Mass timber evolves through global conversations. But, those ideas move through people who've worked across the entire system from end to end. Sebastian Bildau is one of those people.

Nearly two decades of experience. Multiple continents. Projects spanning ecological land remediation, affordable housing, robotic prefabrication, government offices, and bamboo towers.

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Download the Mass Timber DfMA Process Diagram: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kIDk7Alphz1wHhE6HQrZyFwXp_AkegYv/view?usp=drive_link

Ever watched a mass timber budget skyrocket because a minor grid shift triggered endless rework? How about the chaotic site logistics that arise when erection sequence isn’t dialed in?

Early collaboration on DfMA strategies sets the tempo for smooth site coordination, faster schedules, and fewer RFIs. Kevin Rocchi from Element5 breaks down how locking grid lines, nailing slab extents, and clarifying load paths help architects and engineers avoid costly uncertainty. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at their new glulam line, advanced scanning tech, and the best practices for mass timber project success. For AEC professionals chasing tighter margins, the key takeaway is predictability: fewer unknowns, better sequencing, shorter install windows, and a more attractive ROI for developers. Clear expectations and timely responses feed a virtuous cycle—one in which mass timber can consistently hit budget and schedule targets. 

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Massive beams and columns are creating opportunities where mass timber can handle loads once reserved for concrete or steel—while also delivering measurable time and labor savings. Corey Hokanson, the systems wizard and design manager with SmartLam North America shares how automated layups, fully integrated CNC cutting, and smart logistics make these supersized elements viable. 

From 24-inch by 48-inch glulams to 16-inch screws and 12,000 lb panels, the focus is on minimizing site work, shaving weeks off delivery schedules, and controlling risk. Practical takeaways highlight balancing the trade-offs of longer spans, heavier loads, and fewer members. AEC pros hear how deeper beams can eliminate podium pours, reduce rebar, and ease labor demands. The insights point to a near-future where mass timber is competitive for fire-rated parking decks, mezzanines, and more— potentially reshaping cost equations and developer ROI.

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What to consider when planning a mass timber building — fire, acoustics, spans, hybrids, and more. Join our newsletter to get the resource.

What if the secret to efficient, cost-effective mass timber construction lies not just in the material, but in the mind of the engineer? See how integrating precision detailing and early collaboration can transform mass timber projects, ensuring they meet critical fire ratings and acoustic standards without compromising on design or budget. Julian Lineham, a seasoned structural engineer with over 35 years of experience and 20+ mass timber projects, shares insights from projects like the North End Community Center and the Museum of Nebraska Art. Learn how repetition, connection control, and hybrid systems can reduce risks and costs, while enhancing project delivery and tenant value. This discussion is essential for architects, engineers, contractors, and developers aiming to optimize their mass timber endeavors for better site viability, labor efficiency, and sustainable outcomes.

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Download the Prefab Design Process Guide by joining our newsletter — a practical framework for architects, developers, and builders ready to make prefab work.

How can the East Coast unlock its potential for mass timber construction, and what strategies can developers use to navigate the unique regulatory landscape? Kristin Slavin of Conifer Advising dives into the cultural and business differences influencing mass timber adoption between the East and West Coasts. Learn about the evolving role of prefabrication, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the opportunities that lie in institutional and multifamily housing projects. Whether you're an architect, engineer, or developer, this conversation provides the strategies and perspectives needed to successfully implement mass timber projects on the East Coast.


0:00 – Introduction: Cracking Open the East Coast Mass Timber Market
0:40 – Meet Kristin Slavin of Conifer Advising
1:10 – Cultural and Regulatory Dynamics East vs. West Coast
3:56 – Opportunities for Mass Timber in Institutional and Private Development
5:17 – Prefabrication Trends: Panelized vs. Volumetric Modular
9:12 – Geographic Distribution and Market Suitability for Prefab Methods
12:47 – Untapped Regions: Great Lakes and Midwest Potential
16:56 – Collaborative Nature of Mass Timber Construction
21:20 – Developer Benefits: Schedule, Quality, and Reputational Gains
25:29 – Small Firms' Flexibility and Strategic Partnerships
30:02 – Kristen’s Role in Facilitating Successful Mass Timber Projects
33:37 – Future Goals: Mainstreaming Mass Timber on the East Coast
35:00 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Mass Timber Construction

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Mass timber isn’t just about lowering carbon footprints — it’s about making smarter business decisions. In this interview, Scott Charney of Quality Buildings shares how his team has used mass timber to reduce foundation costs on difficult sites, streamline logistics with smaller, faster crews, and deliver cleaner, quieter projects that minimize disruption for neighbors and stakeholders. He also explains how proper sequencing and process playbooks keep cranes moving, trades aligned, and projects on schedule.

If you’re an architect, engineer, or GC, this conversation shows how mass timber creates real value through cost avoidance, risk reduction, and long-term ROI.

