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Washington Mass Timber Accelerator (WMTA) is tackling the true barriers to adoption of mass timber construction in the State of Washington. Why? Because we know mass timber will improve individual and community health, uplift local economies, and support long-term forest health.
We bring decades of experience in mass timber project execution, local expertise, and an ecosystem approach to moving this industry forward. An opportunistic catalyst, WMTA works with partners to identify the dynamics, times and places that represent maximum leverage in mass timber’s adoption curve.
We implement focused accelerator initiatives when the timing is ‘ripe’, and we know the right players are ready to align to remove key barriers.
We share an expansive vision but achieve it through practical solutions. We are deep thinkers who acknowledge the nuances and complexities in the work. Through this targeted approach, we create measurable impact, accelerating adoption and leading Washington’s construction sector into a future powered by a sustainable regional supply chain and a robust, healthy workforce.
What are the barriers to mass timber construction in Washington?
1. Lack of awareness around benefits & appropriate applications
2. Lack of know-how to successfully deliver mass timber projects
3. Cost premiums relative to alternatives (concrete & steel)
4. Perception of supply chain risk
5. Cost of regional mass timber relative to imported
6. Availability and cost of insurance
Erica has long been interested in the design of urban environments in ways that honor the natural resources on which our lives depend. For nearly a decade, Erica has dedicated her professional energy to advancing the use of mass timber. She began her journey as a sales representative for Structurlam, and went on to establish Swinerton’s mass timber division, which became Timberlab – a leading provider of holistic mass timber systems with a reputation for collaboration and innovation. As VP and Director of Preconstruction, Erica brought mass timber dreams to life, helping to deliver precedent-setting projects including Seattle’s Heartwood – a workforce housing project the first Type IV-C building permitted and constructed in the United States. Erica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. She was named a DJC Oregon Women of Vision, and one of ThinkWood’s Leading Women Innovating in AEC and Beyond. She resides in Portland, Oregon with her amazing partner and sons.
Dr. Pouria Bahmani, PhD, PEWashington State UniversityDr. Pouria Bahmani is an Assistant Professor of Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Washington State University. His research focuses on performance-based engineering, traditional and innovative mass timber structures, modular construction design, sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems, and innovative structural systems and technologies. With over $800K in funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Defense, and industry partners, he is actively advancing the design and application of wood and timber structures, modular design and construction, and affordable housing. Before joining WSU, he was an assistant professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering from 2019 to 2022 and worked as a structural engineer at Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) in Seattle, as well as KPFF Consulting Engineers in Tacoma/Seattle from 2015 to 2019. He is a registered professional engineer in California, Washington, Oregon, and Wisconsin and is a member of professional organizations such as ASCE/SEI, AISC, and AWC.
Jan Hurley HomeSight WAJan has worked as a developer to promote the mass timber industry in Washington State, advocating for its use to drive environmental sustainability and economic development. With extensive development experience, Jan has led projects that utilized mass timber for modular affordable housing, demonstrating a commitment to innovative sustainable building practices.
Eddie Jezek Jr.Business Agent, Ironworkers Local #86 Eddie has been a Union Ironworker with Local 86 since 2007, where he spent most of his career erecting structural steel. He quickly rose to a leadership position and was a foreman on several notable projects, including the Amazon Spheres, Climate Pledge arena, and Rainier Square Tower which was the first “speedcore” erected. He now works as a Business Agent for Ironworkers Local 86, representing nearly 3,000 members in western Washington.”
Michael Langstaff Forestry for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Michael Langstaff was recently hired as the Administrative Forester for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR), having worked in forest and timber management for almost 15 years. The CTCR are the leading producers of Tribal wood in Washington state, with a holistic approach to natural resource management. Michael received his BS from Humboldt State University in 2009, with a double emphasis in Forest Production Management and Wildland Fire Management and a minor in Geographic Information Technology. Michael loves living in the Coulee with his family, where they can spend summers on the lake and winters on the mountain. He is passionate about responsible natural resource management on the Colville Reservation, and eager to share how the Colville Tribes are caring for the land. He volunteers for the Electric City Fire Department, helps coaching his kids’ sports, and is on the local Parent Teacher Association.
Joshua Schaaf 7Gen Components & Craft ContractingWith over 20 years of industry experience, Joshua brings expertise in offsite construction systems, manufacturing, and installation of wood buildings using Modern Methods of Construction to the WA Mass Timber Accelerator. As an owner of a construction company focused on family and community, Joshua’s mission is to make housing accessible for all Washington State residents by using mass timber and sustainable, cost-saving manufacturing technologies. By partnering with schools and tribal communities, Joshua aims to create inclusive opportunities in the timber industry through workforce development collaborations.
Bec Wilder CEO, GreenCanopy NODE Bec believes in the future of construction: envisioning homes and buildings that address our climate crisis and provide shelter for all, creating places we love to be. Their vision for a better world is grounded in their experience in construction, prefab, real estate development, technology, and sustainability. Bec is a founder and operator, technology integrator, and team builder. Bec has an MBA from Presidio Graduate School and is an alumnus of Y Combinator and Techstars. Green Canopy NODE develops building systems that accelerate construction with next level sustainability, at the same or lower cost than traditional construction. Amid labor shortages, rising costs, and market instability, Green Canopy NODE believes in harnessing the power of manufacturing for construction. By standardizing parts and leveraging parametric software, we aim to scale our impact effectively and efficiently.