The 2026 Connecticut State Building Code is scheduled to take effect next year, introducing significant changes that will impact how architects design, document, and execute projects across the state. This half-day session—led by Omarys Vasquez, AIA, State Building Inspector for the State of Connecticut, along with Peter Zvingilas, Director of Regulatory Compliance and Mike Fuschi, Construction Services Supervisor, will provide a comprehensive overview of the most critical updates and offer early guidance to help the design community prepare for implementation.

Through a series of presentations and discussions, our presenters will cover:
  • The Connecticut code adoption process, including how updates are developed, reviewed, and approved.
  • The most impactful revisions to the newly adopted codes—what’s changed, what’s new, and how these changes affect practice.
  • The motivations behind the updates, including advances in life safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
  • A review of recent state legislation influencing code development and how laws and codes interact during implementation.
 
With Connecticut’s next code cycle already in motion, this program provides a valuable opportunity for architects to get ahead of the changes and gain clarity on how the 2026 code will be applied across project types.
  1. Describe the Connecticut building code adoption process, including how updates are initiated, reviewed, and approved, and explain how the timing and structure of this process influence the implementation of safety- and welfare-driven code changes.
  2. Identify and interpret the most significant updates in the 2026 Connecticut State Building Code, focusing on how new or revised provisions improve safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and environmental resilience in the built environment.
  3. Explain how recent building code revisions align with broader goals of public welfare, including occupant safety, universal accessibility, sustainable energy use, and climate-responsive design strategies.
  4. Evaluate the impact of recent Connecticut state legislation on building codes and architectural practice, highlighting how legal developments shape professional responsibilities and promote safer, more sustainable, and inclusive communities.

Approved for 4 AIA HSW Credits 
Approved for 4 OEDM Continuing Education Credits

Picture of Omarys Vasquez, AIA, NOMA

Omarys Vasquez, AIA, NOMA

Connecticut State Building Inspector

Omarys is a licensed architect with 19 years of experience and currently serves as the Connecticut State Building Inspector, a role she has held since 2022. In this position, she oversees the development and enforcement of state building codes, provides official interpretations and modifications to the code, and supports local officials, design professionals, contractors, and the public with code-related guidance. She also leads the team responsible for plan reviews and inspections of state-owned buildings and oversees the Bureau of Elevators and the Bureau of Boilers, which conduct inspections across the state.

Before her appointment, Omarys was an Associate and Project Manager at several architectural firms, contributing to projects across healthcare, academic, commercial, multi-family, and transportation sectors. She is also a dedicated advocate for equity in the profession, serving as Past President of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAct) and as a member of the University of Hartford’s Department of Architecture Advisory Board.

Picture of Peter Zvingilas

Peter Zvingilas

Assistant Director of Regulatory Compliance, State of Connecticut, Office of the State Building Inspector

Peter has over 20 years of experience as a building official. In his role as Director of Regulatory Compliance, he oversees the State Building Inspector’s Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Department, and the Office of Education and Data Management, ensuring that these critical divisions work in alignment with state regulations and safety standards. Peters extensive experience as a building official has given him a deep understanding of code enforcement, public safety, and regulatory oversight. Prior to this, Peter spent over two decades as a contractor, gaining valuable hands-on knowledge of industry practices. This unique blend of practical and regulatory experience enables him to effectively guide compliance efforts across the state, bridging the gap between construction, safety enforcement, and education.

Picture of Michael Fuschi

Michael Fuschi

Construction Services Supervisor at Office of the State Building Inspector

Michael is an accomplished professional in the field of building inspection and construction services, currently serving as the Construction Services Supervisor at the Office of the State of Connecticut Building Inspector. With decades of experience in the industry, he holds licenses as an Unlimited Contractor in HVAC (S1, SM1) and Plumbing (P1).

Michael began his career working for various HVAC contractors from 1990 to 1997, gaining hands-on expertise in the trade. In 1997, he joined the City of Hartford, where he spent the next 20 years as the appointed Building Official under three different mayors, later rising to the position of Deputy Director for 1.5 years. During his tenure, he managed the city's building department, overseeing the processing of 5,000 to 6,000 permits annually while supervising a team of 9 Assistant Building Officials, 2 Plan Review Technicians, and 5 administrative staff. His leadership played a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and integrity of Hartford’s building regulations.

After retiring from the City of Hartford in December 2017, Michael transitioned to the OSBI in February 2018, where he took on the role of Construction Services Building Official, inspecting state projects to ensure compliance with regulations. His expertise and dedication led to his promotion in September 2021 to Construction Services Building Official Supervisor, where he currently oversees a team of 7 CSBO Inspectors. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Michael continues to contribute to the field of building inspection and construction services, ensuring high standards and regulatory compliance across Connecticut's state projects.

Preliminary (Subject to Change)
  • 10:00am-10:30am: Registration
  • 10:30am-12:30pm: Session 1 | International Building Code (IBC) Updates (Presenter: Omarys Vasquez)
  • 12:30pm-1:30pm: Networking Lunch 
  • 1:30pm-2:30pm: Session 2 | International  Residential Code (IRC) (Presenter: Peter Zvingilas)
  • 2:30pm-2:45pm: Break
  • 2:45pm-3:45pm: Session 3 | Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Codes (MEP) and Legislative Updates (Presenter: Michael Fushi)

Registration closes July 18th or when we sell out, whichever comes first.
Ticket Pricing:

  • AIA CT Architect/Senior Associate AIA/Allied Members: $150.00
  • AIA Member – Other Chapter: $150.00
  • CBOA Member/Building Official/Fire Official: $150.00
  • Associate AIA CT: $75.00 
  • Building Performance & Regulations Preferred Pass Holders: $75.00
  • Non-Member: $300.00

Inspiration Sponsor

Empowerment Sponsors

LOGO

DATE:
Thursday, July 24
10:30AM – 3:45PM

LOCATION:
Courtyard by Marriott
4 Sebethe Drive, Cromwell, CT
Sponsor by July 10, 2025
Register by July 17, 2025
Disclaimer: Please note that AIA Connecticut has an In-Person Visitor and Event Attendance Policy that you should review prior to the event.
Please notify the AIA Connecticut Staff Events Team of any cancellation or substitution. Refunds are only available two weeks prior to the event (July 10, 2025). Any cancellations after July 10 will not be given a refund. Team member substitution will only be allowed up until July 17, 2025.
AIA Connecticut reserves the right to amend, modify, or otherwise revise the Refund/Cancellation and the Disclaimer policy in accordance with applicable federal or state guidelines.