Ricky McLain, a structural engineer and principal at Mass Timber Advisors, discusses his journey in the AEC profession and the use of mass timber in construction. He shares his experience working for a small engineering firm in Vermont, his time at Woodworks providing design support for wood projects, and his current focus on mass timber as a structural material. McLain explains the varying codes and regulations for mass timber across different states and the challenges and opportunities it presents in the industry. He also discusses the benefits of mass timber in terms of occupant well-being and the types of projects that commonly use mass timber.
Ricky McLain discusses the key considerations in designing with mass timber, including fire resistance ratings, member sizing, and connections. He emphasizes the importance of early involvement of the structural engineer to ensure efficient design and avoid budget overruns.
McLain also shares his plans for Mass Timber Advisors, which include project-specific consulting and industry-related work. He highlights the collaborative nature of the mass timber industry and the need for centralized resources. McLain offers advice for young professionals starting their careers, encouraging them to explore different opportunities and follow their interests.
Takeaways
• Be open to career pivots and don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities.
• Industry experience is valuable and can be leveraged in different roles and industries.
• Networking and personal branding are important when transitioning careers.
• Failing exams is not uncommon and should not discourage you from pursuing your goals.
• Remote work offers flexibility and can enhance work-life balance and creativity. Finding the right work environment is crucial for job satisfaction and success.
• Being open and honest about personal needs and preferences during the job search can save time and lead to a better fit.
• Stefanie’s mission is to help professionals pivot in their careers and find fulfilling work.
• Bluebeam software has had a significant impact on the construction industry and offers various features and functionalities.
• Giving oneself permission to explore different career paths and being vocal about needs and goals is essential for personal and professional growth.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction to Ricky McLain
4:30 Let’s Talk Mass Timber
9:10 Mass Timber Type Projects
14:06 Structural Engineering Education
22:30 Advice for Structural Engineers Learning Mass Timber
33:35 Mass Timber Advisors
42:00 Employee to Owner
44:20 Mentors along the way
47:25 Advice for Young Professionals
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickymclain/
Mass Timber Advisors: https://masstimberadvisors.com/
BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!
Editing and Motion Graphics: Gus Bernal
www.gusbernal.com
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Hello! I’m Katelyn Rossier, a licensed Architect and founder of mentorDINO. I created this company to help AEC professionals through career transitions and professional development. This channel was created to provide free discussions with you that I have with professionals across the industry to help you learn, grow, and define your own path.
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