Jack Keays

Principal Founder of Vortex Fire Consulting Canada @Vortex Fire

CA

I am the founder of Vortex Fire Consulting Canada, a fire engineering and building code consulting practice that works with architects, developers, and design teams to solve complex fire and life safety challenges. For nearly two decades I have advised on projects across Canada, Singapore, and the Middle East, helping teams navigate building code requirements and develop practical strategies for approval. Much of my work focuses on projects where the path through the code is not straightforward. Large mixed use developments, transit infrastructure, industrial facilities, and emerging construction methods such as mass timber. In these situations the role of the fire engineer is not simply to quote the code. It is to understand the intent behind it and develop defensible strategies that allow innovative designs to move forward while maintaining a a high standard of life safety. Through Vortex, my team and I support projects from early concept through construction, providing building code consulting, alternative solutions, fire engineering analysis, and coordination with authorities having jurisdiction. I am also particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can improve the practice of engineering consulting. At Vortex we actively explore how AI tools can assist with reviewing drawings, interpreting codes and standards, improving reporting workflows, and helping engineers focus more time on high value problem solving. In addition to consulting, I regularly present on emerging building code issues and industry developments, particularly where evolving building methods and regulatory frameworks intersect. Our goal is simple. Help design teams navigate complexity, obtain approvals efficiently, and deliver buildings that are both innovative and safe.

Ulster University

MSc, Fire Safety Engineering

University of Limerick

BSc, Manufacturing Systems