Design Connections: Fewer Inspections = Better Quality? Geordie Secord “What do you mean you are stopping the QC inspections?” I could not believe what the operations manager was telling me when it was decided that we would no longer have each truss inspected at completion. Our truss company had always prided itself on delivering the highest quality... Read More April 2025 Issue #17309 Page 124
Design Connections: Addressing the Truss Designer Shortage Geordie Secord 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... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 108
Design Connections: The Complex World of Truss Design Access Geordie Secord This month I’d like to discuss something that’s causing quite a stir in the component industry: how software suppliers are handling the explosion of remote work, and the sometimes blurry line between different types of designers – including their own design centers. The... Read More February 2025 Issue #17307 Page 108
Design Connections: The Personal Side of The JobLine Geordie Secord Past articles by Thom and myself have discussed some of the things that make The JobLine stand out from other recruiters. In fact, Thom’s article in this issue also focuses on what makes us different. But, I’d like to shed a more personal light on this difference by sharing my own... Read More January 2025 Issue #17306 Page 104
Design Connections: Finding Opportunities in the Mass Timber Movement Geordie Secord In my previous article, “Making the Most of Mass Timber,” I discuss what mass timber entails and why it may not be a good add-on for your existing light-frame component business. Even so, component manufacturers (CMs) need not be completely shut out of the benefits of the burgeoning... Read More December 2024 Issue #16305 Page 104
Design Connections: The Perennial Problems with House Plans Geordie Secord While attending an Ontario Structural Wood Association meeting in October – somewhat like attending an SBCA Chapter meeting – part of the discussion turned to the quality of house plans. After many years in this industry, I can tell you that this discussion wouldn’t have... Read More November 2024 Issue #16304 Page 108
Design Connections: Options for Filling Your Open Positions Geordie Secord Continuing the discussion from my column last month, “The JobLine in Canada, eh,” I thought it would be worthwhile to look at some of the pluses and minuses of using an outside recruiter. Your company or location may have its own resources to use when filling truss and component... Read More October 2024 Issue #16303 Page 102
Design Connections: The JobLine in Canada, eh Geordie Secord Since I began my column here in July 2022, you’ve gotten to know me as a truss and component designer who happens to live in Canada. Over the months since then, I’ve focused on many design considerations, including “Cost-Saving Measures and Memorable Debacles,”... Read More September 2024 Issue #16302 Page 106
Design Connections: Making the Most of Mass Timber Geordie Secord Undoubtedly you’ve seen many articles talking about mass timber, but you may not be very familiar with what products are included and some of their applications. In speaking with some light-frame component manufacturers over recent years, I have heard many of them mention that they are, or... Read More August 2024 Issue #16301 Page 76
Design Connections: Estimating and the Cost of Quotes Geordie Secord One constant thorn in the side of truss fabricators is the cost of preparing quotes, often multiple times for the same job through the life of a project. I find that this is especially true for custom homes, as they often go through numerous revisions for aesthetic, budget, zoning, and other... Read More July 2024 Issue #16300 Page 90