Shingi Tarirah
Structural Coordinator, Shinohara Group
Shingi is a structural engineer who has worked on a wide variety of structures internationally with a special interest on timber engineering. Her work centres on the unvarnished interrogation of design at all scales as a vehicle for creating tactful, appropriate responses.
Shingi’s current focus is on culture’s impact on the way design and the technical and organisational tools needed to help engineers work better cross-culturally, as distilled by her work at the Osaka World Expo 2025.
Alex Campbell
Regional Director – Australia & New Zealand, Pliteq
Alex is a Chartered Professional Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in consulting, government, and construction. Trained in acoustical engineering (M.Eng, University of Southampton, UK), he has worked across the globe on projects that integrate technical excellence with practical delivery outcomes.
His career spans global consulting firms, senior client-side roles within government, the CEO of a construction firm and he is currently the Australia / New Zealand leader of Pliteq, global company focussed on making high-performance vibration control solutions from end-of-life tyres. This cross-industry perspective allows him to understand the opportunities and challenges of new materials and methods, including the growing role of timber in sustainable construction.
Alex has presented at conferences in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, sharing insights on engineering innovation, project delivery, and the broader shifts shaping the built environment. He brings a balanced perspective on how timber construction fits within industry trends and offers practical insights into what it means for engineers, developers, and the future of construction practice.
Chris Lindsay
Director, H.Troon
With 18 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, Chris Lindsay brings a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership to his role as Director at H Troon. Beginning his career as a carpenter, Chris has progressed through site management, project management, and construction management, building a deep understanding of every stage of project delivery.
His experience spans world-class fit-outs, design and construct projects, and large-scale developments across multi-level buildings, major industrial facilities, and large format retail. Chris combines strong technical knowledge with practical, site-based expertise to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
Today, he continues to draw on this hands-on foundation to lead project teams and drive the successful delivery of complex builds, while upholding the values and legacy of H Troon.
Yuichi Shinohara
President and CEO, Shinohara Group, Japan
Yuichi Shinohara is the President and CEO of the Shinohara Group, which operates five companies supporting wooden architecture.
Founded over 50 years ago, the Group is a Japan-based lumber trading firm with a strong legacy in the industry.
In addition to building around 4,000 wooden houses annually, the Shinohara Group has expanded into non-residential wooden projects and has contributed to major initiatives such as several Tokyo 2020 Olympic projects and the upcoming Osaka Expo 2025.
Nate Helbach
Co-Founder & CEO, Neutral
Nate Helbach is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Neutral, where he leads with a clear vision: to build a lifestyle brand that aligns human wellbeing with planetary health. As CEO, Nate is responsible for guiding the company, managing a multidisciplinary team, cultivating investor relationships, and shaping the strategic roadmap for growth. His day-to-day work focuses on more than development—he’s building the culture of the firm. That means aligning teams around Neutral’s purpose, refining systems to scale, and forging partnerships that share our long-term belief: healthy living should be built into homes, not an afterthought.
Under Nate’s leadership, Neutral is redefining what multifamily housing can be. Each building is envisioned as a restorative environment—centered on clean materials, natural light, filtered air and water, movement, and access to fresh, organically grown food. These are more than amenities—they’re part of a holistic standard of living, grounded in Neutral Wellbeing, the company’s integrated longevity and wellness program.
Nate’s background in finance, sustainability, and development informs every aspect of Neutral’s work. Prior to founding the company in 2020, he worked with a Midwest developer managing 2,000+ units and delivering hundreds of new homes annually. Today, he channels that experience into building places that are not only sustainable, but regenerative—projects that give back more than they take, both ecologically and socially.
At its core, Neutral is a belief made real: that beauty, sustainability, fitness, nutrition, and well-being can—and must—coexist. Nate is committed to proving that development can be a force for good, and that thriving people and a thriving planet go hand in hand.
