For many years, there has been a great deal of discussion at industry events, in component industry board rooms, and even in this publication about a looming shortage of design technicians. So, what is behind the wood truss designer shortage and why is it such a pressing issue? And, how can we address it?
First and foremost, one cause of the shortage is the natural course of time and the retirement of existing designers. Our designers with decades of experience and years of solving complex architectural and structural puzzles are now looking toward retirement. All of that knowledge built up in the minds of designers is the institutional knowledge that’s about to walk out the door. It’s not just about knowing the numbers; it’s about understanding the nuances of how wood behaves, the subtle tricks of the trade, and the gut feeling that comes from years of working with these systems. You can’t just download that kind of expertise. It’s built through years of projects, problem-solving, and seeing what works and what doesn’t. When those gray-haired designers retire, that knowledge goes with them, leaving a real gap in the industry. It’s like losing a library of unwritten best practices, and that’s a huge loss for any field, especially one as critical as component design.
Over recent years, there has been an accelerating discussion about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to fill gaps in a wide range of applications. Now, you might think, “Well, can’t we just use AI to fill that component designer gap?” And that’s a fair question. AI is definitely making waves in a lot of industries, and there’s potential for it to help with truss design. But here’s the thing: architectural plans aren’t always crystal clear. They often rely on implied information, past practices, and a certain level of interpretation. The wood truss industry, like many traditional sectors, is built on a foundation of established practices and tacit knowledge. Think about it: a plan might show a general layout, but the specific details of soffit conditions, or how a truss connects to a wall or supports a roof, might be left to the designer’s judgement. AI, on the other hand, thrives on precise data. It struggles with ambiguity. This will make it difficult to translate into a format that AI can readily understand. Imagine trying to teach a machine to understand the subtle cues that an experienced designer picks up on intuitively. Add to that the many regional and client-specific variations in building and component design practices and the issue becomes even more complex. It’s a massive challenge. You can’t easily digitize that “feel” for the material, or the ability to read between the lines of a blueprint, or to incorporate the past experiences with a specific builder. So, while AI can definitely help with certain aspects of design, it’s not going to replace the need for human expertise anytime soon. We need skilled designers to bridge the gap between the fuzzy world of architectural plans and the precise attention to detail required for a safe and efficient wood truss.
And let’s not forget the human element. Component design isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about collaboration, communication, and understanding the client’s vision. It’s about working with architects, builders, and other trades to ensure that the final product is both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. That’s where the human touch really matters. AI can’t replace the ability to have a conversation, to ask the right questions, and to find creative solutions to unexpected challenges.
So, while we are exploring the potential of AI, we also need to invest in training the next generation of designers, to make sure they have the skills and knowledge to carry the torch. We need to actively promote this career path, feature the technology involved, and highlight the rewarding aspects of the job. It’s about building a sustainable future for the wood truss industry, and that means investing in both technology and people.
Do you see AI being a factor in our industry in the future? I would love to hear your thoughts.