Southern Symposium | Building the Future with Mass Timber

Presented by: Dr. Pat Layton, Director (Wood Utilization + Design Institute), Clemson University

Mass Timber’s rise over the last 15 years has been a collaborative effort by dozens of organizations (with collaborators), countries, and industries, as well as the rise of building sustainability. We will discuss how North American universities helped drive the speed of adoption of mass timber. Join us to explore the connection between forest management and mass timber and discover your future role in building sustainable campuses.

Minimizing Risk with Mass Timber Procurement Processes

Presented by: Kerry Phillips, Associate, Lake Flato Architects

From procurement to construction, this session will explore various techniques for making mass timber a viable solution for enacting positive change. Using Amy Gutmann Hall at the University of Pennsylvania as a case study, we’ll explore how the project’s early trade partner engagement process supported the project’s design and delivery while celebrating mass timber, managing risk, and meeting the project’s budget parameters. We’ll also share tangible strategies for minimizing risk and communicating the benefits of carbon reduction solutions in ways that facilitate consensus and alignment, helping you to build a process that addresses risks early, including budget and agency approvals.

Beauty, Craft, and Joy of Mass Timber

Presented by: Tom Chung, Principal, Leers Weinzapfel Associates

This session will share a brief case study of two recent projects that elevate human wellbeing in mass timber buildings through beauty, craft, and joy.

The Evolution of Mass Timber: Lessons Learned from Clemson’s Journey

Presented by: Brian Campa, Principal, Cooper Cary

This session will explore the innovative use of mass timber in three distinct projects at Clemson University, showcasing how each design uniquely responds to its environment and purpose. We’ll share the iterative learning process that informed each subsequent project, highlighting the challenges we faced and the opportunities we seized along the way. By examining this diverse journey, you’ll gain valuable insight into the transformative potential of mass timber in architectural design.

Pushing Limits: Clemson’s First Mass Timber Academic and Research Facility

Presented by: Suzanne McDade, Principal, Moseley Architects

This session will delve into the design process for Clemson University’s first mass timber academic and research facility, a landmark project redefining the campus gateway. You’ll gain insight into the critical design decisions that shaped the new building for Forestry and Environmental Conservation, from structural innovations to sustainability strategies for reducing carbon impact. The design team will share challenges, lessons learned, and collaboration-driven creative solutions for this ongoing project. Join us to discover how the push to break boundaries is transforming academic spaces at Clemson University.

Mass Timber in Higher Education: Contractor Insights for Planning and Execution

Presented by: Tom Ritucci, Whiting Turner Contracting | Alejandro Fernandez, Thorton Tomasetti | Bruce Lindsey, WoodWorks

This panel discussion will provide a contractor’s perspective on what college and university planners need to know when building with mass timber, focusing on key aspects such as subcontractor coordination, design integration with suppliers, planning timelines, finishes, and critical factors like moisture control and protection. Come learn about our uniquely collaborative approach for ensuring the successful execution of a mass timber project.