The Row at Red Hill: An Award-Winning Design Protected with Integrated Fire Doors + Smoke Curtains

Some projects are big. Some projects are beautiful.

And then there are projects like The Row at Red Hill, massive, design-forward, amenity-loaded, and already earning major industry recognition.

Located at the Santa Ana/Tustin gateway, this mixed-use destination spans 14.7 acres and is home to 1,100 apartments and 80,000 SF of retail, a true neighborhood-scale development built around plazas, paseos, and daily walkability. It’s also been reported as one of Greystar’s largest projects to date.

Southwest view from Redhill at the intersection of Warner in Santa Ana, CA

A design you feel the moment you arrive.

AO’s concept, “Connecting Santa Ana’s industrial heritage with 21st century urban tech”, comes through in the bold, modern industrial character and highly curated “district” energy. Layered facades, brick + steel expression, and a pedestrian-first plan make it feel like an actual place, not just a collection of buildings.

Northwerst view from Redhill Santa Ana, CA

Amenities that are legitimately next-level

The Row doesn’t just check the amenity box; it makes amenities part of the identity:

Roof Top lounge at The ROW

Multiple rooftop amenity decks with saltwater pools and spas, plus cabanas, fire pits, and indoor-outdoor community rooms

Relax by the Fire Pit, Work or Play, Your Call.

Lap Pool

Every pool has its own unique layout and rivals luxury hotels.

Relax and Chill

A 15,000 SF fitness + wellness center designed for real lifestyle programming

Take the elevator straight to the gym!

A walkable master plan anchored by Market Hall, a central plaza, and grand paseos that link retail, neighborhoods, and gathering areas.

Nothing common about this space!

The awards shelf is already stacked.

The Row at Red Hill has been recognized across multiple top programs, including:
MFE Awards – Grand Award, Mid-Rise Category
Gold Nugget Awards – Grand Award, Multifamily Community of the Year
Gold Nugget Awards – Grand Award, Best Multifamily Housing Community – 60-100 du/ac
AIA OC Design Awards – Honor Award, Multifamily/Mixed-Use
NAHB Best in American Living – On-the-Boards Multifamily Project
NAHB Best in American Living – On-the-Boards Community
Gold Nugget Grand Award- Best On-the-Boards Mixed-Use Project
Gold Nugget Merit Award- Best On-the-Boards Multifamily Community
www.aoarchitects.com/news/

Photo Courtesy of AO Architects

Wrap Apartments = Complex Circulation = Openings That Must Perform.

All of the buildings at The Row are wrap apartments, meaning the residences wrap around structured parking. AO notes four wrapped residential buildings anchored by multi-story parking structures (Type IB), totaling 2,455 parking stalls.

Award Winning Elevator Design

That wrap condition creates an incredible resident experience-but it also makes elevator and corridor circulation “mission critical.” The doors and smoke containment strategy have to support:

high daily traffic
clear, welcoming design
code-compliant fire and smoke protection
durable, low-maintenance operation for the long haul

That’s exactly where Door Systems solutions came in.

Syntegra Integrated Fire Doors – 3HR rating with Panic Hardware

Syntégra™ at The Row: Integrated Hold-Open Fire + Smoke Doors Where People Live

Door Systems provided Hold Open Fire Doors by Syntegra in the corridors, lobbies, and horizontal exits, including openings requiring access control.

XT Panic Hardware – Syntegra

Smoke-Fire Separation

Syntégra also played a key role in the elevators inside the apartment buildings

PX Push Pad – Syntegra

CBC 3006.3 Item #3, Additional Door

Cross-corridors: XT Panic Bars for egress + fire & smoke compartmentation

The cross-corridor openings at The Row use XT Panic Bars (XT Series flush exit device openings), delivering the “no compromise” mix of egress safety + design-forward aesthetics.

Cross Corridoor – Syntegra

XT Series is a champion in areas of separation—cross-corridor applications — while maintaining a near-flush profile that helps preserve clean lines and a clear opening width.

Horizontal Fire Exit- Syntegra

Why integrated door systems matter on projects like this

Syntégra is designed as a complete integrated door, frame, and hardware package, factory-assembled so the components are engineered to work together. That approach is built to reduce moving parts, improve reliability, and simplify installation/coordination on complex, high-cycle openings.

Parking structure elevators: DSI‑600 protecting garage elevators with hold-open smoke curtains

While Syntégra protected the apartment building elevators with hold-open smoke doors, the garage elevators were protected with Door Systems’ DSI‑600 Elevator Smoke Containment System® smoke curtain solution, designed to remain visually quiet until needed.

The DSI‑600 is designed as a cost-effective, architecturally pleasing elevator smoke protection solution, and it’s also fire-rated. Door Systems notes UL 10D fire protection curtain labeling (multiple ratings), UL 1784 smoke migration “S” label, ICC‑ESR #4761 (AC77), gravity fail-safe closing (no power required), compact headbox requirements, and a concealed “virtually invisible” retracted appearance.

