Lerch Bates, an international consulting firm for vertical transportation, façade access and materials management, announced that industry veteran Jay A. Popp has been selected as a committee member of the Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings (CCHRB). CCHRB is a not-for-profit organization founded to investigate problems or enhancements, support research and disseminate information for economic design, construction, operation and rehabilitation of high-rise buildings.

Lerch Bates Executive Vice President, International, Jay A. Popp began working for the firm in 1977. His extensive experience in elevator consulting has included roles in engineering, architectural coordination and consulting on projects throughout the world. Jay has extensive experience in tall, supertall and megatall buildings, mixed-use projects and with dozens of stadiums and arenas. He is currently involved with major supertall projects throughout China, Asia, Russia, Turkey and the Middle East. He is currently an active member of the ASME A 17.1 International Standards Code Committee and National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) and is the sitting president of the International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC).

“I am so pleased to have been chosen as a committee member of The Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings,” said Popp. “As buildings around the globe grow taller and taller, it is imperative that research as well as our knowledge of all aspects of safety and design are disseminated internationally to those involved in the building industry.”

CCHRB consists of about 80 members including architects, engineers (structural, geo-technical, M/P/FP/E and others), specialty consultants (elevator, acoustics, fire protection/life safety, cladding and others), building owners, building managers, general contractors, specialty contractors, representatives of professional organizations and members of the legal profession. CCHRB was formally established in 1970, reportedly making it the first organization in the world to specifically advance the knowledge of high-rise buildings.