Swinerton Builders Expands Leadership with William Silva as National Mass Timber Director
In an exciting development that demonstrates Swinerton Builders' commitment to sustainable construction practices, William Silva has been appointed as the Director of National Mass Timber. His primary goal will be to spearhead the creation of a Mass Timber Center of Excellence.
This initiative represents a collaboration between Swinerton and its affiliate firm, Timberlab, allowing for an innovative approach to mass timber construction. By integrating the vast expertise of general contracting with Timberlab's specialization in elements such as mass timber procurement, engineering, and design, Silva’s leadership is set to enhance the capabilities of the team.
The Mass Timber Center of Excellence is designed to facilitate innovation and provide operational excellence across regions. According to Tim Kretzschmar, Executive Vice President at Swinerton, Silva's unmatched leadership and vision will serve to promote mass timber as a mainstream construction material. With nearly 15 years at Swinerton and over 30 years in the construction sector, Silva brings an extensive skill set in design, estimating, preconstruction, and overall construction management.
Under Silva's guidance, the Center will focus on three key areas:
1. Centralizing Expertise - This involves sharing best practices, providing operational leadership, and supporting the execution of mass timber projects across the company’s national footprint. The goal is to ensure that every project phase is marked by the highest quality and efficiency in mass timber execution.
2. Driving Innovation and Collaboration - Silva aims to pioneer a new era of construction through mass timber, fostering collaborations between owners, design professionals, and researchers. This will transform how projects are built and delivered, laying a foundation for future construction in our communities.
3. Mass Timber Advocacy - Encouraging sustainable building practices is crucial, and Silva will advocate for policy reforms that enhance the adoption of mass timber. His focus also includes engaging in research aimed at making the construction process more cost-effective and efficient.
Silva has already made waves in the industry by leading some of the first mass timber projects for Swinerton, starting with their inaugural project in 2016. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in overseeing over 80 completed mass timber projects, with 30 more currently designed or under construction, amounting to 6.54 million square feet in total. His insight and ability to strategize effective solutions to complex construction challenges have made him a sought-after expert in the mass timber space. Silva is often heard asking the question, “Can this project be mass timber?” to ensure the exploration of innovative building options.
The combination of Swinerton and Timberlab’s efforts under Silva’s leadership aims to amplify the momentum of mass timber construction in the mainstream arena. The Center of Excellence will not only catalyze growth but also serve as a vital resource for clients, design, and engineering partners. Swinerton's dedication to sustainability and innovative construction practices positions them as a leader within the mass timber ecosystem, poised to deliver exceptional value and quality to clients across the nation. As the company continues to grow, Silva’s role will be central in redefining how mass timber is perceived and utilized in construction.