Meet Australia’s leading, mass timber design team

As engineering design manager at ASH, Nathan heads an industry-leading and highly experienced team of specialist timber designers and engineers, ensuring the effective and efficient application of MASSLAM and timber in the built environment. A vocal and passionate advocate of mass timber adoption, Nathan genuinely believes there is a better way to build – and timber is the solution.

Recognised as the Victorian Young Engineer of the Year in 2021, Nathan has solidified a position in the industry as one of the most respected authorities in mass timber design and construction. He consistently looks for opportunities to drive positive change within the Australian construction industry and is regularly sought out by industry bodies to shar

e his expert knowledge as a presenter and panellist at seminars both nationwide and internationally. He is an active member of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer and a Registered Professional Engineer, Victoria.

After graduating from Monash University in 2011 with first-class honours in a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Nathan embarked on a career that has since seen him engineer world-firsts in mass timber and blast-resistant design. He spent a decade at Vistek as a structural engineering consultant, overseeing a team of 12 engineers and leading the design on complex construction projects. During his time at Vistek, he most notably delivered the world’s tallest (at the time) mass timber vertical extension of Adina Hotel in Southbank, Melbourne.

Joining ASH in 2021, Nathan was charged with developing the overall design and detailing capabilities of MASSLAM and supporting the team of engineers to optimise designs using design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) principles. A glimpse at some significant projects delivered under Nathan’s leadership include T3 Collingwood in Melbourne, CIT Woden in Canberra and Westfield Knox in Melbourne.

Nathan particularly values his involvement with Westfield Knox as it marked his transition to ASH and provided a compelling pathway to explicitly demonstrate the benefits of DfMA.

Describing Nathan as passionate about mass timber is an understatement. He contribution and advocacy for every benefit timber offers is infinite. He is captivated by its beauty, natural qualities, versatility and sustainability. Above all else, seeing it as a transformative element in the built environment motivates Nathan to continue the pursuit of greater mass timber adoption.

Dwain is one of ASH’s most experienced and senior engineers. A devoted member of the MASSLAM team for the past three years, he specialises in quotation, customer interface, specialist timber design, modelling and drafting using CAD, computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and coordinating dispatch to ensure smooth project execution.

Dwain is extensively qualified, holding a Bachelor or Engineering Technology (Mechanical), a Master of Engineering Technology (Mechanical) and is a member of Engineers Australia. His comprehensive background of experience reads like the ultimate career rap sheet. Five years as senior engineer at Timber Building Systems focussed on prefabricated structures and construction engineering, two years at Robert Bird Group as senior engineer overseeing high-rise and prefabricated structures, a stint as engineer at Hickory Building Systems and an engineer at EDAG Australia specialising in design and project engineering. Preceding this impressive list, Dwain started his career in engineering with Katrix focussing on machine design using CAD and CAM.

Dwain has been instrumental in many major mass timber projects at ASH, with some most recent examples being Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC) at James Cook University, Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) in Bradfield, NSW and Caulfield Racecourse Administrative Building in Melbourne. AMRF has been a personal standout as it exemplifies effective collaboration between ASH, the installers and the client to optimise the design, implementation and utilisation of mass timber.

Drawn to timber’s natural aesthetic, Dwain is steadfast and passionate about mass timber’s ability to contribute to long-term sustainable building practices and is motivated by the increasing opportunity to advance the field through innovative timber solutions.

One of ASH’s longest serving engineers, Danny has over four years’ experience within the MASSLAM Design Team. As a skilled structural engineer, Danny specialises in project management, structural design and concept development. His role oversees project execution, submitting tenders and producing detailed structural designs and shop drawings. Danny also handles CAM file generation and advanced 3D modelling, ensuring precision and innovation in every project.

Prior to joining ASH in 2020, Danny began his mass timber journey with six years at Timberbuilt Solutions where he worked his way from factory hand to roles managing CNC fabrication, drafting, quantity surveying and project management. This diverse and immersed background has enhanced his approach and understanding of structural engineering, with mass timber at the forefront.

Danny holds a Bachelor of Environments (Civil Systems) and a Master of Engineering with Distinction, both from Melbourne University. His Master’s thesis focussed on chemical bonding of timber-concrete composites uniquely positioning him as valuable support for the implementation of ASH’s Advanced Timber Composite mass timber flooring system.

Danny has been involved in every significant mass timber project at ASH, his highlights being Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre in WA, Galkangu GovHub in Bendigo, Victoria and Sutherland Entertainment Centre in Gippsland, Victoria. Perhaps most notably though, was his substantial involvement in T3 Collingwood, Melbourne.

T3 Collingwood exemplified Danny’s passion for mass timber. A collaborative approach coupled with the innovative use of timber as a primary structural material demonstrated the potential of mass timber for stable and sustainable construction with impressive speed of installation. Danny’s interest in timber began with a fascination for its functionality and aesthetics and has evolved into a commitment to advancing sustainable building practices. Each day brings a new opportunity for Danny to explore innovative methods to contribute to Australia’s rapidly growing mass timber sector.

Joel is a seasoned member of the MASSLAM Design Team, having started at ASH as an intern in 2016 before transitioning to a full-time position twelve months later. Now eight years into his career at ASH, Joel continues to provide a wealth of experience and insight to the team. As ASH’s dedicated wood engineer, he specialises in member and connection design, modelling and shop drawings. His role encompasses quoting, project management and preparing CNC files whilst overseeing the software of ASH’s three robotic Hundegger CNC machines.