Barry Brunton
Barry Brunton, Director, Legacy Engineering Pty Ltd
Barry Brunton is a specialist in offsite construction design with deep expertise in timber-framed structural solutions and engineered timber systems. With extensive experience across prefabrication, modular housing, and design-for-manufacture-and-assembly (DfMA), Barry has helped multiple offsite ventures optimise their design processes and deliver efficient, code-compliant timber outcomes. His work spans conventional timber frames, glulam, and hybrid systems, with a particular focus on creating structural designs that integrate seamlessly with robotic and factory-based production. Through his consultancy, Legacy Engineering, Barry has supported leading innovators in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK to accelerate the adoption of timber in housing, positioning it as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional steel and concrete. Known for his practical understanding of both engineering and manufacturing realities, Barry brings a rare combination of technical depth and design foresight to the offsite timber sector.
Bruce Wallace
Owner – Director, The Truss Joint
Bruce Wallace is a seasoned professional in the construction and truss industry, with a career spanning nearly 4 decades. Born in 1969 and proudly Gen X, Bruce grew up on a 2,000-acre farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Brought up by partly by his parents but mostly by the community.
He began his career in 1988 as a junior estimator in Bendigo, central Victoria, and spent the next 20 years honing his expertise in various roles within the truss industry. In 1998-99, Bruce took on a new challenge, working for a builder in Darwin, before returning to Bendigo to the same company in a variety of management roles. Graduating with a Business diploma in 2007, in 2008 he founded The Truss Joint P/L, marking his entrepreneurial journey and continued commitment to the industry. His business and ‘Life Ethos’ is characterised by Leadership, Change, Diversification, Risk Management, Adaption and most of all have fun and enjoy the ride!!
Away from work, Bruce enjoys life on his 36-acre hobby farm in central Victoria. A passionate cricket and footy fan, he has played and coached at different levels for many years, sharing his love for the game with others. His interests extend beyond the sporting field—he’s a nature lover, accomplished cook, fisherman and keen hunter who’s always up for the thrill of catching, cooking and eating his own fresh food. He also has a love for travel and the great outdoors embracing new experiences.
Bruce is a dedicated family man, raising three sons who are now thriving at 26, 24, and 22. Whether on the farm, at work, or out exploring the world, he brings energy, enthusiasm, and a down-to-earth approach.
Robert Nestic
Director/Senior Engineer, Timgib Pty Ltd
Robert Nestic has carried a passion for timber design and construction since beginning engineering studies in the 1980’s, with over 40 years of focussed experience from design through to fabrication.
Having seen the timber industry evolve with the emerging popularity of engineered timber products, Rob now runs Specialised Timber Fabrication, a unique company providing manufactured timber components for a range of unique timber designs. He combines this with his role as Director and Senior Engineer at TGA Engineers.
Rob hopes to continually further his knowledge of timber design and construction, and is enthusiastic about providing as much as possible for the industry going forward. Working closely with Wood Solutions, Forest & Wood Products Australia, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods and other prominent timber organisations, he offers specialist consultation and proudly advocates for the many benefits of timber design.
Daniel Jones
Construction Manager, XLam
Daniel has been with XLam for the past four years as Construction Manager, leading client engagements and overseeing the successful delivery of high-profile mass timber projects across a wide range of sectors—including single homes, hotels, retirement villages, mixed-use developments, education facilities, office buildings, and notably, the Air New Zealand aircraft hangars.
With 24 years of experience in the building industry and a degree in Construction Engineering and Management, Daniel brings a rare balance of technical knowledge and practical expertise. Highly customer-focused with a pragmatic mindset, he adds significant value when engaged early in the supply process—supporting buildable design outcomes, mitigating programme risks, and identifying cost efficiencies. His strategic input enables clients to shape projects that are not only successful and efficient, but also future-ready.
Daniel Firth
Acoustic Consultant, PKA Acoustic Consulting
Daniel began his career with acoustics in 2016 working directly under PKA Acoustic Consulting founder and acoustics pioneer Peter Knowland. During this time Daniel’s passion of music and architecture have led to the successful delivery of many landmark projects. By bringing attention to detail and a mindful coordination between design and engineering, Daniel works to deliver high-quality acoustic consulting to even the most straightforward projects.
PKA is in the forefront of many developing acoustical technologies for lightweight construction, modular manufacturing, and product R&D.
Daniel graduated from the Universities of Canberra and Sydney with BAArch and MArchSci respectively and continues to work in the intersection of architectural design and acoustical science.