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How can industrialized construction tackle the persistent labor shortages in the mass timber industry, and what pivotal role does mass timber play in boosting construction efficiency? Join Fouad Khalil, founder of Modly, as he delves into innovative strategies for integrating mass timber with industrialized practices, emphasizes the critical importance of pre-planning and BIM, and explores the future of sustainable building solutions.

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Connect with Fouad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fouad-khalil-7b7b715/

Website: https://www.modly.design/

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: Defining Industrialized Construction and Mass Timber
1:07 – Guest Introduction: Fouad Khalil, Founder of Modley
3:07 – Manufacturing Practices Applied to Construction
5:16 – Addressing Labor Shortages through Industrialized Construction
7:00 – Geographic Hotspots for IC Adoption: Mountain West & Midwest
9:11 – Benefits of IC for Developers: Pre-Planning and Efficiency
12:09 – Leveraging BIM for Scheduling and Staging
14:57 – Logistics Management: Deliveries and Storage
16:11 – Coordinating Panel Production and Installation
17:07 – Cost and Schedule Savings with IC
20:28 – Integrating Design and Construction to Maximize Value
27:21 – Utilizing BIM for On-Site Operations
33:25 – Future of IC: Specialized Trades and Self-Perform Crews

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Download The Mass Timber Decision Guide to see the proven strategies Sterling Structural and Michaela use to deliver faster, smarter projects

Sterling Structural’s VP of Mass Timber, Michaela Harms, breaks down a productized approach to CLT: standardized 14/16/18-ft modules, lighter cranes, fewer wide loads, and repeatable details that speed up installs. We dig into turnkey CLT shaft walls (a CMU replacement), upcoming CLT bay systems for warehouses/data centers, and why hybrid steel + CLT is becoming the default for cost and schedule. If you’re an architect, engineer, GC, or developer trying to make mass timber pencil, this is your playbook.

Visit Sterling Structural's Website: https://sterlingstructural.com/

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What premium do we have to pay for a mass timber warehouse, and how does mass timber address the real design and cost challenges in industrial construction? Discover how industry leaders Kyle Freres and John Bradford are transforming the landscape of industrial buildings with innovative mass timber solutions. From real-world case studies to insights on faster construction and lower carbon footprints, this episode unveils the true value of mass timber in solving concrete and steel's long-standing issues.

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Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: Redefining Industrial Construction with Mass Timber
1:45 – Meet Kyle Farris of Farris Engineered Wood and John Bradford of Crow Engineering
3:30 – The True Premium: Solving Design Failures with Mass Timber
6:15 – Case Study: Building a 58,000 sq ft Mass Timber Warehouse
10:50 – Comparing Mass Timber to Steel and Concrete in Industrial Projects
15:20 – Overcoming Cost and Design Challenges in Mass Timber Construction
20:05 – Benefits of Faster Builds and Flexible Designs with Mass Timber
25:40 – Reducing Carbon Footprints: Sustainability in Industrial Buildings
30:10 – Insights on Mass Timber’s Role in Modernizing Plywood Operations
35:25 – Future of Mass Timber in the Industrial Sector
40:00 – Q&A: Addressing Common Misconceptions about Mass Timber
45:30 – Closing Remarks and Upcoming Mass Timber Group Summit

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Did you know that life cycle assessments might be overlooking a crucial aspect of mass timber's carbon footprint? How can architects accurately account for hidden carbon emissions to make smarter, more sustainable building choices? See how Varun Kohli and his team at Corgan are changing the way we evaluate the true impact of mass timber with innovative tools like the new Mass Timber Carbon Calculator.

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Use the Mass Timber Carbon Calculator

Timestamps:
0:00 – Comparing Mass Timber, Concrete, and Steel Structures
0:31 – Introducing Varun Kohli, Director of Sustainability at Corgan
2:16 – Early Bird Pricing for the Mass Timber Group Summit
3:10 – Varun’s Journey into Sustainable Design
5:13 – Addressing Carbon Emission Challenges in Mass Timber
7:07 – Understanding Biogenic Carbon in Building Materials
10:17 – Developing the Mass Timber Carbon Calculator
12:32 – Practical Application: Building in Denver with the New Tool
13:07 – Integrating Biogenic Carbon into Life Cycle Assessments
14:04 – Mass Timber’s Advantage in Embodied Carbon Even in Worst-Case Scenarios
16:04 – The Impact of Transportation Distance on Carbon Emissions
17:21 – Utilizing the Carbon Calculator in AEC Conversations
19:12 – Exploring Tree Species and Their Carbon Impacts
21:08 – Balancing Sustainability with Client Goals and Building Performance
23:30 – Meeting Embodied Carbon Regulations with the New Tool
25:02 – Future Enhancements and Collaborative Opportunities for the Calculator
27:00 – Emphasizing Openness and Collaboration in Sustainability Tools
28:36 – How to Access and Use the Mass Timber Carbon Calculator
29:10 – Varun’s Elevator Pitch on the Importance of the Tool

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