On a wrap project, where parking structure circulation is part of everyday life, this is a simple way to protect elevator openings without compromising the architecture.

DSI-600 Elevator Smoke Curtain

Project Team Shout-Out

A huge congratulations to the team behind this standout development:

Developer: Greystar
Designed by: AO (Design Architect / Architect of Record / Planner)
Interiors: Parisi Portfolio
Civil: Fuscoe Engineering, Inc.
Landscape: MJS Landscape Architecture

Closing

The Row at Red Hill is the kind of project that proves what’s possible when design ambition and life-safety performance are treated as equally important.

From award-winning place making to integrated hold-open fire + smoke protection, we’re proud that Door Systems solutions are part of what keeps this community moving safely, beautifully, and reliably.

Northeast view facing the Tustin Hangers- 2023

Northeast view facing the Tustin Hangers- 2026

News

Door Systems & HomeAid – Partnership

This holiday season, Door Systems proudly partnered with HomeAid Orange County | Los Angeles to support their annual #Holiday #FoodDrive, an initiative dedicated to providing essential food resources to individuals and families facing food insecurity across our communities.

Through this partnership, Door Systems joins businesses, volunteers, and community leaders who share a goal of ensuring neighbors in need have access to nourishing meals during the holiday season. homeaidocla.org

DSI Team

Supporting Essential Needs

The Holiday Food Drive focuses on collecting non-perishable food items that help families and individuals prepare meals with dignity and consistency. Donations include pantry staples such as canned goods, pasta, rice, sauces, nut butters, and seasonal meal items.

These contributions are distributed through HomeAid’s network of local nonprofit partners, supporting individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Food Drive Donations

Coming Together Through Community Service

Door Systems team members actively participate in food collection and drop-off efforts, working alongside HomeAid volunteers to support this meaningful cause. This hands-on involvement reflects our belief that strong communities are built through action, collaboration, and care.

18-Wheeler Truck full packed with donations

homeaidocla.org

A Shared Commitment to Each Other

HomeAid mission to build a future without homelessness through housing and essential services aligns closely with Door Systems’ commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. This partnership represents our ongoing dedication to making a positive, lasting impact beyond our day-to-day work.

We are honored to support HomeAid and grateful to everyone involved in making the Holiday Food Drive a success.

Want to know more about HomeAids Vision and Purpose? Give them a look and a follow.

News

Still Need AIA CEUs Before the Deadline?

Still Need AIA CEUs Before the Deadline? We’ve Got You @ DSI

If you’re in the #AEC world, you know how quickly the year can get away from you.

One minute you’re deep in submittals and site visits… and the next you’re staring at your AIA continuing education tracker, realizing you’re a few credits short.
No stress. Door Systems, Inc. ® offers On-Demand AIA courses you can take anytime, anywhere, 24/7.

Door Systems AIA Classroom

Designed for Busy Architects & Project Teams

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) accredited courses are built specifically for professionals working with fire-rated smoke containment systems and related code requirements. Each OnDemand course is straightforward and practical:

Watch a short video
Complete a quick quiz
Earn your AIA credits from your home or office

No travel. No scheduling headaches. Just solid learning when and where it fits your day.

What is the difference between UL 10D, UL 10B, and UL 263 fire ratings?

This nano course explains the different ratings of Fire and Smoke Fabric Curtains.

Learning Objectives

Discuss UL 10D- Fire-Protective Curtain Assemblies
Discover what the ANSI/UL 10B- Standard for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies means for Fire and Smoke Fabric Curtains.
Review which wall openings need to be rated to ASTM E119 or UL 263.

HSW Justification

Fabric Curtain Systems can serve as critical opening protectives in all five IBC Walls, protecting the health, safety, and welfare of occupants from fire and dangerous hot gases.

Deployable Fire Walls Tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263

This nano course explains why openings in fire barrier walls are limited in size unless tested to the same fire-resistance rating as the wall itself.

Learning Objectives

Describe the 25% rule found in IBC Section 707.6 for Fire Barriers and how opening protectives tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 meet the fire-resistance rating of a wall.
Discuss the testing standard, ASTM E2226- Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream
Review what an ASTM E119 or UL 263 label means for Fire Fabric Curtains.

HSW Justification

Fabric Curtain Systems can function as opening protectives in fire barrier walls, protecting occupants from fire and hazardous hot gases.

Using Integrated Doors for Elevator Door Smoke Containment

This course explains how to use code-compliant, smoke- and fire-rated integrated doors to effectively compartmentalize smoke and fire in areas such as elevator openings and lobbies. The flexibility of these integrated doors addresses life-safety concerns and can eliminate the need for expensive smoke pressurization systems.

Learning Objectives

Explain how smoke and fire-rated Integrated Doors comply with national and local smoke and fire codes, and how they help reduce the spread of smoke and fire in elevator shafts and elevator lobbies.
Additionally, describe the life safety and welfare benefits of using smoke and fire-rated Integrated Doors in various common building types.
Finally, discuss how design professionals, building owners, and tenants can benefit from incorporating smoke and fire-rated Integrated Doors into their designs and applications.