Jimmy Corric
Project Director, NZ Strong
Jimmy Corric has been deeply involved in the Hangar 4 project since 2018, bringing a unique perspective shaped by his experience across both the supply side and main contracting. He first joined the project while at Xlam, leading the delivery of Hangar 4 in a supply-and-install capacity. Following that success, he returned to NZ Strong—where he had previously worked for six years as a Project Manager—to take on the role of Project Director after NZ Strong secured the project as main contractor.
Jimmy’s involvement spans the full lifecycle of the project, from tendering and contract negotiations through to design, methodology, and execution. With hands-on experience at every stage, he has been proud to help drive one of the most significant mass timber projects in the region.
Philippa Carr
Director, Michael Carr Architect
Philippa has over 15 years’ experience working both in Australia and internationally. Upon returning to Australia in 2016 she joined MCA, becoming a director in 2019. With a focus on public, education, and community projects, she has experience working across various project typologies and enjoys collaborating with a range of stakeholders and consultants. She is passionate about the transformative nature of architecture; how engagement, collaboration and good design can create sustainable, meaningful places that uniquely reflect the DNA of their site and inspire the community they serve.
Patrick Thompson
Kaiārahi – Principal, Studio Pacific Architecture Ltd
Patrick is a Registered Architect in New Zealand with over 20 years of experience delivering complex projects across a wide range of sectors. His recent focus has been on aviation, where he has led major projects for Air New Zealand including Hangar 4 and Hangar 3. These projects required a deep understanding of operational requirements, technical constraints, and the integration of large-scale infrastructure with specialist aviation needs.
Patrick’s leadership style centres on fostering strong collaboration within project teams and with clients, ensuring solutions are innovative, practical, and aligned with operational priorities. His ability to quickly grasp project requirements and translate them into clear, buildable outcomes has been key to successfully delivering aviation facilities that support both current and future operational demands.
In addition to aviation, Patrick has a focus on mass timber construction, assisting on other large scale projects within Studio Pacific.
Daryl Patterson
Director, West Island Workshop
Daryl’s work over 30+ years includes the leadership of multi-million dollar innovation programs for both government and private clients, delivering component-based systems that reduce construction time, cost, and embodied carbon—particularly within the social and build-to-rent residential sector. During a 27-year tenure at Lendlease, he co-founded and led internal ventures including the introduction of cross laminated timber to Australia, culminating in his role as co-founder of Lendlease’s digital business, Podium in the role of Chief Product Officer and Head of Design.
As an independent consultant he now specialises in translating design concepts into manufactured products—and those products into scalable platforms for residential, commercial, and public sector developments. He currently leads product and system development for a kit of parts solution for NSW State Government agency Homes NSW via the Commonwealth Cooperative Research Centre Building 4.0. The application of this kit is to support the Homes NSW $8.5bn pipeline of new housing.
Kylan Low
Structural Engineer, Timber Development Association
Kylan Low is a structural engineer and designer with a career dedicated to advancing timber construction in Australia. He has worked across design, research, and industry development, with a focus on innovation in mass timber systems, prefabrication, and structural design standards.
As a contributor to the Timber Development Association and lead author on multiple WoodSolutions technical guides, Kylan has played a central role in consolidating and communicating best practice for timber design, including recent work on durability, specification, CLT, and GLT. His efforts have supported both industry professionals and the next generation of designers in navigating the opportunities and limitations of timber within the NCC 2022 framework.
Alongside technical authorship, Kylan has led R&D projects on timber grading, composite materials, and prefabricated housing systems, bridging research and practice through collaborations with manufacturers, fabricators, and universities. He is also active in industry events, co-ordinating technical tours and outreach for WCTE 2025 and supporting initiatives such as Timber Construct and the Australian Timber Design Awards.
At Timber Construct, Kylan brings his combined background in structural engineering, building design, and industry collaboration to chair discussions with leading mass timber fabricators and designers, fostering dialogue that connects technical rigour with design ambition.
Perry Forsythe
Emeritus Professor, University of Technology Sydney
Professor Forsythe has over 46 years of construction industry experience. He has
held senior positions in design, construction, estimating, project management and
professional consultancy organisations. He has also been integrally involved in the
research and development of both timber and prefabricated construction systems,
across Australia. His work has focused on understanding how best to progress
offsite processes in a way that improve the economics and mindset typically applied
to building projects.
