David R. Emler
B.Sc., ICC CBPE, ICC CFPE

Vice President - Codes and Permitting

Biography

David Emler has been actively involved in the A/E/C community in San Antonio for over fifteen years. He began his career with PDI in 1998 performing fire flow tests and conducting building and fire code reviews. Through these experiences, he built a relationship with the City of San Antonio and began assisting clients with the permitting process. In 2004, he began working for an architectural firm and used this experience to gain experience in Unified Development Code issues and expand his knowledge of permitting outside the City of San Antonio. Mr. Emler, returning to PDI in late 2013, has taken charge of PDI’s permitting and code consulting services focusing on client relationships, geographically expanding our reach, and increasing our value to the project team. He regularly participates in San Antonio Real Estate Council’s Development Process Task Force to stay informed of the City of San Antonio’s procedures and, as a consultant, to recommend improvements to the overall process.   Mr. Emler’s clients rely heavily on his relationship with the City of San Antonio, as well as his knowledge of building and fire codes.

Mr. Emler has a thorough understanding of the intricate relationship between the code provisions and how seemingly minor design changes can affect the overall life safety of a structure. He has performed countless code reviews using Uniform and International Codes as well as NFPA standards. Mr. Emler regularly compares the provisions of the IBC/IFC and NFPA 101 to determine the appropriate level of compliance for facilities. He also has experience in developing variances through alternative materials and methods requests. Mr. Emler has the ability to review project plans and documents and provide direct, substantive guidance to the project team while focusing on the Owner’s project goals.

As a project manager, he is responsive and dedicated to the successful completion of each project. Mr. Emler is exceptionally skilled at managing multiple deadlines and consultants. He understands the workings of a design team and believes that regular and clear communication is the key to success. He is hands-on with each of the projects under his supervision and diligently maintains each project schedule and budget.

David R. Emler (pdf)