September 8, 2008 – Irvin J. Poke of Lansing has been named director of the state of Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC).

The BCC, an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), issues permits, provides inspections, and issues examinations and licenses in areas of building, boiler, electrical, elevator, mechanical, plumbing and manufactured housing; and reviews and approves subdivision plats and local ordinances for approval to administer and enforce state construction codes. 

"Irvin has the extensive knowledge and experience we need to advance Michigan's built environment while ensuring the public safety interests of contractors, workers, and citizens," said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley.  "The construction industry plays a vital role in diversifying our workforce and strengthening our economy, and Irvin is committed to further enhancing the bureau's functionality for all of our customers."  

Since 1989, Poke has served as chief of the bureau's Plan Review Division and was instrumental in implementing the statewide construction codes in 2001.  During his tenure, he has been responsible for review and approval of all construction documents for projects within state jurisdiction, and oversight of manufacturers and third-party inspection agencies involved in Michigan's pre-manufactured units program.  He was appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission in April 2008, representing DLEG. 

In 2007, Poke, a licensed architect, received the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan President's Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution and service to the profession of architecture.

Poke is a long-standing member of the International Code Council (ICC), and BOCA International.  He has served on the ICC Code Development committees for International Performance Building Code in 1999, 2000 and 2001, and the International Building Code-General in 2002, and 2003–2004 code cycles.  He also served on the BOCA Education and Training Committee and the Structural Loads Committee.  In 1996, Poke was appointed to the ICC Performance Code Committee representing BOCA and the state of Michigan.  He chaired the subcommittee responsible for writing draft sections for Egress, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, and Interior Environment. He is also a technical training instructor for state and local government code officials. 

From 1985 to 1989, Poke worked as project architect for the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Office of Facilities, where he handled professional service contracts for more than $200 million in capital outlay construction projects ranging from prisons to university facilities, and supervised design professionals in the preparation of planning and bidding documents for state facilities.

He began his professional career as a project architect for code compliance for the firm Nathan Johnson and Associates.  A native of Detroit, Poke received his bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Detroit in 1975.  He is married and has two children.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.