Jason Ross
MC, Timber Construct 2025
Jason is an experienced publisher, marketer, and communication professional in the building and construction industry – who owns Wood Central, the world’s largest media platform for timber in construction. From 2018 to 2022, Jason was Responsible Wood’s Marketing and Communications Manager, spending five years growing PEFC certification in Australia and New Zealand, especially in mass timber supply chains.
Before entering the timber industry, Jason was a Senior Manager and then Business Development Director at one of Australia’s largest construction, furniture, and property development companies (Schiavello Group), which used much more steel and aluminium partitioning, not timber! With more than 15 years in construction, Jason has also advised the Green Building Council of Australia and successive Queensland State Governments on building, construction, and public works.
An experienced MC, Jason has hosted Annual Conferences for Building Designers, Architects, Engineers and Builders and has been invited to anchor the Building Designers Association of Australia’s Festival of Construction. In addition, Jason has hosted Wood You Like to Know—Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne and has hosted conferences for many of Australia’s top 15 residential developers and house builders – who collectively build 25,000 dwellings per year.
Since launching Wood Central, Jason has interviewed the world’s leading timber fabricators in Europe, North America and Asia, timber engineers and researchers developing the next generation of timber products, journalists who have cracked conflict timber in supply chains, big tech companies who are working on blockchain technologies and government officials who provide Jason with live and up-to-the-minute information about imports, exports and the EUDR.
Chris Speed
Director, Dunning Thornton
Chris has established himself as an expert in the design of functional, cost-effective, construction systems in both mass-timber and steel construction. Chris believes that efficient and simple to erect structures are essential to the design and delivery of complex projects with aspirational briefs, including low damage seismic design and mass timber construction. These systems have been used to deliver commercially successful projects in urban and regional areas including 90 Devenport Road, the largest timber office building in New Zealand.
Georgia Couts
Brand Manager, NeXTimber at TimberLink
Georgia Coutsodimitropoulos (Couts) is the Brand Manager for NeXTimber, the Cross Laminated Timber and Glue Laminated Timber arm of TimberLink. Ms. Coutsodimitropoulos is responsible for developing and implementing brand strategies for NeXTimber, overseeing marketing campaigns and initiatives, as well as managing the brand’s image and reputation.
In her role, Coutsodimitropoulos is responsible for shaping how NeXTimber is perceived in the marketplace and by consumers, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in timber products.
Phillip Tondl
Group Manager ‑ Design & Innovation, Lipman
Phil joined Lipman in January 2016 with a passion for design, first-hand appreciation of buildable solutions and a drive to deliver exemplary buildings.
He has positioned himself within industry as a progressive thinker, highly collaborative by nature and committed to delivering genuine innovation.
Phil believes timber has an important place in the future of our industry. He has travelled extensively to ensure Lipman is at the frontier of this emerging construction technology.
He was instrumental in the delivery of the acclaimed Macquarie University Incubator.
In 2019, Phil commenced his current role to lead a growing team through a time of significant change for the construction industry. He is driving new levels of manufactured content into buildings delivered by Lipman, further consolidating their leadership in the delivery of innovation, quality, and value.
Kevin Peachey
Head of Built Environment Programs, Forest & Wood Products Australia
Kevin is he Head of Built Environment Programs at Forest and Wood Products Australia and manages the well-known WoodSolutions program as the industry’s statistics and economics program.
FWPA is a not-for-profit industry services company that collaborates with government and industry to deliver transformative RD&E initiatives and market development programs to drive growth in the Australian forest and wood products industry.
Kevin’s background includes key roles with the Australian Forest Products Association, Timber Towns Victoria, the National Timber Councils Australia, Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment and Director for the Forest Stewardship Council.
Kersten Gentle
Kersten Gentle, CEO of the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia
Kersten Gentle is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia (FTMA Australia). The FTMA is an industry body that represents manufacturers of prefabricated timber wall frames and roof trusses in Australia.
In her role as CEO, Ms Gentle is responsible for advocating for the interests of FTMA members and the wider timber framing industry. This involves liaising with government bodies, coordinating industry initiatives, and providing leadership on issues affecting the sector.
Ms Gentle has been working in the timber industry for many years, claiming to have sawdust in her boots. She is passionate about her work and is the driving force behind Carbon Warrior.
