Build Perspectives Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this illuminating episode of Build Perspectives, we bring together two mass timber industry veterans to break down the economics, challenges, and future of this growing sector. Erica Spiritos and Roy Anderson to offer invaluable insights into the nuanced world of mass timber pricing and market dynamics.

• Understanding the Mass Timber Performance Index: Discover how the index helps quantify costs in an industry where traditional pricing models don't apply https://masstimberconference.com/report/content/mass-timber-price-index-2024/
• Debunking the "Commodity" Myth: Learn why mass timber is a value-added product rather than a commodity, despite some industry confusion
• Capacity Reality Check: Current manufacturers are operating at under 50% capacity - addressing the "supply stalemate" holding back wider adoption
• Regional Mass Timber Ecosystems: Why building with locally-available species is crucial for sustainability and market growth
• The Complete Value Chain: From raw lumber to fabrication services, understanding the full cost structure of mass timber projects
• Supply Chain Challenges: Issues with lumber thickness, moisture content requirements, and forest management policies affecting the industry
• Future Outlook: Predictions on vertical integration, standardization, and the breaking of the "supply stalemate"

"Mass timber accounts for 0.5% of softwood lumber consumption in North America - it's a drop in the bucket."

"I think our climate crisis and our housing crisis together are demanding [standardization] of us."

"In the next couple years... we're going to see a 25-50% increase in capacity in the United States with new facilities coming online on both coasts."

• Erica Spiritos: VP at Timber Lab and Director of Washington Mass Timber Accelerator https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-spiritos-7b34051b/
• Roy Anderson: VP at Beck Group and author of the International Mass Timber Report https://www.linkedin.com/in/royanderson1968/

• Last year's 2024 Entire Mass Timber Report https://masstimberconference.com/report/
• Use discount code Build-Timber to register for only $995 ($380 savings!) https://masstimberconference.com/register/
• www.Nichiha.com Episode Sponsor
• Advanciwww.AdvancingConstruction.com - Episode Sponsor

A special thanks to Craig Rawlings and Arnie Didier for connecting us and supporting this important industry conversation.

Don't miss our next episode! Subscribe to Build Perspectives and leave a review - as Tim's dad always says, "You can never have too much perspective."

Great to catch up LIVE at www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com with Amy Marks from Symetri USA and https://queenofprefab.com/ 

Whats your next Hanson Wade event? 

• https://advancingconstruction.com/
• https://advancing-preconstruction.com/ 

Chapter 1: Intro
00:00: Tim introduces the event, "Build Perspectives," and his interest in the building products industry.
00:48: Amy Marks introduces herself as the Executive Vice President of Global Strategy at Symmetry, AKA the Queen of Prefab!

Chapter 2: Advancing Prefab Event Overview
02:31: Amy Marks discusses the unique aspects of the Advancing Prefab event, emphasizing its focus on authentic conversations and business connections.
03:30: The event is described as a platform for making valuable business connections and fostering collaboration within the construction industry.

Chapter 2: Advancing Prefab Event Overview
04:54: The event's evolution over the years is noted, with increased participation from architects, engineers, and general contractors.
05:44: Amy mentions the diverse audience and the positive impact of having decision-makers from various sectors present at the event.

Chapter 4: Importance of Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
07:45: Amy emphasizes the significance of sharing knowledge and experiences within the construction industry.
08:25: The discussion shifts to the need for companies to engage with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to attract a more diverse workforce.

Chapter 5: Encouraging Diversity in the Construction Industry
09:48: Amy highlights the importance of promoting diversity in the construction industry, particularly in attracting more women and young talent.
10:41: The conversation extends to the role of social media influencers in showcasing diverse careers in construction and related fields.

Chapter 6: Amy's Advocacy for Change and Industry Engagement
12:33: Amy encourages companies to actively engage in social media platforms and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.
13:25: The importance of providing platforms for change agents and fostering an environment of courage and openness is emphasized.

Chapter 7: Connecting with Amy Marks and Conclusion
14:43: Amy shares ways to connect with her on social media platforms and through Symmetry for further engagement and collaboration.
16:05: Tim acknowledges Amy's contributions and the value of her insights in driving positive change and innovation in the industry.

Tim goes live from Washington D.C. at the Innovate Housing Showcase co-hosted by NAHB. 

Tim discusses some common challenges, technology that addresses these problems and encourages the Housing Action Plan that was released recently from the Biden Harris administration to get a future into the vision for funding construction. 

Resources:

• Tim is presenting on some of this at www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• www.TimSeims.com 

With: Dave Simonsen https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstiller/ & Eric Stiller https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-simonsen-b72863132/

Eric and Dave started https://trueblueproducts.net/ in 2013. They bring their expertise and reputation to partnerships and opportunities for improving the Rainscreen industry from cladding to structural studs. 

We discuss the evolution of new products, how construction has changed over time, thermal performance and the future of construction. 

Resources:

• Tim is presenting on some of this at www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• www.TimSeims.com 

What were the Top 3 takeaways from the Advancing Prefab 2022 event in Phoenix?  How can people connect more easily at in-person events? 

Carolina and Tim share commentary on these PLUS... what shocked Tim the most.

His answers might surprise you.

Resources:

• Tim is presenting on some of this at 2023 www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• www.TimSeims.com 

Finding commonalities with the client, and having the technical chops to back it up opens up a career for millennial architecture students graduating into poor economic times, like these. 

We talk about serving the specification from the manufacturer's perspective; ethically and holistically.

Architectural sales is not a zero-sum game. 

Resources:

• Tim is presenting on some of this at 2023 www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• TimSeims.com

The beachside Aqui y Ahora cafe in Cozumel is where Tim goes to connect in person with like-minded locals and expats.

Advancing Prefabrication in Phoenix April 26-29 is where he is going to connect in-person to learn and ideate with the vibrant, diverse, tech-agnostic prefabricated construction community. 

Resources:

• Tim is presenting at 2023 www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• TimSeims.com

This isn't a "Debbie Downer" episode, but it is an episode to help you to consider ways to pivot and respond to the labor shortages presenting in our industry today.

Is global youth disillusionment to blame? Employers, managers, builders, developers, etc. must creatively solve the biggest problem we face this year in construction.

Do you think the grass is greener on the side fertilized with bullsh%t? then this one is for you.

Resources:

• Tim is presenting at 2023 www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• TimSeims.com

In this Tim solo episode, he walks you through purpose-built cities and communities. Tim flying solo today (no Carolina) and so low that...he starts off with the Fly the Fields development - super cool and innovative.

A short one but a good one!

Resources:

• Tim is presenting at 2023 www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• TimSeims.com

Tim and I talk about the 6 climate risks caused by climate change.  We talk about how climate events affect the building industry, real estate, the economy and beyond. 

We explore ways to mitigate risk and more.

Resources:

• Tim is presenting at 2023 www.Advancing-Prefabrication.com. Use Discount Code BP10 for 10% off and join us in Phoenix March 14-17th, 2023
• You can check out and support my housing column at www.LaymansGuide.com and Carolina's online course at www.HowToJobsite.com 
• TimSeims.com