Smoke-Protective Curtain Assemblies for Elevators

This course provides an overview of how to use code-compliant fire-rated smoke curtains to effectively compartmentalize smoke and fire in areas like elevator openings and lobbies. The versatility of fire-rated smoke curtains addresses life-safety concerns and can eliminate the need for expensive smoke pressurization systems or cumbersome smoke doors that may disrupt the layout.

Learning Objectives

Explain how UL10D Fire-Rated Smoke Curtains meet and exceed both national and local smoke and fire codes, effectively reducing the spread of smoke and fire at elevator shaft openings and in elevator lobbies.
Discuss the life safety and health benefits of using fire-rated smoke curtains in common building types. Reference the ICC-ES AC77 Report for Elevator Smoke Curtains and its implications for egress safety.
Highlight how Design Professionals, Building Owners, and Tenants can all benefit from the implementation of fire-rated smoke curtains in various design and application scenarios.

These last two courses enhance participants’ understanding of how elevator shafts and elevator lobbies serve as pathways for dangerous smoke to spread in all types of buildings. That’s why the IBC International Building Code supports the use of smoke- and fire-rated integrated doors or fire protective smoke curtains at these openings.

IBC Section 3006.3 Elevator Hoistway Door Protection

2024 International Building Codes

A Trusted AIA CE Provider in Our Field

Door Systems® is proud to be a leading AIA Continuing Education provider focused on fire-rated smoke containment, integrated fire door systems, and other devices.

Our goal is simple: deliver quality education that helps your team grow and design safer, more compliant buildings.

Knock Out Your Credits This Week

If you’re short on credits or want to avoid the year-end scramble, this is your sign. Pick a course, hit play, and get those CEUs done.

Start your On-Demand AIA courses here: https://doorsysinc.com/aia-courses/

AIA Provider Number: 40107973
Have questions or want a recommendation on which course to take first? Reach out anytime: aiacourses@doorsysinc.com | 714-258-7100

News

Meet the DSI Team, Vol. 2 – Vinny

Vincent “Vinny” Ochoa – Keeping Life Safety Openings Ready When It Matters

That’s the mindset Vinny brings to Door Systems every day. As a critical team member of our service department, Vinny partners with end users, facility managers, building maintenance engineers, and building owners to plan inspections, perform preventive maintenance, and deliver repairs that keep people safe and facilities operational.

How’s that for a home run in customer service?

Grandslam by Vinny @ DSI Company Softball Game

What the DSI Service Team solves

Vinny helps coordinate multidisciplinary services for smoke and fire-protective curtains and integrated fire door assemblies.

The goal is simple: keep your openings operating, documented, and compliant, so audits go smoothly and you avoid unplanned downtime.

The Service & Maintenance Department exists to bring your fire door openings up to code and help resolve JCAHO inspection issues, a daily focus for Vinny and the rest of the crew. Door Systems® – Service.

DSI Service Team

Why annual testing and documentation matter

Regulations require annual testing, servicing, and maintenance of fire‑rated openings. Under the IBC (International Building Code), NFPA 80, 101, and NFPA 105, yearly testing is required to avoid penalties, fines, or more severe consequences. Proper logs help you avoid code violations and prevent potential AHJ‑ordered shutdowns. Vinny’s team builds this cadence into your plan and keeps the records up to date.

DSI Services and Maintenance Brochure

NFPA Standards

What the Door Systems service visit includes

Our highly trained technicians handle everything from routine inspections to urgent repairs. Typical deliverables include maintaining the warranty on DSI fire/smoke curtains, certified IFDIA fire door inspection reports, annual drop testing, service and retrofit for swinging fire doors, and support for integrated assemblies (Syntegra and other Integrated Doors), automatic doors, access controls, and motor operators (AAADM-certified).

Integrated Fire Door Inspection

Curtain systems: a 24‑point inspection you can trust

For fire and smoke curtains, Vinny’s team follows a 24-point procedure that checks power and control circuits, confirms alarm/interface functionality, inspects the curtain path and fabric, performs cycle tests according to NFPA guidelines, completes fire drop tests, and updates the service module and log. (See the 24‑Point Inspection checklist illustrated in the brochure, p. 3.)

Elevator Smoke Curtain Inspection

Won‑Door accordion fire doors:

If you operate Won-Door systems, Vinny is responsible for routine testing and guarantees that you receive at least one annual maintenance check. This 12-point program includes the following: verifying the self-closing function and proper sealing, confirming a minimum 36-inch egress clearance, testing safety edge sensors, inspecting chains and gears, checking battery charge, and recording the service log (see brochure, p. 4).

