Home Innovation Research Labs Welcomes Fire Protection Engineering Leader to Board of Directors

Published Monday, June 8, 2026

Nationally Recognized Fire Protection Expert William "Bill" Koffel Joins Board of Directors

Home Innovation Research Labs is pleased to announce the appointment of William E. “Bill” Koffel, P.E., FSFPE, SASHE, Senior Director of Special Projects at Koffel Associates, Inc., to its Board of Directors.

A nationally respected leader in fire protection engineering, Koffel brings decades of experience in fire protection systems, life safety analysis, product testing, code development, and risk assessment. His appointment further strengthens Home Innovation’s technical leadership following the organization’s recent expansion in fire testing and certification capabilities for building materials and assemblies.

“Bill is one of the most respected voices in fire protection engineering, and we are honored to welcome him to Home Innovation’s Board of Directors,” said Mike Luzier, President & CEO of Home Innovation Research Labs. “His unparalleled expertise in fire protection systems, code development, testing, and risk analysis will be invaluable as we continue to grow our fire testing and certification capabilities and help manufacturers bring safer, high-performing products to market.”

Koffel currently serves as Senior Director of Special Projects at Koffel Associates, Inc., following more than 35 years as the firm’s president. He also leads the undergraduate online degree program for the University of Maryland’s Department of Fire Protection Engineering, one of the country’s leading programs. Throughout his distinguished career, he has advised manufacturers, government agencies, healthcare systems, industrial facilities, and major institutions on fire protection engineering, code compliance, life safety systems, and product performance.

His experience spans fire protection system design, forensic engineering, fire and explosion investigations, community fire defense planning, and product research and testing, including the development of non-standardized testing methodologies for innovative products and applications. He has also provided consulting and engineering support for major projects involving the Smithsonian Institution, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Veterans Affairs facilities, airports, healthcare campuses, and high-hazard industrial occupancies.

In addition to his consulting work, Koffel has played a leading role in shaping the nation’s fire and life safety framework through decades of service with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC). He currently chairs several major NFPA correlating and technical committees and has contributed extensively to the development of building, fire, and life safety codes and standards.

“Home Innovation plays an important role in advancing building performance and supporting innovation across the housing industry,” said Bill Koffel. “I’m honored to join the Board and look forward to contributing my fire protection and life safety expertise to help strengthen the organization’s growing fire testing and certification work while supporting its broader mission of improving the quality, durability, affordability, and safety of homes.”

Bob Hanbury, Chairman of Home Innovation’s Board of Directors, welcomed Koffel’s appointment as an important addition to the organization’s leadership.

“Bill’s technical depth, industry perspective, and decades of leadership in fire protection engineering make him an exceptional addition to our Board,” said Hanbury. “As Home Innovation continues expanding services that help advance safer, more resilient homes and building products, Bill’s insight will provide tremendous value to our organization and the industries we serve.”

Koffel holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Education focused on instructional design. He is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a Senior member of the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), and has received numerous industry honors, including the NFPA Standards Medal and recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Maryland.

ABOUT: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the construction industry.

NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "Home Innovation Research Labs." In subsequent mentions, “Home Innovation” should be used; we are not identified by an acronym. Prior to February 12, 2013, the company was known as the NAHB Research Center.