, I’ve been sharing my knowledge and experience as a consultant to government and private sector organizations. I’ve also expanded my involvement in professional development by serving as an instructor for technical code, building department administration, and leadership courses, including the WA Assn. of Building Officials Code Official Accreditation Program.

BSJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
Bower: Spending time with family and friends, especially during outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, snowshoeing, and beachcombing.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be?
Bower: Where Am I… And How’d I Get Here? One Person’s Journey from Alaskan Commercial Fisherman to West Coast Building Safety Leader.

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.