Talking Mass Timber in the Natural State

By Chad Coldiron, Principal, Director of Client Relations & Development, Zweig Group

Lessons Learned from the 2025 Arkansas Mass Timber Conference

The future is firmly rooted in sustainability, and few construction materials embody the shifting landscape of our industry as effectively as mass timber.  Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Arkansas Mass Timber Conference in my hometown of Fayetteville on the University of Arkansas campus. Hosted by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design and ISG, this unique gathering brought together industry leaders, visionaries, and experts dedicated to exploring how this innovative material will shape the future of our built environment.

Among the most ancient building materials still in use today, mass timber gives us a unique glimpse into the past, present, and future of the AEC industry.  And, based on new developments in mass timber construction and design highlighted at the 2025 Arkansas Mass Timber conference, its clear timber is going to stick around long into the future.  There are few locations more fitting than the state of Arkansas to talk mass timber.  With around 57 percent of the state covered by forested land, Arkansas has naturally become a leader in mass timber design, construction, manufacturing, and education.

How Mass Timber is Shaping Construction

Over the last decade, mass timber has grown far beyond a niche alternative.  Mass timber is now a mainstream solution for clients seeking sustainable, high-performance buildings.  As a material, it carries a remarkably low carbon footprint while also enhancing aesthetic appeal and providing structural efficiency.  Mass timber is allowing AEC firms and construction crews to redefine what is possible in markets such as commercial, residential, and educational.  The 2025 Arkansas Mass Timber Conference captured the evolution of this material by bringing together experts and innovators who shared insights on its growing use and impact.

The event was driven by some of the most influential mass timber voices in the AEC industry, including keynote speakers like Thomas Robinson of LEVER Architecture, Susan Jones of atelierjones, and Michael Green of MGA | Michael Green Architecture.  These speakers, and many others, outlined how mass timber is shaping the future of construction by sharing details of groundbreaking projects.  These discussions were largely focused on the integration of mass timber in large-scale developments, its role in climate-positive design, and advancements in manufacturing technologies.

None of this would have been possible without the careful planning and execution by ISG and the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, driving forces behind organizing this incredible event. Their attention to detail and their deep understanding of the mass timber industry created a platform where meaningful conversations could happen. They selected a dynamic  speaker lineup and facilitated engaging panel discussions that tackled both the technical and strategic sides of mass timber adoption. The seamless organization of the conference reflected ISG’s broader commitment to supporting innovation and collaboration within the AEC industry. Their ability to bring together diverse 

Lessons Learned: Mass Timber, Communication, & Collaboration

While I listened to the assembled speakers that day, I couldn’t help but think about our work at Zweig Group, and how these conversations aligned with our commitment to drive the AEC industry forward.  As I sat spellbound, hearing stories about amazing mass timber structures like the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, I saw that mass timber adoption aligned clearly with our vision as a company.  Mass timber pushes boundaries while forcing us to rethink traditional methodologies and embrace new technologies in the pursuit of enhancing performance and sustainability.

Success with mass timber projects hinges on unparalleled collaboration.  Architects, engineers, construction teams, and clients must all be on the same page, working together.  Mass timber is largely prefabricated, placing an outsized emphasis on early and continuous communication between all parties. Constant and continuous communication throughout the progressing stages of construction is essential to ensuring a seamless process from design through construction.  All projects require communication, but mass timber projects require established communication and coordination up front.  Everything including material sourcing, logistics and transportation, and manufacturing tolerances must be meticulously planned.  This level of coordination and communication stems from channels that foster open dialogue while leveraging digital modeling tools like BIM.  This means project stakeholders can mitigate risk, streamline workflows, and ultimately deliver high-quality, sustainable buildings on schedule and within budget.

One of the most striking examples of this outsized emphasis on communication and collaboration in mass timber was the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library located in North Dakota.  This hybrid mass timber structure pushes the boundaries of design to create a one-of-a-kind vision of the relationship between the built and natural environments.  A small panel was assembled to talk about the ongoing project in the Great Plains, and the composition of the group spoke to the project’s complexity—with each speaker representing a different firm responsible for a different aspect of the project.

Despite working for different firms, it was clear the panel were good friends, laughing and sharing memories about overcoming challenges in the project’s timeline.  As it happens, their camaraderie is a function of collaboration.  Moreover, it is a function of incredibly successful collaborative planning and activity from the represented firms.  Because of its groundbreaking nature, there has been no shortage of challenges to be overcome in bringing the project to life.  Through successful collaboration, they have been able to accomplish incredibly complex tasks such as creating a new reference language for localized connections.  While this is only one example of the successes this project has achieved thus far, it is a powerful testament to collaboration within the functional framework of mass timber projects.

Navigating a Changing Landscape & Building for the Future

There is tremendous momentum behind mass timber, and the 2025 Arkansas Mass Timber Conference was a powerful testament to that.  As I reflect on the insights and advice gathered during this special conference, one thing is certain: mass timber isn’t just a trend; it’s a cornerstone of the future.  At Zweig Group, we continue to advocate for firms adopting progressive construction methods, and we remain dedicated to firms seeking to integrate mass timber into their portfolios.  Whether through market research, leadership development, or strategic growth planning, our mission is to empower AEC professionals to navigate these industry shifts with confidence.  

For the AEC industry, the challenge is now as we work to embrace advancements and integrate mass timber into more and more future projects.  Our goal at Zweig Group is to continue elevating the industry, and we look forward to seeing how mass timber shapes the landscape of design and construction.   We also look forward to helping you and your firm navigate this new landscape, whether it’s mass timber-related or not, as we grow together into a better future.