Horizontal Fire Door Inspection

Retrofit options when openings need a reset

When an opening is failing inspections or worn out, Vinny can coordinate a Syntegra Door System retrofit—factory‑integrated hardware that reduces install time and disruption, improves aesthetics, and helps meet fire code, ADA, and JCAHO requirements. It preserves corridor width (maintaining 44 inches of clearance), offers a 5-year warranty, integrates with access controls, and can lower construction costs by avoiding frame replacement (brochure, p. 5).

Fire Door Rerofit in Hospital

Fire Door Inspector wearing scrubs

Got a fire door emergency? We got you covered!

Door Systems services all counties in California, including Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Reach out to schedule maintenance and repairs. To schedule testing, a preventative maintenance visit, or a retrofit assessment with Vinny’s team, connect with the Service & Maintenance Department at (866) 534‑3667 or service@doorsysinc.com.

DSI Service Team Members

Takeaway for facility teams

• Build your annual fire door and curtain testing into the calendar (and keep your logs).
• Address obstructions and damage early—before they become code violations
• For Won‑Door systems, plan quarterly checks and annual maintenance.
• When an opening consistently fails or is challenging to maintain, consider a Syntegra retrofit to enhance compliance and minimize disruption.

📍 Follow Vinny on LinkedIn to stay updated on his journey: Vincent Ochoa

“If you manage or engineer a building, it might be worth a quick review of your fire and smoke protection systems. A small maintenance check now can make all the difference later.” – Vincent Ochoa , Service Manager

News

20 years of Innovation, Partnerships, and Growth at Door Systems

Celebrating 20 Years of Door Systems

We recently gathered at our Placentia headquarters to mark a very special milestone: 20 years of innovation, partnerships, and growth at Door Systems.

DSI Executive Leadership Team, Stacy, Jeff, Barbara

“As we celebrate 20 years of Door Systems, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude. What began as a vision has grown into something greater than I could have imagined—thanks to the dedication of our team, the trust of our clients, and the partnerships we’ve built along the way.
This milestone is not just about our past; it’s a reflection of the growth we’ve achieved together and the exciting future ahead of us. I am deeply thankful for everyone who has played a role in shaping our journey, and I look forward to building the next chapter with all of you.”
— Jeff Bonnema, President of Door Systems

It was a day filled with gratitude, laughter, and connection as we reflected on how far we had come and looked ahead to the exciting future we were building together.

DSI Team Members

A Celebration of People & Partnerships

From the very beginning, our success has been shaped by the incredible people around us, contractors, facility managers, architects, specifiers, and consultants, who have trusted us, collaborated with us, and grown with us.

This event wasn’t just about our journey; it was about celebrating you, our community.

President, Jeff with DSI Installers

VP, Stacy pulling the next raffle prize winner

Tacos, Toasts & Fellowship

The day was filled with:
🌮 Delicious tacos served fresh all afternoon
🍺 Ice-cold beers and 🍹 margaritas that kept spirits high
🎶 Music and games spread across our facility
🎁 Big prizes and fun interactions that brought everyone together

DSI Crew enjoying Food and Drinks

DSI Installers

Golf Simulator @ DSI Showroom

Dunk Tank

Refreshments

Basketball Shooting Contest

Welcome table with DSI members

A Milestone Worth Remembering

Twenty years ago, we started with a vision: to bring safety, reliability, and innovation to every project we touched. Today, thanks to the people who’ve stood with us – our customers, partners, and team – that vision has become a reality.

This anniversary wasn’t just a party. It was a reminder of how much stronger we are when we celebrate together, and a promise of all the great things yet to come.

Syntegra Door Systems

Thank You

To everyone who joined us, and to all who’ve been part of our 20-year story, we are deeply grateful. Your support, trust, and partnership have shaped Door Systems into what it is today.

Here’s to the next 20 years of growth, collaboration, and success together.

Door Systems

Did you miss out on the festivities?

Visit the showroom

Book a Lunch & Learn for your firm or schedule a private tour tailored to your upcoming projects. Bring your team and your toughest details—we’ll work through them together.

To schedule: contact your Door Systems representative, or reach us via the contact form or send us an email at aiacourses@doorsysinc.com

Door Systems integrated solutions that simplify
compliance, elevate design, and protect people and property.

News

Door System’s New Showroom!

Fire & Smoke Protection in Action

We’re excited to open the doors (literally) to our new, hands-on showroom.

Won-Door Fire Guard with Radius, Egress Paddle in Show Room

It’s built for architects, engineers, contractors, and owners who want to see, touch, and test complete fire and smoke protection solutions, side by side, under one roof. Experience how our systems integrate with your designs and building technologies, then leave with actionable ideas you can use on your next project.

Explore the full product lineup (live and in one place)

Syntegra Integrated Fire Door Systems

Code-compliant assemblies that work as a unified system.

The locally manufactured Syntégra – Integrated Doors by Design is created to include all working hardware and the door into a single integrated package. Section 08 17 00

Syntegra Doors – Medical Application Mock up in Showroom

Elevator Smoke Curtains

Protect elevator lobbies and hoistways without bulky enclosures.

A cost-effective and architecturally pleasing solution to elevator shaft smoke protection. A proven system that meets all code requirements.