Rory Hunter
Founder & CEO, Model
Rory Hunter is the founder and CEO of multiple award-winning, sustainable property companies. An entrepreneur with a focus on decarbonising the future, his latest venture, Model, is a purpose-first build-to-rent development group that dismantles the rental norms through the pillars of climate action, community building and design innovation inspired by the world’s finest hotels. Rory is a Harvard Business School graduate, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Global Board Member of the Young Presidents’ Organization Sports and Outdoors Network (2023-2024), member of the Property Council of Australia’s Sustainable Development Committee (2023-2026) and has spoken at prominent conferences including the G20 and Davos.
Imran Ahamed
Senior Researcher, Halliwell Fire Science
Dr Ahamed is the Senior Researcher in Halliwell’s Fire Science team. He is a specialist in passive fire protection with a comprehensive understanding of both local and international fire testing and assessment standards. Imran has overseen large-scale projects evaluating the fire-resisting performance of passive fire products involving fire testing, assessments, and product certification. Imran has significant experience in performance-based structural fire engineering for concrete, mass timber, steel, and composite structures.
Ryan Hilditch
Principal, Halliwell Fire Science
Dr Hilditch is the Principal of Halliwell’s Australian Fire Science division, previously National Director at Hydrock and Technical Director at WSP. Ryan has consistently aimed to combine research with consultancy throughout his career. He is a PhD supervisor at the University of Queensland’s fire research group in the topic of fire performance of mass timber and regularly provides expert witness advice for matters including combustible cladding and fire dynamics in complex fire scenarios.
Karthik Ganesan
Karthik Ganesan, Associate Director (Structural), TTW Engineers
Karthik Ganesan is a recognised leader in mass timber engineering, known for his technical expertise and commitment to sustainable design. A Chartered Engineer with over 15 years of experience, his work spans Australia, the USA, India, and Singapore, with a portfolio including high-rise, long-span, and hybrid timber structures.
At TTW, Karthik leads the Mass Timber Design team, playing a key role in advancing timber construction across education, commercial, and residential sectors. He is helping deliver landmark developments such as the Lithgow Street (Build-to-Rent), Decjuba headquarters in Cremorne, and Monash Student Accommodation Building, which is currently underway. Karthik is driven by a deep belief in the structural and environmental potential of engineered timber. His work is reshaping industry practices through collaboration, research, and technical innovation. By consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with timber, he is making a lasting contribution to a more resilient and regenerative built environment.
George Dolezal
Principal Engineer, Meyer Timber
George Dolezal is a qualified structural engineer with over 25 years experience in timber design. He has worked with nailplate companies, engineered wood producers and is the principal engineer for Meyer Timber in NSW, one of Australia’s largest timber wholesalers. Along with product compliance and high level technical support, George is continually developing products to increase the efficiency of building in timber.
Tyson Infanti
Director of Business Development, Hasslacher Timber Australia
Tyson has a Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. He is a passionate and dedicated timber industry professional, serving as Director of Business Development at Hasslacher. With a strong technical background and a focus on value-driven project outcomes, he collaborates closely with engineers and architects to deliver efficient, high-performance timber solutions. Tyson holds a Bachelor of Engineering from RMIT and brings several years of specialized experience in the mass timber sector. His professional enthusiasm for timber is complemented by a personal interest in woodworking.
Jacob Blennerhassett
Architect, Michael Carr Architect
Jacob has a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from Deakin University. He has worked with Michael Carr Architect for over 10 years, starting with the firm as a university student. With interests in material circularity, sensory architecture, and construction detailing, he has experience leading projects with varying typologies including residential extensions, testing laboratories and large-scale commercial developments. During his time at Michael Carr Architect Jacob has built relationships with various industry professionals who regularly collaborate to deliver successful projects
Jeremy Church
General Manager of NeXTimber® by Timberlink
Jeremy Church is the General Manager of NeXTimber® by Timberlink, an Australian manufacturer of engineered timber products, focused on delivering high-performance mass timber solutions for the commercial and residential construction sectors.
