Building Construction & Technology Series Fall 2026
October 17 @ 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
BCT PROGRAMS BEGIN SEPTEMBER 21st
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 21, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
The Hardwood Industry: Markets, Materials, and a 30-Year Journey
Edward Godek, an expert in the hardwood and specialty lumber business, will share his 30 years of industry insights through the lens of Rex Lumber. Rex, an 80-year-old, family-owned company, focuses on providing value-added products and serving as an extension of its customers’ shops. The company offers more than 60 wood species, sourcing materials directly from South America, Africa, and other locations. Indoor and outdoor wood applications, cost, and value considerations that influence material selection, and current supply chain and logistics challenges will be addressed.
Monday October 19, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
Construction Management
Charles D. Myers is a Vice President of Construction at the HYM Investment Group, where he oversees the planning and execution of large-scale mixed-use developments throughout Greater Boston, with a primary focus on the redevelopment of Suffolk Downs. A graduate of Trinity College and a North Andover native, Charles began his career with a general contractor before transitioning to the developer side of the industry. His experience provides a unique perspective on project delivery, stakeholder management, and construction leadership. Outside of work, Charles enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures through food, music, and art, and can often be found cheering on Boston sports teams from the stands.
Monday November 2, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
Design Build: A Framework for Material Craft and Community Engagement
Tolya Stonorov, author and Professor of Architecture at Norwich University, will present her work drawing on her background as an architect, author, and champion of academic design-build studios. She will use compelling imagery to illustrate the work of her firm, Stonorov Workshop Architects, and demonstrate its resounding impact on both the academic community and the private sector.
Monday November 23, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
Decarbonizing UMass: a Facilities-Based Perspective
As part of the mission to meet carbon reduction targets, UMass has undertaken major infrastructure projects. This includes converting an existing chiller plant to the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) which features a geothermal wellfield, ground-sourced heat pumps, a new low temperature hot water distribution, and a 2.2M gallon thermal energy storage (TES) tank. Ted Mendoza, the Capital Project Manager for UMass, will walk the audience through this project that serves as a future vision of what a decarbonized campus environment could look like. Ted Mendoza is part of the leadership team aspiring to decarbonize the UMass Amherst campus. With almost 35 years of experience across architecture/engineering, energy, and telecommunications, Ted brings deep expertise in HVAC systems, solar design, retro-commissioning, energy audits, building automation, and energy management. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Mechanical Engineering.
