Ricky McLain, a structural engineer and principal at Mass Timber Advisors, discusses his journey in the AEC profession and the use of mass timber in construction. He shares his experience working for a small engineering firm in Vermont, his time at Woodworks providing design support for wood projects, and his current focus on mass timber as a structural material. McLain explains the varying codes and regulations for mass timber across different states and the challenges and opportunities it presents in the industry. He also discusses the benefits of mass timber in terms of occupant well-being and the types of projects that commonly use mass timber.

Ricky McLain discusses the key considerations in designing with mass timber, including fire resistance ratings, member sizing, and connections. He emphasizes the importance of early involvement of the structural engineer to ensure efficient design and avoid budget overruns.

McLain also shares his plans for Mass Timber Advisors, which include project-specific consulting and industry-related work. He highlights the collaborative nature of the mass timber industry and the need for centralized resources. McLain offers advice for young professionals starting their careers, encouraging them to explore different opportunities and follow their interests.

Takeaways

· Ricky McLain has 16 years of experience in structural engineering and specializes in mass timber.

· Mass timber is a growing trend in the construction industry, but its use is regulated by varying codes and regulations across different states.

· Mass timber offers benefits in terms of occupant well-being and connection with nature.

· Common project types that use mass timber include multifamily buildings and institutional facilities.

· Structural engineers interested in mass timber should gain knowledge and experience in the material before working on a project. Consider fire resistance ratings when designing with mass timber to determine member sizes and floor panel thickness.

· Efficient design involves matching column bays to the span ranges of the floor panels.

· Simplify and minimize fabrication work by detailing connections that are fast and easy to install on-site.

· Early involvement of the structural engineer is crucial to avoid budget overruns and design issues.

· Mass Timber Advisors offers project-specific consulting and industry-related work to support the growing mass timber industry.

· The mass timber industry is collaborative, with many resources available for learning and sharing experiences.

· Young professionals should explore different opportunities and follow their interests in the building and structural design industry.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Ricky McLain

4:30 Let's Talk Mass Timber

9:10 Mass Timber Type Projects

14:06 Structural Engineering Education

22:30 Advice for Structural Engineers Learning Mass Timber

33:35 Mass Timber Advisors

42:00 Employee to Owner

44:20 Mentors along the way

47:25 Advice for Young Professionals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickymclain/

Mass Timber Advisors: https://masstimberadvisors.com/

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!

Editing and Motion Graphics: Gus Bernal

www.gusbernal.com

Hello, I'm Katelyn Rossier!

A licensed Architect and founder of mentorDINO. I help early and mid-career design professionals have the...

Stefanie Reichman, a civil engineer and customer success manager at Bluebeam, shares her journey from civil engineering to construction management to her current role in tech. She discusses the importance of being open to career pivots and not being afraid to fail exams. Stefanie emphasizes the value of industry experience in roles like customer success management and the importance of networking and personal branding when transitioning careers. She also highlights the benefits of remote work and the flexibility it provides for work-life balance and creativity.

In this conversation, Stefanie Reichman and Katelyn discuss the importance of finding the right work environment and being open about personal needs and preferences during the job search. They also talk about Stefanie's mission to help professionals pivot in their careers and find fulfilling work. They share tips and tricks for using Bluebeam software and highlight the impact it has had on the construction industry. Stefanie emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to explore different career paths and being vocal about one's needs and goals.

Takeaways

• Be open to career pivots and don't be afraid to explore new opportunities.

• Industry experience is valuable and can be leveraged in different roles and industries.

• Networking and personal branding are important when transitioning careers.

• Failing exams is not uncommon and should not discourage you from pursuing your goals.

• Remote work offers flexibility and can enhance work-life balance and creativity. Finding the right work environment is crucial for job satisfaction and success.

• Being open and honest about personal needs and preferences during the job search can save time and lead to a better fit.

• Stefanie's mission is to help professionals pivot in their careers and find fulfilling work.

• Bluebeam software has had a significant impact on the construction industry and offers various features and functionalities.

• Giving oneself permission to explore different career paths and being vocal about needs and goals is essential for personal and professional growth.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Stefanie Reichman

6:15 Getting her PE

15:00 Advice for pivoting with an Engineering Degree

21:30 What is a CSM?

26:56 What is it like at Bluebeam & being fully remote?

45:15 Bluebeam Tricks

51:00 Advice for Young Professionals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-reichman/

Career Pivot Guide: https://pensight.com/x/stefaniereichman

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!

Editing and Motion Graphics: Gus Bernal

www.gusbernal.com

Hello, I'm Katelyn Rossier!

A licensed Architect and founder of mentorDINO. I help early and mid-career design professionals have the technical knowledge, professional development skills, and resources they need to not only have successful projects but also be able to step into leadership roles with confidence! The AEC industry doesn’t have to be sink or swim!

How do I do this? Through a community style learning where we learn from others, learn together, and grow out networks. It is called the mentorDINO Network! Check out my website to learn more or feel free to reach out to me directly.

https://www.mentordino.com/network/

🌟Join the discussion and learn by finding

Bryce Betts, AEC Chief Matchmaker, Career Coach, and Recruiter at Career Collective, discusses her journey in the recruiting and coaching industry, specializing in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. She shares insights on career coaching, the challenges faced by small firms in hiring and growth, and the impact of labor shortages and economic constraints. Bryce also talks about his podcast, Wine After Work, where she interviews women entrepreneurs and professionals about their career journeys.

In this conversation, Bryce Batts provides advice for professionals in the AEC industry on networking, job searching, and career development. She emphasizes the importance of responding to recruiters, updating LinkedIn profiles, and being open to work for recruiters. She also discusses the need for open and honest conversations with recruiters and the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of oneself in the workplace. Batts highlights the value of organizations and networking events in career growth and offers advice for younger professionals on attending these events. She concludes by encouraging professionals to set clear goals, seek mentors, and take initiative in their careers.

Takeaways

· Career coaching can help individuals at all levels of their career, from entry-level to senior-level, in navigating their career paths and finding fulfillment in their work.

· Small firms looking to grow should assess their business needs and financial situation to determine when and who to hire, considering the peaks and valleys of the AEC industry.

· During downturns or recessions, individuals should focus on networking, keeping their network warm, and being clear about their goals and preferences. Employers should stay flexible and consider alternative hiring strategies.

· The AEC industry faces challenges such as labor shortages, finding the right talent, economic constraints, and managing workload fluctuations.

· Bryce's podcast, Wine After Work, focuses on interviewing women entrepreneurs and professionals about their career journeys, work-life balance, and future aspirations. Always respond to recruiters, even if you're not interested, to keep doors open for future opportunities.

· Update your LinkedIn profile and be open to work for recruiters to increase your chances of being found by potential employers.

· Have open and honest conversations with recruiters, ask questions, and set boundaries that make you comfortable.

· Take care of yourself and set realistic goals to avoid burnout in the workplace.

· Attend organizational events and network with professionals in your industry to expand your connections and opportunities.

· Seek mentors and take initiative in your career by setting clear goals and showing up as the person you want to be.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-batts-recruiter/

Career Collective: www.mycareercollective.com

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!

Editing and Motion Graphics: Gus Bernal

www.gusbernal.com

Hello, I'm Katelyn Rossier!

A licensed Architect and founder of mentorDINO. I help early and mid-career design professionals have the technical knowledge, professional development skills, and resources they need to not only have successful projects but also be able to step into leadership roles with confidence! The AEC industry doesn’t have to be sink or swim!

How do I do this? Through a community style...