Trailblazing Mass Timber Adoption: Leading Sustainable Construction Innovation

Summary

Mass timber is rapidly emerging as a leading solution for sustainable construction, but adopting new building systems in the AEC industry requires more than advanced materials. It demands new mindsets, stronger collaboration, and leaders willing to challenge traditional industry norms.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity, Ryan Ware sits down with Kristen Slavin, founder of Conifer Advising and a leader in mass timber development, prefab manufacturing, and construction advisory. Kristen shares her journey from sustainable design in Portland to product development in mass timber manufacturing and now advising project teams across the architecture, engineering, and construction ecosystem.

Together, they explore how mass timber is reshaping project delivery, influencing design decisions, financing, insurance considerations, and collaboration across the construction value chain. The conversation highlights key barriers to adoption—including insurance premiums, fragmented delivery models, supply chain misconceptions, and complex building codes—and why managing change across teams is critical to progress.

Listeners will learn how early adopters are accelerating innovation through hands-on training, integrated project teams, and long-term thinking that reduces risk while advancing sustainable building practices.

Whether you're an architect, engineer, contractor, or construction leader, this episode offers practical insights for navigating industry change and leading innovation in sustainable construction.

If you're curious about building stronger leadership around change and helping drive the future of construction, this conversation is a must-listen.

Chapters

• 1:31 - Introduction to Mass Timber
• 11:00 - Kristen's Journey and Early Innovations
• 21:00 - Challenges in Supply Chain and Insurance
• 31:00 - Launching Conifer Advising and Industry Engagement
• 41:00 - Overcoming Industry Resistance
• 51:00 - Future of Mass Timber and Closing Thoughts

Guest

Conifer Advising helps accelerate the adoption of mass timber across real estate, design, and construction. Led by Kristin Slavin, who brings over a decade of experience across development, architecture, construction, and prefabrication, the firm works with developers, institutions, manufacturers, and public agencies to reduce barriers and risk. Through strategic design guidance, industry connections, and market insight, Conifer helps teams deliver innovative, low-carbon buildings more efficiently.

https://www.coniferadvising.com/resources

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.