Regional Mass Timber Spotlight

Swinerton is proud to spotlight leaders who are shaping the future of the built environment through innovation, expertise, and a passion for sustainable solutions. Tanya Luthi, Director of Engineering at Timberlab, exemplifies the spirit of progress and collaboration that defines the Swinerton Ecosystem. Her journey from a small town in New Jersey to the forefront of mass timber construction across the country highlights the impact of diverse perspectives and the value of interdisciplinary teamwork. As the industry continues to evolve, voices like Tanya’s are essential for driving meaningful change and inspiring the next generation of leaders in construction, especially as mass timber gains momentum in New York and the greater Northeast. 

Q: Where did you grow up and where did you go to school? 

I grew up in a small town in New Jersey, in the suburbs of New York City. I went to Princeton for my undergraduate degree and then attended The University of Texas at Austin to earn my master’s in engineering. I eventually ended up back in New Jersey, and now I live in Jersey City.

Q: How did you get into the construction industry? 

I always liked math and science, but I was interested in other subjects like political science as well, so I wound up getting my bachelor’s degree in politics. After I graduated from college and didn’t enjoy what I was doing, aptitude testing and career counseling suggested a path in architecture or engineering. I then pursued a Master of Science in Structural Engineering. Following graduation, I worked for a series of structural engineering firms in the Northeast and Canada. 

Q: What led you to Timberlab? 

When I worked at a structural engineering firm in Vancouver, BC, I had the chance to work on my first mass timber building. That project changed the trajectory of my career; from that point forward, I continued to focus on mass timber. Through friends in the industry and attending the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland every year, I learned more about Timberlab and was intrigued by the opportunity to collaborate with people across the entire design process—from design to fabrication to building. I was excited by the chance to no longer design in a bubble. 

Q: What are some common misconceptions about mass timber, especially in the New York and New Jersey region?

 I think the biggest misconception is that mass timber is always more expensive than other materials. These projects can be cost competitive when they are conceived as mass timber buildings from the start and optimized around mass timber’s strengths, including how quickly they can be erected on site.  

Another misconception is that local sourcing is the only way to create a sustainable building. While local sourcing can be one aspect of a sustainability story, the timber does not have to come from your backyard. Transportation is one small piece of a much bigger puzzle. The fact that you’re building in timber rather than a more carbon-intensive material is a huge win. Transporting that timber long distances may reduce the benefit slightly, but it doesn’t negate the win. 

Q: What are you particularly passionate about in mass timber construction? 

As a structural engineer, you don’t often get to have your work in the spotlight, but with mass timber, you get to see everyone enjoy what you put your blood, sweat and tears into. I love that we get to work with a beautiful, sustainable material that you don’t have to cover up with drywall. Biophilia is real! If you watch people in a mass timber space, you can see the connection. People standing next to a mass timber column will reach out and touch it. I think the quality of spaces we create is important. 

I also love that mass timber utilization is still new and evolving in the Northeast and across the country There’s so much to solve and improve; I learn something new every day. 

Q: What do you look for in a general contractor partner on a mass timber project? 

Experienced general contractors are essential. Without a builder who understands mass timber, coordination fails, schedules slip and owners lose confidence. Further, a willingness to dive in and collaborate with us makes a huge difference. Some contractors want you to solve problems in isolation, when we really need to coordinate with all trade partners to do our job correctly. Swinerton and Timberlab’s vertical integration solves this by aligning expertise and accountability. We can function as one team with a shared goal, constantly communicating with each other and keeping everyone informed from preconstruction through project turnover.

Q: Where do you think Timberlab adds particular value for clients in the Northeast and New York mass timber market?

Timberlab’s expertise really shines when we can provide a turnkey solution for our clients, overseeing engineering, modeling, procurement, fabrication and installation. Through this integrated in-house approach, our preconstruction team can lean on input from our fabrication shops and field crews to understand how our decisions affect various aspects of the project and how we can best set up the project for success. 

Q: What do you see as the future of mass timber construction, specifically on the East Coast?

I see a lot of momentum and growth for the mass timber market on the East Coast; it feels similar to where the Pacific Northwest was ten years ago. As more projects are built in major cities across the East Coast, I think the “fear factor” that a lot of clients have will fade, because they’ll be able to see successful examples of mass timber buildings close to home. I look forward to the time when these projects are not news anymore, when we’ve reached the tipping point between niche and normal. The best way we can help this market grow is through smooth execution, safe and efficient installations, beautiful spaces and repeat clients. 

Tanya Luthi’s insights highlight the evolving potential of mass timber and the importance of strong partnerships in delivering industry leading results. At Swinerton and Timberlab, the commitment to innovation, sustainability and integrated project delivery is at the core of every endeavor. As mass timber construction expands in New York and across the East Coast, Swinerton and Timberlab remain dedicated to fostering an environment where employee-owners and partners alike can thrive, collaborate and deliver award-winning projects from coast to coast.