Regional Mass Timber Spotlight
Kyle Bailey, Project Executive | Carolinas Division
Mass timber construction is gaining momentum across the Southeast, with Raleigh, North Carolina, and South Carolina emerging as key hubs for innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. As demand grows for high‑performance, low‑carbon buildings, mass timber is reshaping how commercial, civic, and office projects are delivered throughout the Carolinas. In this regional mass timber spotlight, we sit down with Kyle Bailey, Project Executive for Swinerton’s Carolinas Division, to discuss his path to Raleigh, his role in delivering some of the region’s most impactful mass timber projects, and what the future holds for mass timber in Raleigh and across South Carolina. From cost realities to supply chain advantages, Kyle shares firsthand insight into how mass timber construction is being successfully executed in the Southeast.
Q: Where did you grow up and where did you go to school?
I grew up in Portland, Oregon and went to school at Oregon State University (OSU), where my uncle and grandfather also attended. Shortly after my wife and I got married, we decided to try something new and move to Raleigh. We have really grown to love Raleigh— there are so many different communities within 20 minutes of each other that include everything from award-winning restaurants to scenic hikes. It has been a great place to raise a family.
Q: How did you get into the construction industry?
My grandfather worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation, and I grew up learning about how he built many bridges that transformed the landscape of Portland and improved accessibility to the city. I followed in the footsteps of my uncle and grandfather and graduated with a degree in construction engineering management from OSU. It was so cool to even have the same professors as my uncle, doing the same class projects other students had done decades prior.
Q: What led you to Swinerton?
My uncle was a Swinerton employee in the Northwest, which introduced me to the firm’s name. I worked for an owner’s representative company after graduation and transferred with them to Raleigh. In 2018, I was at a pre-bid walk and heard Swinerton’s name. This piqued my interest and after connecting with Kevin Smith, I decided to join the builder side as a Project Manager. From there, I have spent years growing Swinerton’s presence in Raleigh, expanding into multiple markets and forging lasting partnerships with clients, architects, and trade partners.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about mass timber?
Most clients’ first question surrounds cost estimation. Mass timber is often seen as a significantly more expensive material, which has not been the case in my experience. During the preconstruction phase of our Live Oak Bank Building 4 project, we created a detailed proof of concept with Timberlab that examined lifecycle benefits, schedule savings, and cost analysis. We walked the client through all their options as they weighed steel versus mass timber, species of timber, and other design elements. The result was a product that was only 1-3% near cost parity with an exact replica made of steel, and we completed it three months faster. We learned that we can make a cost–comparable product if we take a detailed approach to the design. We are hoping to continue to educate the market on this possibility through tours, case studies, and decision-making guides.
Q: What are you particularly passionate about in mass timber construction?
I love that the product type almost speaks for itself—the appearance, the experience of people who live and work within the structures, the sustainability. For example, the Portland International Airport in Portland, OR has completely changed what an airport experience can look like and pushes the boundaries for how mass timber can be implemented. While no two projects are exactly the same, mass timber just heightens that experience due to its seemingly endless design functionality, such as curved elements, exterior applications, and various timber species, colors, strengths, and sizes. Construction professionals enjoy being part of innovative projects, and mass timber always keeps construction fresh and exciting.
Q: How has Swinerton’s partnership with Timberlab benefited you on one of your projects?
Swinerton and Timberlab’s integrated model accelerates decision-making and builds trust. On Live Oak Bank Building 4, our seamless partnership with Timberlab gave us the ability to provide immediate answers and inspire client confidence. Timberlab’s know-how to pivot between suppliers is a critical advantage for speed and cost control, and utilizing local suppliers can often shorten schedules and support sustainability goals. Combining the product expertise of Timberlab with the project management proficiency of Swinerton allowed us to efficiently design and deliver the first mass timber office in the area.
Q: What do you see as the future of mass timber construction, specifically in the Southeast?
I foresee steady expansion of mass timber construction in the Southeast, driven by education and advocacy. We are seeing growing interest in the public/civic and education markets as clients examine what the product offers to their end users and to the planet. However, we will need to develop our own East Coast mass timber approach that is different than applications on the West Coast. We have our own local timber basket and unique goals and priorities. Southern yellow pine is in plentiful supply and tells the story of our region, while the Greenville Timberlab fabrication facility is poised to provide reliable supply chain management. I am excited to see the unique builds that come to life in the years to come!
