Building Construction & Technology Series
November 3, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
These lectures and free and open to the public, however, registration and payment of fee is required if you want WMAIA to record the learning units.
All programs will be from 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|
Monday September 15| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1 HSW
‘Deconstructing’ the Stebbins House: Architectural Archaeology in Deerfield
Drawing on the ongoing investigation of the Stebbins House at Historic Deerfield (built c. 1799), this presentation will show how historic restoration often depends on the careful ‘deconstruction’—both literal and figurative—of a building’s history and its materials.
Presenter: Michael Emmons, Jr. is the Director of Historic Preservation and Architectural Research at Historic Deerfield, where he oversees the preservation and restoration of the organization’s 55 historic buildings.
Monday October 6| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1 HSW
Sustainable Mass Timber Construction
During this presentation, the topic of mass timber will be discussed in detail, from where it is harvested, to how it is utilized in our buildings. The topic of sustainable resource management will also be addressed, as well as building construction utilizing mass timber products and addressing the end of life of these same products.
Presenter: Pat Layton is the Strategic Advisor to Clemson’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute and a retired professor of forestry.
Monday November 3| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1 HSW
Building Resilience: A Woman’s Perspective on Building Pretty Good Homes
From design to jobsite, the construction industry has long been shaped by tradition, both in how we build, and in who gets to lead. Architect and author Emily Mottram AIA will share her journey as a woman (and building science nerd) navigating the world of residential construction. Through case studies of her Pretty Good House projects, she will illustrate practical strategies for creating durable, healthy, and energy-efficient homes in the face of climate change. Join us to talk about how thoughtful design, resilient materials, and people-centered processes can transform the way we build, live, and thrive.
Presenter: Emily Mottram AIA is an architect and principal of Mottram Architecture. She is a building science educator, co-Author of “Pretty Good House” a host on “The BS & Beer Show” and the creator of a monthly podcast “E3 – Energy and Efficiency with Emily,” focusing on building science, architecture, and female entrepreneurship.
Monday November 24| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1 HSW
The Fundamentals and Future of Panelized Construction
Labor shortages, jobsite delays, and growing pressure to reduce material waste are driving builders and remodelers to seek smarter, more efficient solutions. Enter panelized construction—a method rooted in building science that delivers the same high-quality, durable results as traditional builds, but with dramatically reduced time on-site. This lecture will identify the fundamentals and future of panelized construction. From the design phase through final installation, it will become apparent how panelized systems support faster project timelines, greater precision, and more sustainable building practices – without compromising performance. This session will offer practical insights and real-world examples to help attendees navigate this evolving method.
Presenter: Emily Moreau Assoc. AIA is an Architectural Designer working on new system solutions for CertainTeed research and development.