TIMBER FACULTY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
September 9-12, 2026
About
We invite faculty from accredited architecture schools from across the U.S. to apply for an intensive 3-day workshop, intended to help instructors integrate mass timber systems, case studies and design strategies into architecture studios and curricula.
Growing adoption of mass timber across building types is increasing demand for faculty equipped to teach its structural, material, and construction implications. Researchers and practitioners in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest have fostered innovation through close ties between academia and the profession.
This 3-day workshop will present the teaching strategies, research projects, and professional work done by University of Washington-affiliated faculty and Seattle-area professionals. Promoting a culture of timber innovation, this workshop will provide strategies for offering mass timber seminar and studio courses with a particular focus on the materials, structures and details of mass timber.
This workshop will include a hands-on design-build exercise, and discussion of studio methods for engaging students. Other activities include mass timber building tours of nearby Founders Hall (LMN Architects, 2021), Northlake Commons (Weber Thompson, 2024), and the first Type IV-C building in Seattle, Heartwood (atelier Jones, 2024). A day trip to visit work forests of Coburg Tree Farm & UW Pack Forest, at the base of Mount Rainier. Both studio and design-technology faculty are welcome to apply.
The workshop is sponsored by ThinkWood. The costs of workshop, lodging and meals during the workshop are covered. Travel expenses (airfare, transportation) will be reimbursed after the workshop concludes.
An overview of workshop activities is outlined below. Stay tuned for more information about workshop schedule, events, and travel details.
Interested faculty should apply via the link below by June 15, 2026, with attendee confirmation by June 30, 2026.
[Applications are now closed.]
Schedule Overview
Wednesday September 9th, 2026: Arrive in Seattle by the evening and check in to the group hotel.
Thursday September 10th, 2026: Workshop sessions, group activities and building tours on and around the University of Washington campus, followed by a group dinner at a local scenic restaurant.
Friday September 11th, 2026: Bus tour of region, including stops at a working sustainably-managed forest at the base of Mount Rainier, the UW Pack Forest, and local sawmill. Return to Seattle for dinner.
Saturday September 12th, 2026: Hands-on, design-build sessions at the University of Washington campus in the morning, group discussions, and additional building tour. Boxed lunch will be provided before the early-afternoon conclusion of workshop.
Detailed Schedule
Speakers
Tyler S. Sprague, PE., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Architecture
Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Washington.
Susan Jones, FAIA, architect, owner and founder
atelierjones
Affiliate Professor, Department of Architecture
University of Washington
Jeff Berman, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Washington
Indro Ganguly, Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Forestry Science
University of Washington
Leif Johnson, PE, SE., Director of Structural Engineering, Seattle Office
StructureCraft
Cody Lodi, AIA, LEED AP, Principal
Weber Thompson
Robert Smith, RIBA, RIAS, AIA, DBIA, Associate Partner
LMN
Travel Info
A hotel block will be arranged at a hotel near campus. The Sound Transit Link Lightrail provides easy transportation from SeaTac airport to U District stop. Additional travel information will be shared on this page as we approach the workshop dates.
Partners
Sponsored by:
Softwood Lumber Board