As well as being a qualified carpenter, Joel has achieved a Bachelor of Science in Wood Technology. This blend of academic and practical experience underpins Joel’s approach to mass timber engineering. Impressively, Joel has gained international experience having completed an apprenticeship with one of Switzerland’s largest mass timber producers prior to commencing at ASH. This apprenticeship at Häring AG provided valuable hands-on experience with prefab timber wall and roof elements. Notably, Joel contributed to the Saldome 2 project, Europe’s largest wooden cupola structure with a height of 32.5m and diameter of 120m and total timber mass of 1300m3.

Prominent projects Joel has been instrumental in bringing to life at ASH include the University of Tasmania’s Forestry building, Florida Road residential project and Murdoch University in WA. Florida Road is a key highlight for Joel given its status as an upscale private holiday residence in Palm Beach and providing the opportunity to develop unique and innovative connection solutions.

Joel’s deep appreciation and passion for mass timber is evident in every project he’s involved with. Valuing it natural quality, the aesthetic contrast it offers and its potential for extensive design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) and prefabrication.

Aasha brings detailed expertise as a draftsperson to the MASSLAM Design Team, where she plays a crucial role in communicating with engineers, architects and contractors to ensure a project’s success. As ASH’s first draftsperson, Aasha provides diverse skills and a unique perspective to mass timber design and construction, enriching the team’s approach with insights to expand its existing capabilities.

Aasha’s responsibilities include designing and modelling connections in collaboration with in-house engineers, preparing detailed technical drawings such as marking plans and connection details, and managing 3D modelling and document control. Aasha is also involved in job quoting, part assembly drawings, truck drawings and install sequence models, contributing to the overall efficiency and accuracy of project delivery.

Aasha holds an Advanced Diploma of Building Design and brings to ASH a wealth of experience in residential building design, having worked as an architectural draftsperson at Virtue Homes.

Among the notable projects which have received Aasha’s valuable contribution are the Lidcombe MS Wellbeing Centre, James Cook University in Cairns, and the Fitzroy Sports Centre in Victoria. The James Cook University project stands out as a personal highlight as Aasha was extensively involved from start to finish, collaborating closely with various stakeholders to design connections and address challenges.

Aasha’s particularly passionate about mass timber, appreciating its blend of beauty, sustainability and viability for both residential and commercial construction in Australia. The fact MASSLAM is produced locally in regional Victoria further resonates with Aasha, aligning with her pride in supporting local communities and contributing to a significant industry shift.

Jack’s role within ASH is a unique but an enormously important one. As the commercial manager for MASSLAM, Jack oversees commercial engagement and contract negotiation. He handles program management, develops project schedules and handles financial matters. He provides support to the MASSLAM Design Team with structural engineering advice, including early-phase design guidance, estimating, detailed connection recommendations and fire engineering consulting.

In twelve short months, Jack has already made significant contributions at ASH with his exceptional attention to detail and meticulous management style to the planning and delivery of key MASSLAM projects. His adept technical and organisational skills enable him to streamline complex processes and manage projects with the utmost of precision.

Prior to joining ASH, Jack served as a senior project manager at Courts Services Victoria and worked as a structural engineer at AECOM. He counts major projects in the Hong Kong Airport Expansion and 480 Swan Street as some of his biggest achievements. His experience spans various aspects of structural engineering and project management, enriching his current role at ASH with a broad perspective. He holds a Master of Engineering (with Business) with Distinction and a Master of Construction Law. He is also a Chartered Structural Engineer.

Jack holds his involvement with T3 Collingwood in Melbourne with particular significance as it demonstrates the versatility of mass timber in conventional building designs while preserving key elements of modern commercial structures. The project provided him with the experience of witnessing the entire lifecycle of a timber project, from initial design as a consultant to witnessing the completed construction as a supplier. It proves that timber should be considered just as much, if not more, as a sought-after, sustainable construction material within a designer’s toolbox.

A strong advocate for designing with the best material for the purpose of the job, Jack is passionate about the role mass timber can play in decarbonising the construction industry. Nothing matches the aesthetic appeal of timber, it’s tactile and biophilic advantages and most importantly, its role in advancing sustainability within the industry.

Clemens joins ASH on a 12-month internship from Bern University, Switzerland to undertake practical work experience and complete his thesis. Within a month of arriving, Clemens had joined the local footy club and is embracing Australia’s local culture and getting a taste for regional life.

Clemens has experience working in forestry in Europe and is passionate about timber design and manufacture. During his time at ASH he will assist with shop modelling, drafting and project coordination and gain valuable insight into ASH’s detailed and unique MASSLAM manufacturing processes.

More importantly, Clemens will undertake innovative design and testing of our Advance Timber Composite (ATC) connection details as part of his thesis research. This valuable work will support the numerous benefits this flooring solution has to offer, particularly as a pathway for more affordable social housing.

Clemens is the fourth intern ASH has employed to provide candidates with extensive experience in Australian timber design and manufacturing and in turn enriching the breadth of our MASSLAM Design Team by introducing diverse perspectives that can drive creative problem-solving and innovation.