DSI-600 Elevator Smoke Curtain Mock up

UL 10D Smoke & Fire Curtain Products

Flexible compartmentation for corridors, atriums, and vertical openings.

The gravity fail-safe DSI Smoke and Fire Protective Curtains feature market-leading capabilities and the highest technical specifications available, yet offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for fire and smoke control.

DSI- Fire Protective Smoke Curtains for Atrium Separation

DSI- Fire Protective Smoke Curtains

UL 10B Hose Stream–Rated Curtain Products

Added durability and performance for demanding applications.

Hose Stream Rated Smoke and Fire Curtains incorporate the cutting-edge technology of our UL 10D curtain products, but with the advantage of being code-compliant in any fire wall rated up to 3 hours.

DSI-HS10B Hose Stream Fire Curtain- 3 Hour UL 10B

DSI-HS10B Hose Stream Fire Curtain- 90 minute UL 10B

DSI-FW119 Deployable Fabric Fire Wall

The DSI ASTM E119 Fabric Fire Wall incorporates the cutting-edge technology of our Hose Stream Rated Smoke and Fire Curtain, but with the advantage of being tested as a 2-hour fire-rated wall assembly.

Jimmy Luis, demonstrating the DSI-FW119 Deployable Fabric Fire Wall

2 Hr. ASTM E119 Rated Deployable Fabric Fire Wall

Won-Door FireGuard® Horizontal Sliding Fire Door System

Wide-span protection with elegant egress solutions.

Horizontal Fire Guard

Use of the Won-Door FireGuard system has become a reliable and practical approach to solving a vast array of fire safety issues:

ADA Compliance
Area Separation
Atrium Separation
Corridor Separation
Elevator Lobby Separation
Horizontal Exits
Occupancy Separation
Safe Areas of Refuge
Smoke Barrier
Smoke & Draft Control
Stage Proscenium Protective
Vertical Opening Protective

Double Egress Horizontal Opening using Won-Door

New: Our partnership with Won-Door

We’re proud to announce a new partnership with Won-Door, expanding our portfolio with industry-leading horizontal sliding fire door solutions. This collaboration brings greater design flexibility for large openings, corridor separation, and space planning, without compromising aesthetics or egress.

“We’re honored to partner with Won-Door Corporation and excited by what this means for customers,” said Jeff Bonnema, president of Door Systems, Inc. “By combining Door Systems’ smoke and fire curtain solutions with Won-Door’s horizontal-sliding and accordion fire and security doors, design teams get a complementary, code-aligned toolkit that fits more openings with fewer compromises. For procurement and contractors, it means coordinated specs, a single point of technical support, consolidated submittals, and streamlined purchasing, making construction simpler from design through closeout.”

Learn more: https://ccr-mag.com/won-door-partners-with-door-systems-inc/

AIA Presentation in DSI Showroom

One-stop shop for Fire & Life Safety

Whether you’re delivering a new build or a complex retrofit, Door Systems is your single source from concept through Commissioning and beyond.

Where we protect projects:

Education • Healthcare • Commercial • Multi-Family Residential • Government
Design challenges we solve:

Access Control integration • Elevator Lobbies • Corridor Separation • Vertical Openings • Atriums

How we support your team (start to finish):

Design Assistance to align performance, aesthetics, and budget
Code Interpretations for Product Placement to help you document compliance with confidence
Installation & Commissioning by factory-trained technicians
Service & Maintenance for long-term reliability and code readiness

Visit the showroom

Book a Lunch & Learn for your firm or schedule a private tour tailored to your upcoming projects. Bring your team and your toughest details—we’ll work through them together.

To schedule: reply to this newsletter, contact your Door Systems representative, or reach us via the contact form at https://doorsysinc.com/aia-courses/ or send us an email at aiacourses@doorsysinc.com

Door Systems is a full-service smoke and fire protective openings company dedicated to providing innovative solutions to your existing smoke and fire protection needs as well as assisting in the concept, design, and layout of all your future smoke and fire containment projects.

DSI Showroom

News

Meet the DSI Team: Vol. 1 – Jimmy

From Cal Poly to Code Compliance: Jimmy Luis Is Designing a Safer Built Environment

Jimmy Luis- Graduation Photo from Cal Poly Pomona

Meet Jimmy Luis, an emerging force in architectural sales who is quickly becoming a go-to resource in fire and life safety at Door Systems.

A proud graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, Jimmy brings the signature Bronco spirit, ambitious, hands-on, and design-forward, to every project he touches. While he started his journey in sales, he’s steadily transforming into something more: a passionate advocate for code-compliant architecture and a growing student of design thinking.

“The more I learn about fire and life safety, the more I fall in love with the purpose behind it, It’s not just about selling systems, it’s about protecting people, shaping smarter spaces, and collaborating with architects to do it right.” -Jimmy Luis

Embracing the World of Architecture

As part of the Architectural Sales team at Door Systems, Jimmy works at the intersection of design, compliance, and innovation. He’s rapidly building fluency in the language of architects, engineers, and contractors and bringing energy and curiosity to every partnership.

