Karl Aittaniemi is the director of standards at the International Code Council. He is involved with the development of new Code Council standards while overseeing technical staff in their roles supporting the development of new and existing ICC standards. Karl joined the Code Council in 2018.

Aittaniemi holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in addition to an MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts). He also has a Certificate of Graduate Study in fire protection engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is a licensed professional engineer in several states.

Aittaniemi has an extensive professional background in fire protection product evaluation and has managed fire protection investigation projects in accordance with nationally and internationally recognized model codes and standards. He has conducted numerous full-scale and small-scale regulatory fire tests in laboratory environments to evaluate fire protection systems, and discrete building material products to determine suitability for intended use and to explain cause of failure.

Aittaniemi has experience in mechanical and fire protection engineering in the nuclear power and utility industry. He has been involved in mechanical system modification projects for existing nuclear power plants and risk mitigation for beyond design basis scenarios.

Aittaniemi’s most recent experience has been in conducting forensic investigations and preparing professional opinions for the insurance industry and legal profession as an expert witness including testimony under oath.

Licensed Professional Engineer – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, Maryland, Nevada, District of Columbia, Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts.

Professional Member: Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Member: National Fire Protection Association