Course Overview
Mass timber buildings are often perceived as premium projects, but assumptions based on a single cost line can be misleading. This session explores the complexities of costing mass timber construction and highlights why a holistic, team-based approach is essential from the earliest stages of design. Attendees will gain insights into common pitfalls for cost consultants and learn how early architectural decisions such as grid spacing and aesthetic goals can significantly influence both cost and structural efficiency. The speakers will emphasize the importance of clear project objectives when setting the initial budget and outline best practices for cost predictability, including robust scope management, design reviews, and obtaining competitive bids from multiple timber suppliers. The session will also examine the role of architects in informing cost decisions, strategies for improved procurement and scheduling, and how to leverage mass timber’s expedited on-site phase.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the complexities of mass timber costing: Participants will be able to explain why relying on a single cost line item is misleading and identify key factors—such as grid spacing and aesthetic goals—that influence overall project cost and structural efficiency.
- Apply best practices for cost predictability in mass timber projects: Learners will be able to outline strategies for achieving accurate budgets, including robust scope management, design reviews, and obtaining competitive bids from multiple timber suppliers.
- Recognize the role of collaboration in successful mass timber delivery: Attendees will be able to describe how architects, developers, and contractors can work together from early design stages to improve procurement, scheduling, and leverage mass timber’s expedited on-site phase.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Marlon Bray
Executive Vice President
Clark Construction Management Inc.
Mass timber buildings are often perceived as premium projects, but assumptions based on a single cost line can be misleading. This session explores the complexities of costing mass timber construction and highlights why a holistic, team-based approach is essential from the earliest stages of design. Attendees will gain insights into common pitfalls for cost consultants and learn how early architectural decisions such as grid spacing and aesthetic goals can significantly influence both cost and structural efficiency. The speakers will emphasize the importance of clear project objectives when setting the initial budget and outline best practices for cost predictability, including robust scope management, design reviews, and obtaining competitive bids from multiple timber suppliers. The session will also examine the role of architects in informing cost decisions, strategies for improved procurement and scheduling, and how to leverage mass timber’s expedited on-site phase.
Mathieu Fleury
Partner
Leader Lane Developments
Jonathan King
Principal
BNKC Architects Inc.





