Armed with his CSI-EP and Allied AIA credentials, Jimmy is already working shoulder to shoulder with firms on complex projects requiring nuanced code knowledge, aesthetic sensitivity, and technical fluency.

His role is more than transactional; it’s transformational.

Jimmy Luis at International Code Council Conference 2025

A Golfer With Vision

When he’s not breaking down code requirements or sketching access solutions for building designs, you’ll find Jimmy out on the golf course refining his swing, sharpening his focus, and embodying the same discipline he brings to his professional life.

Whether it’s strategizing a par five or strategizing a building entry system, Jimmy plays the long game and plays it well.

Jeff Bonnema, Jimmy Luis, Phil Whinery at Golf Charity Event

Why He’s One to Watch

In an industry where fire-rated doors and egress solutions are often treated as afterthoughts, Jimmy is championing a design-first, code-smart approach. He’s cultivating a niche that’s equal parts technical and artistic, one that demands continuous learning and genuine collaboration.

And he’s just getting started.

Jimmy Luis giving an AIA Presentation focused on a Building Code Update

Follow Jimmy on LinkedIn to stay updated on his journey: Jimmy Luis, CSI EP, Allied AIA

“Jimmy, I want to sincerely thank you for your excellent presentation on the Door System products and UL10 B & D differentiations today. The topic, your interaction with our team, and the discussion made for a very informative and productive session. Your expertise and insights were truly valuable, and our team greatly benefited from your knowledge. We will definitely continue to reach out to you with any questions or concerns.” -Sam F. | Senior Associate | Adamson Associates Architects

Door Systems strives to produce quality courses that help your team grow in the field of Fire-Rated Smoke Containment Systems.

As the leading AIA Continuing Education provider in our field, we can serve you in person, online via video meetings, or Virtually Online 24/7.

News

Discover Syntégra™ – Integrated Doors by Design

Door Systems 10 Years Strong on ARCAT

For over a decade, Door System has proudly supported the AEC community through ARCAT.com, delivering specification-ready BIM content that simplifies coordination and ensures code compliance. One of our most trusted solutions is Syntégra™ – Integrated Doors by Design—a turnkey door system that combines doors, frames, and hardware into a single, pre-engineered assembly.

Syntegra Doors- BIM from Arcat

Take the guesswork out of designing seamless openings!

Syntegra Double Egress XT Panic Bars

Syntegra Lobby Doors with XT Panic Bars

Syntégra aligns with CSI MasterFormat Specification Section 08 17 00 – Integrated Door Opening Assemblies, giving architects and specifiers a clear, structured path to include it seamlessly in project documents. Whether you’re designing for healthcare, education, government, or commercial buildings, Syntégra is engineered to meet rigorous standards in both performance and appearance.

Why Design Professionals Choose Syntégra™

Syntégra is more than a door—it’s an integrated system that delivers:

✅ Pre-installed hardware including locks, closers, silencers, and vision kits
✅ Factory-assembled units that reduce field labor, coordination errors, and timelines
✅ Compliance with fire, ADA, and life-safety codes
✅ Streamlined aesthetics that blend form and function
✅ Lower lifecycle costs through durability and ease of maintenance

Get BIM-Ready: Download from ARCAT

If you’re working in Revit, your project will benefit from our specification-grade content. All Syntégra BIM families are available for download on ARCAT, fully aligned with Spec 08 17 00.

📁 Download Syntégra BIM Families on ARCAT.COM
🌐 Learn more at DOORSYSINC.COM
📖 Specification: 08 17 00 – Integrated Door Opening Assemblies

Designed Right. Built to Last.

With Syntégra, you’re not just specifying a door—you’re specifying certainty.

Syntegra BIM- Building Information Modeling

PX Series Flush Push Pad Openings

The PX Series offers an effortless, single-motion means of egress while maintaining the integrated look and feel of all Syntégra door systems. Used in applications where a full-length exit device is not required, the PX Series shares the same Push Pad profile as the full-size exit device, ensuring continuity of design. The PX also features the same unique integrated lock case as all other Syntégra door systems and offers many of the same mechanical and electrical options. Syntégra proves that smaller does not necessarily mean less when it comes to functionality.

Syntegra Doors with PX Push Pads

Syntégra Doors are a great fit for areas of assembly, such as arenas, ballrooms, houses of worship, performing arts venues, recreation facilities, and restaurants.

Syntégra Integrated Doors- Elevator Lobby

XT Series Flush Exit Device Openings

The sleek, near-flush exit device recesses into the door face to maximize the clear opening width for a safe and accessible path of egress while complying with the strictest fire and life safety codes.

