The Rise of Mass Timber Design
Its Impact on Hiring Trends in Architecture and Design
Mass timber is reshaping the architecture and design industry in Canada, driven by its sustainability, design flexibility, and construction efficiency. As demand for greener buildings grows, architects and developers are increasingly turning to engineered wood products like Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam. Incorporating mass timber in designs and as a building material is well established in Europe. In Canada however, with its rich timber resources, the move to mass timber makes a lot of sense and is growing! Government policy is encouraging for the industry, and this shift is creating a significant impact on hiring trends in the industry.
Sustainability and Design Innovation
Mass timber’s environmental benefits are a major factor in its rising popularity. One of the key advantages is its ability to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. Unlike traditional materials like steel and concrete, which are energy-intensive to produce and emit copious quantities of CO2, mass timber stores carbon. Trees absorb CO2 as they grow, and that carbon remains sequestered in the wood for the building’s life. This helps offset emissions from other stages of construction and contributes to the broader goal of reducing global greenhouse gases.
Mass timber’s eco-friendly nature aligns with the growing demand for sustainable construction. The material not only reduces the carbon footprint of buildings but also brings new aesthetic opportunities. Timber’s natural warmth and versatility are pushing architects and interior designers to explore creative applications, from commercial spaces to high-rise buildings like UBC’s Brock Commons Tallwood House.
This innovation is spurring demand for professionals skilled in mass timber design, engineering and construction. As building codes evolve and taller, more complex timber structures become viable, firms are seeking talent familiar with digital design tools like BIM to streamline these projects.
Faster Construction, Evolving Roles
Mass timber design and construction is also changing the pace and methods of building. Prefabricated components lead to quicker assembly and reduced waste, making project timelines more efficient. Not to mention, the precision of factory-manufactured components minimizes on-site errors and reduces the need for rework. This shift is leading to new roles in project management, construction coordination, and precision engineering, as the industry adapts to modular building techniques.
With these advancements, firms are prioritizing candidates who have experience in mass timber projects, green building certifications, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The demand for expertise in both design innovation and sustainability is influencing hiring practices across the country.
The Future of Mass Timber Design in Canada
As mass timber continues to gain traction, hiring trends are increasingly focused on sustainability experts, technologists, and design professionals who can lead the industry into the future. Those with experience in sustainable materials and mass timber projects are in high demand, positioning them at the forefront of this transformative era in Canadian architecture and design.
All of these factors combine to make mass timber one of the most sustainable building materials available, aligning with the industry’s push toward greener, more energy-efficient construction. This new wave of mass timber projects is not just influencing design, it’s reshaping the entire talent landscape, driving the need for professionals who can bridge traditional practices with modern, sustainable solutions.
Industry Expertise from Within: Tiffiny Yaxley’s Journey
Our team includes Tiffiny Yaxley, a recruitment consultant on our Architecture, Design and Engineering team with firsthand experience in the industry. She was formerly a sales representative for a timber frame manufacturer, making Tiffiny no stranger to the advancements and nuances of mass timber design. Her familiarity with the industry, from engineered wood products to the latest in mass timber construction, gives her a unique perspective on the sector’s growth. Having worked closely with architects, engineers and builders in the mass timber space, she understands the importance of selecting materials that contribute to sustainability goals while also meeting design and structural needs.
Her expertise, paired with a knack for finding top talent, means we’re fully equipped to help clients build up their mass timber projects—no lumberjacks required!
Connect with Tiffiny to explore how we can support your next project, or chat about her beloved Swedish Vallhund, Osita; she’s equally passionate about both!
