Join us as we delve into the intersection of sustainable design and construction with the rise of mass timber in projects across New York City. Discover the practicality and versatility of mass timber in urban environments, and explore the types of projects leveraging this innovative material to achieve sustainability goals.

Ian Volner, Freelance Journalist 

Ian Volner has contributed articles on architecture, urbanism and design to The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The New Yorker among other publications. His most recent book is Jorge Pardo: Public Projects and Commissions (Petzel, 2021).

Panelists:

David Odeh, Senior Vice President, WSP

David is a structural engineer at WSP, specializing in structural design and analysis for various building types, with a focus on integrating digital design technology into engineering. From 2001 to 2018, he was an adjunct faculty member at Brown University’s School of Engineering, teaching structural design and analysis. He frequently lectures at institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design, University of Notre Dame, and University of Cincinnati, and contributes to professional conferences and publications. Since 2008, David has served on the Existing Building Code Committee of the National Council of Structural Engineering Associations, reviewing provisions of the International Existing Building Code. In 2016, David was President of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of ASCE, leading its global initiatives for over 30,000 members. He was named a fellow of SEI in 2013 and ASCE in 2015, honors recognizing his distinguished contributions to the field.

Gizem Karagoz, Senior Project Manager, New York City Economic Development Corporation 
Trained as an architect and urban planner, Gizem's work lies at the intersection of research, design, and policy to decarbonize our built environment and imagine its regenerative future. She is currently on the Climate Innovation and Industry Development team at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, leading a portfolio of projects related to circular construction, low carbon building materials, and climate tech pilots. Gizem holds a Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University GSAPP, and Bachelors of Arts in Architecture and Environmental Science from Barnard College. She serves on the board of the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization, a nonprofit connecting designers and other built environment professionals to UN dialogues.

Jay Quackenbush, Director of Construction, Swinerton

Jay is an expert in New York construction and has executed over one billion dollars of projects across diverse markets throughout his career. As Director of Construction for Swinerton’s New York Division, Jay works with the local leadership team to enhance operations, expand services, and continue Swinerton’s growth trajectory in the Northeast. Jay holds a Green Globes Certification and is dedicated to working with Swinerton’s affiliate company, Timberlab, a mass timber service provider with a mission to advance the mainstream adoption of mass timber construction to benefit the planet and its people. Jay led the Swinerton team, who, along with Timberlab, participated in the EDC’s Mass Timber Studio.

Julia Chapman, AIA, Senior Associate, Ennead

Julia Chapman, AIA is a Senior Associate at Ennead Architects, where she serves as a Senior Designer and Project Architect on cultural, educational, and healthcare projects. She combines an interest in climate change and sustainable design with curiosity about form and materials to create buildings that expand the impact of institutions and communities. Julia is the Project Architect for the Edelman Fossil Park and Museum, a forthcoming mass timber and wood-clad building due to open to the public in 2025 in Mantua Township, NJ near Philadelphia.

Christopher Sharples, AIA, Principal, SHoP Architects

Christopher Sharples is a founding principal of SHoP Architects, renowned for over 30 years of leadership in innovative design and urban master planning. He has spearheaded iconic projects like SITE Santa Fe, the Botswana Innovation Hub, Syracuse University’s National Veterans Resource Center, Essex Crossing in NYC, Uber’s San Francisco headquarters, Brooklyn's Barclays Center, and U.S. embassies through a State Department design contract. Christopher focuses on advancing process innovation, including model-based delivery, cutting-edge manufacturing, and offsite construction. In 2018, he cofounded Assembly OSM to deliver architecture through a proprietary digital design and assembly process that minimizes waste and disruption in urban areas. He is a frequent lecturer, educator, and contributor to international exhibitions and publications.