Syntegra Doors- Custom Finish

Syntegra Doors XT Panic Bars

Door Systems strives to produce quality courses that help your team grow in the field of Fire-Rated Smoke Containment Systems.
As the leading AIA Continuing Education provider in our field, we can serve you in person, online via video meetings, or Virtually Online 24/7.
https://doorsysinc.com/aia-courses/

News

The Designer’s Edge Elevating the Industry

Trusted AIA Continuing Education from Door Systems

In today’s fast-evolving design and construction landscape, staying current on building codes, material innovations, and sustainable practices is not just an advantage; it is a necessity. That’s why architects across the country trust Door Systems as a reliable source for AIA-approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Building Code Presentation by Jimmy Luis

As an AIA CES Registered Provider, Door Systems delivers insightful, accredited courses that go beyond the basics. Our sessions are carefully crafted to meet the real-world needs of today’s architecture and design professionals, with topics ranging from atrium smoke control requirements and fire ratings for openings and walls to various listings found in doors, fabric curtains, and shutters.

Atrium Smoke Control Presentation by Sal Perez

Why Architects Trust Door Systems CEUs:

• AIA Approved: All courses meet the rigorous standards of the American Institute of Architects.
• Real-World Relevance: Learn from industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
• Flexible Delivery: In-person, online, and on-demand options to suit your schedule.
• Product Neutral: Focused on education, not sales pitches.

Integrated Fire Door Presentation by Jimmy Luis

Whether you’re fulfilling your annual CE requirements or seeking to deepen your technical knowledge, Door Systems offers a clear path to professional growth.

Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) Credits

For a learning activity to qualify for HSW credit, as defined below, 75 percent of a learning program’s content and instructional time must address the health, safety, and welfare of the building user group.

Health: Those aspects of professional practice that improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings and sites.

Safety: Those aspects of professional practice that protect occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings or sites from harm.

Welfare: Those aspects of professional practice that enable equitable access, elevate the human experience, encourage social interaction, and benefit the environment.

Door Systems AIA Course Instructors, Jimmy & Sal

Ready to Learn?

Explore our current course offerings or schedule a private session for your firm: www.doorsysinc.com/continuing-education

Door Systems AIA Courses

In Person Lunch & Learns

On-Demand Courses you can take anytime

Let us help you navigate the complexities of fire door standards and ensure your next project is built to the highest safety standards.

Contact us today to schedule a presentation and learn more!

News

Standards for Opening Protections in Fire and Smoke Walls

Understanding testing standards is essential for correctly designing and specifying systems that protect smoke barriers, smoke partitions, fire barriers, fire partitions, and firewalls.

At Door Systems we provide expert guidance in selecting, specifying, and installing fire-rated and smoke-rated door systems that comply with the latest testing standards. Our team ensures that your doors integrate seamlessly with fire and smoke barriers while meeting all regulatory requirements. Whether your project involves commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, mixed-use, multifamily, or industrial complexes, we offer a wide range of tested and certified products designed to enhance fire protection and life safety.

Defining Standards that are often mentioned but frequently confused or misinterpreted.

ASTM E84– Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

ASTM E84 is a widely used test that evaluates materials’ flame spread and smoke development when exposed to fire. Conducted in a Steiner tunnel, the test measures how quickly flames spread across the surface of a material and the amount of smoke produced, assigning a Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI). This classification helps determine a material’s suitability for use in building construction, ensuring compliance with fire safety codes and regulations.

ANSI/UL 1784- Standard for Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies

UL 1784 evaluates the air leakage performance of door assemblies, including their ability to limit the passage of smoke and air under pressure differentials. This test is crucial for fire and smoke-rated doors, ensuring they help control the movement of smoke in buildings, especially in life safety applications. The standard measures air leakage rates at ambient and elevated temperatures, assisting in the classification and compliance of doors with building codes and fire protection requirements.

Both ASTM E84 and UL 1784 have been the industry standards for Elevator Smoke Containment, as defined in the International Building Code (IBC) 3006.3, Elevator hoistway door protection.

Door Systems provides Syntegra Elevator Smoke Doors or DSI-600 Smoke Curtains to satisfy the building codes’ requirements for eliminating elevator lobbies.

DSI- 600 Elevator Smoke Curtain

Syntegra Integrated Fire Doors for Elevator Applications

While other manufacturers stop here, Door Systems has provided innovative solutions for almost 20 years. The introduction of UL 10D Fire Protective Smoke Curtains has been a fast-moving sector, ranging from elevator applications to atriums, mezzanines, and other large open spaces that need to mitigate the passage of smoke.

DSI- 600 Fire Rated Elevator Smoke Curtain in Los Angeles, CA

DSI-A4HR Accordion Fire-Smoke Curtain @ Escalator

DSI-C3HR Automatic Fire Protective Smoke Curtain @ Atrium

UL 10D Fire Tests of Fire-Protective Curtain Assemblies

The UL 10D test requirements cover the evaluation of fire-protective curtain assemblies intended to provide supplemental, passive fire protection as part of an engineered fire protection system.