With a background in structural engineering, Jeremy brings a deep understanding of building systems and project execution into a manufacturing setting. Since stepping into the role, he has focussed on aligning production capabilities with market demand and driving broader industry acceptance of mass timber—through product innovation, regulatory engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
Jeremy also serves as a Board Member of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA), contributing to the development and promotion of quality standards across the industry. He is a co-founder of Timber DiaLog, a platform created to foster open, cross-disciplinary conversations about the role of timber in the built environment.
With a passion for continuous improvement, Jeremy is committed building capability, culture, and lasting partnerships across the construction and manufacturing landscape.
Gareth Connell
National Specification Manager, Cabot’s Premium Woodcare Brands, DuluxGroup
Gareth has been involved in the coating industry for over 38 years, delivering high performance coatings solutions in Australia, SE Asia, Europe & China
His expertise spans R&D product development, application, production, commercial sales, architectural specification and business development and management.
With experience in a wide portfolio of technology bases during this time, his technology expertise ranges from high performance façade finishing systems, architectural powder & fluoropolymer coatings to decorative paints, automotive and high-performance wood coating technologies.
Morgan Sadler
Managing Director, Pliteq
Morgan has been a part of the Pliteq team for 12 years. She is passionate about educating architects, developers, engineers and contractors on ways to use sustainable materials to solve sound and vibration challenges. She has recently been tasked with growing the business in Australia and feels honoured to be working in this region.
Chethiya Ratnakara
Chethiya Ratnakara, Managing Director, Versobuild Pte Ltd, Singapore
Chethiya Ratnakara is a leading industry expert in timber construction and has been actively involved in the adoption of engineered timber technology in Singapore. With over 18 years of international experience, he has successfully led the delivery of landmark timber and hybrid structures across Asia — including multi-storey buildings, long-span roofs, complex geometry structures, and resort developments.
He played a key role in delivering Singapore’s iconic 27-metre Geneo timber canopy, the tallest single-span engineered timber structure in Southeast Asia. He is widely recognised for his expertise in fire performance, sustainable timber design, and construction productivity. He currently serves as Managing Director of Versobuild Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based mass engineered timber specialist providing services globally.
Known to many as Chet, he is a regular speaker at industry events, where he shares practical insights on the challenges and opportunities of modern timber construction. His work continues to shape the future of sustainable, high-performance, and code-compliant timber design across the region.
Sebastian Jaimes
Technical Salesman, Rotho Blaas Australia
Sebastian is a registered professional engineer specialising in timber design and construction. Based in Brisbane, he is the Local Technical Consultant Engineer for Rothoblaas, supporting the Australian and New Zealand markets with effective solutions for mass timber, light-frame timber, modular, prefab, and light steel construction. He is also a Partner Investigator with the ARC Advance Timber Hub, contributing to research on screwed connection performance, durability of screws and soundproofing solutions.
Louise Wallis
Deputy Director, Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW), University of Tasmania.
Dr Louise Wallis is Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) at the University of Tasmania. CSAW is a multidisciplinary research group spanning architecture, engineering, and wood science, focused on increasing the use of timber in fit-for-purpose building applications.
Louise currently co-leads the Future Lightweight Timber Framing project, funded by Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) and the Future Framing Initiative (FFI). Dr Wallis also leads research into timber use in Tasmania’s residential sector, the potential of Western Australian plantation hardwoods for engineered wood products, and the performance of juvenile radiata pine to expand the framing resource.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural education, Louise has taught and mentored students in sustainable design and construction. Her teaching emphasises collaboration, hands-on learning, and design-build approaches that connect students with real-world challenges. Louise’s work bridges research, education, and industry, contributing to a more sustainable built environment through innovation in timber design and construction.
Richard Nero
Research Fellow, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne
Dr. Richard Nero is a Research Fellow in the Department of Infrastructure Engineering at the University of Melbourne. His field of research is in sustainable construction materials and advanced timber systems. With a focus on the development and behaviour assessment of high-performance engineered wood products (EWPs) and composite timber systems, his work also addresses the practical implications of integrating these systems into our buildings. From detached residential lightweight timber framing through to mid- and high-rise mass timber, his research integrates the latest in material technology and product developments to get the most out of the fibre resource. Dr. Nero’s research integrates statistical and numerical modelling, reliability analysis, and experimental testing to improve the structural efficiency and sustainability of our built environment.
Dr. Nero is a Research Project Lead for the Building 4.0 CRC, a $130m initiative to transform the building industry in Australia.
