Building Safer Spaces: Integrated Door Systems and Code Compliance

About the Sponsor

Total Door Systems is the global leader in fully integrated door systems that provide unparalleled security, unmatched reliability, and respect for the integrity of the architect’s vision with a nearly infinite selection of design options. With all parts engineered, manufactured and assembled from Total Door Systems’ award-winning Waterford, Michigan plant, our integrated door systems arrive complete with fewer parts for streamlined installation, and savings to you in additional buildout and labor costs. Our driving philosophy is the pursuit of perfection. We have built our processes and service around integrity, efficiency, sustainability, and world-class service. Total Doors are the only integrated door systems with all parts and hardware engineered and manufactured to work together in a seamless, unified way to provide peerless beauty, functionality, and life safety features. Total Door integrated door systems can accommodate nearly any design face, veneer or architectural metal finish. The only limitation is your imagination.

Total Door Systems

Monday, July 14, 2025 • Season 1, Episode 6

The SPC Alliance Podcast Series

This course explores the evolution and benefits of integrated door systems in modern architecture, emphasizing their role in enhancing building design, occupant safety, and code compliance. Design professionals will gain insights into how these systems support project efficiency, life safety strategies, and seamless architectural integration. Topics include fire-rated assemblies, smoke containment, and collaboration between architects and manufacturers for integrated door systems. Participants will also examine the regulatory standards, documentation, and certifications necessary for effective specification and inspection for an informed design process.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the key distinctions between traditional and integrated door systems and explain how integrated solutions contribute to both the visual cohesion and functional design of a building.
Evaluate the life safety roles of fire-rated and smoke-containment door systems, and apply relevant building codes and standards, such as BHMA A156.32, to the design and specification process.
Apply strategies for early collaboration between design professionals and manufacturers to minimize errors, enhance project efficiency, and ensure code-compliant installation and performance.
Assess how integrated door systems accommodate emerging technologies, and adapt to retrofit applications while maintaining safety, accessibility, and long-term performance.

Professions:

Architecture

Design Category:

(08) Doors, Windows and Openings

Podcast Host:

Megan Vipond

With a Master’s degree in Architecture, Megan has a unique blend of technical expertise and practical experience. She has a foundation in architectural design and an understanding of both design and construction processes, honed through years of hands-on project coordination and fostering on-site relationships. Currently, as a Specification Consultant, she works closely with architects to introduce innovative new products and navigate the latest advancements in the industry.

Podcast Guest(s):

Candace Kitchen

Candace is the primary presenter and educator for Total Door integrated door systems, life safety and building code courses. She has more than four years’ experience in working with architects, engineers, hotels, fire safety personnel and others to ensure that they have the latest information on life safety building codes and product options to ensure compliance. Candace is a central part of Total Door Systems’ customer service team and helps each customer with her characteristic high energy and positivity.

Patricia Yulkowski

Patricia Yulkowski is second-generation President and CEO to the privately held, American-owned and operated Total Door Systems. Yulkowski has created a culture of continuous improvement at Total Door that ensures constant evaluation and innovation around the components included in the door systems, as well as the invention of new technologies and system enhancements that add to TDS’ status as the global leader of integrated access technologies.

Applicable Credits

AAA

Structured Learning Hour