Fire-protective curtain assemblies are horizontally or vertically oriented. They provide nonstructural separation only and are not intended to substitute for structural hourly rated partitions or opening protectives that have been tested for fire endurance and hose stream performance.

Door Systems UL 10D Fire-Protective Curtain Assemblies are a great solution for containing smoke (UL 1784) and are recognized by the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection, 716.4 Fire protective curtain assembly.

Visit our UL 10D webpage for a complete vertical and horizontal smoke curtains list.

Furnace Test of Fabric Fire Curtain

What is UL 10B with Hose Stream Test?

A more robust rating is generally required when opening protection is needed in fire walls, barriers, or partitions. That’s where Door Systems, as you covered with the introduction of UL10B Hose Stream Rated Curtain Products.

DSI-HS10B Hose Stream Rated Smoke and Fire Curtain

With a UL10B 3-hour fire rating, the DSI-HS10B Fire Curtain can be used in fire walls and fire barrier walls as a replacement solution to traditional Coiling Steel Fire doors.

DSI-HHS10B Hose Stream Rated Horizontal Fire Shutter

The DSI-HHS10B Hose Stream Rated Horizontal Fire Shutter allows architects to compartmentalize large floor openings, reducing the need for mechanical smoke evacuation systems.

DSI-FW119 Deployable Fabric Fire Wall

The DSI Deployable Fire Wall incorporates the cutting-edge technology of our Hose Stream Rated Smoke and Fire Curtain but with the advantage of being tested under UL 263, ASTM E119 as a 2-hour fire rated wall assembly.

DSI-HSM10B Manual Hose Stream Rated Smoke and Fire Curtain

With a UL 10B fire rating up to 180-minutes, the DSI-HSM10B Fire Curtain can be used in firewalls and fire barrier walls as a replacement solution to traditional Coiling Steel Fire Shutters using a fusible link with no need for electronics or fire alarm contact.

UL 10B Standard for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies

The UL 10B test exposes a specimen to a standard fire exposure controlled to achieve specified temperatures throughout a specified time period, followed by the application of a specified standard fire hose stream. These methods of fire tests are applicable to door assemblies of various materials and types of construction for use in wall openings to retard the passage of fire.

When applied to fabric fire curtains, these principles are crucial. Fabric fire curtains serve as flexible fire barriers, similar to fire doors, and must also undergo standardized testing to verify their fire resistance and durability. Like door assemblies, fabric fire curtains are evaluated for their ability to withstand fire for a designated period, ensuring they effectively compartmentalize fire and smoke in a building. While the testing conditions may not replicate all real-world fire scenarios, they offer a reliable benchmark for assessing the protective capabilities of fabric fire curtains in fire-rated applications.

Note: UL 10D Fire-Protective Curtain Assemblies tested to UL 10B are not limited in fire rating since they include the Hose Stream Test.

Hose Stream Test after Furnace Fire Test

ASTM E2226 Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream

ASTM E2226 establishes procedures for applying a fire hose stream to test specimens after fire exposure in fire resistance tests. This practice evaluates the structural integrity and durability of materials or assemblies by simulating the impact of firefighting efforts. The hose stream test helps determine whether a material can withstand mechanical and thermal stress, ensuring its reliability in real fire conditions.

What about oversized openings in Fire Barriers?

Is there a Fabric Fire Curtain that can overcome the limitations of IBC Section 707.6 Openings? : “Openings in a fire barrier shall be protected in accordance with Section 716. Openings shall be limited to a maximum aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall, and the maximum area of any single opening shall not exceed 156 square feet (15 m2).”

The answer is Yes!

DSI Deployable Fabric Fire Wall

The DSI Deployable Fabric Fire Wall Model DSI-FW119 allows architects to exceed the maximum 25% fire barrier opening penetration restriction (IBC Section 707.6). Typical overhead or side-acting opening protectives with a fire-resistance rating fall into this limitation.

However, with an ASTM E119/ UL263 rating, the DSI Moveable Fabric Fire Wall is considered a wall and, therefore, meets the exception (Exception 3) and is not limited to this rule.

The DSI Moveable Fabric Fire Wall consists of two insulated DSI Hose Stream Rated Smoke and Fire Curtains mounted back-to-back to create a small, lightweight package above the ceiling that remains virtually invisible until deployed. The curtains consist of proprietary lightweight multi-layered insulated fire-rated fiberglass/stainless steel fabric and slim steel side guides that can be hidden in the walls.

The DSI ASTM E119 Fabric Fire Wall incorporates the cutting-edge technology of our Hose Stream Rated Smoke and Fire Curtain but with the advantage of being tested as a 2-hour fire-rated wall assembly. This allows architects more cost-effective options for open space design while still meeting code requirements.

DSI-FW119 Deployable Fire Wall

With our deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality, we can assist you in choosing the right materials, hardware, and installation methods to optimize your fire-rated assemblies. Additionally, we offer ongoing inspection and maintenance services to ensure continued compliance and performance throughout the life cycle of your building.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of fire door standards and ensure your next project is built to the highest safety standards.