Boris Iskra
National Codes & Standards Manager, Forest and Wood Products Australia
Boris Iskra has an extensive understanding of the Australian forest and wood products sector with over 35 years of direct involvement. He is the National Codes & Standards Manager for Forest & Wood Products Australia where his role is to coordinate the development and review of Australian timber standards, and associated building standards and codes, on behalf of the Australian timber industry.
Boris coordinated the National Construction Code Volume One (NCC) submission to permit fire-protected lightweight timber-framed and massive timber systems to be used in the construction of buildings up to 25 metres in effective height as Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) solutions; typically, eight-storeys. This change to the NCC now permits all classes of buildings, such as residential, school, hospital and aged-care buildings, to be constructed using fire-protected timber structural building elements.
Boris holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Structural) degree and a Graduate Diploma in Building Fire Safety and Risk Engineering.
Aedan Callaghan
Managing Director – Mass Timber and Technical Services, Pliteq
Aedan established Pliteq’s Vancouver office in 2020 and oversees the global mass timber and technical services teams. Aedan has helped lead Pliteq’s growth in sustainable construction projects and is a thought leader in the area of mass timber acoustics.
Aedan provides education to engineers, architects, and contractors on Pliteq’s solutions. Aedan led the team responsible for publishing Pliteq’s Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and 3rd party carbon audit of the manufacturing processes.
Aedan graduated from McGill University with a B.Eng in Material Engineering and before joining Pliteq worked for a clean tech start up assisting with research and development on a low-cost catalyst material for exhaust gas treatment.
Nick Hewson
Director, Arboralis
Nick launched Arboralis in 2023 in response to a growing demand for high quality design and support for timber structures and prefabricated buildings. Nick has 20 years of experience across the construction sector; from structural consultancy, through materials manufacture, to prefabricated buildings and construction. He has been involved in the design and delivery of hundreds of timber buildings, across Australia, New Zealand and his native UK. He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and building better buildings and works with clients, both large and small, to further technical understanding of timber and low carbon construction techniques.
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Jason Ross
Jason Ross – Timber Construct MC
Jason is an experienced publisher, marketer, and communication professional in the building and construction industry – who owns Wood Central, the world’s largest media platform for timber in construction. From 2018 to 2022, Jason was Responsible Wood’s Marketing and Communications Manager, spending five years growing PEFC certification in Australia and New Zealand, especially in mass timber supply chains.
Before entering the timber industry, Jason was a Senior Manager and then Business Development Director at one of Australia’s largest construction, furniture, and property development companies (Schiavello Group), which used much more steel and aluminium partitioning, not timber! With more than 15 years in construction, Jason has also advised the Green Building Council of Australia and successive Queensland State Governments on building, construction, and public works.
An experienced MC, Jason has hosted Annual Conferences for Building Designers, Architects, Engineers and Builders and has been invited to anchor the Building Designers Association of Australia’s Festival of Construction. In addition, Jason has hosted Wood You Like to Know—Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne and has hosted conferences for many of Australia’s top 15 residential developers and house builders – who collectively build 25,000 dwellings per year.
Since launching Wood Central, Jason has interviewed the world’s leading timber fabricators in Europe, North America and Asia, timber engineers and researchers developing the next generation of timber products, journalists who have cracked conflict timber in supply chains, big tech companies who are working on blockchain technologies and government officials who provide Jason with live and up-to-the-minute information about imports, exports and the EUDR.
Andrew Dunn
Chief Executive Officer, Timber Development Association
Andrew has 39 years of experience in the building industry, with the last 33 years within the timber sector and 23 years as CEO of TDA.
He is educated in Civil/Structural Engineering from the University of Sydney and has a Master of Timber Engineering from Central Queensland University.
Andrew’s work within the timber industry has been at the market end of the timber industry’s supply. Focusing on the needs of the construction sector and matching the capacity or ability of the timber industry to meet these needs.
Technically based, he has represented the industry on numerous committees from Australian Standard, Building Industry, Government and timber industry boards and panels. He has co-chaired two international timber industry networks on the promotion and promotion of fire-safe timber buildings.
He has extensive knowledge in fire and sound timber technology and is more recently involved in introducing cross-laminated timber and mid-rise timber-framed building systems to Australia
