“Thinking Outside the Frame” was the theme of the Timber Frame Business Council’s meeting in Greenville, SC the week of April 20th.
The week before, Jack Costantino an active member of the TFBC and a Davis Frame Company Independent Rep., called to offer me his seat due to a change in his schedule. I cleared my calendar and made the short trip over the mountains to one of my favorite communities. Although a relatively low turn out, especially from the locals who complain every year about going North for such meetings, the conference subject matter was on target and the presenters provided excellent information for today’s business environment.
The TFBC conference was held at the Westin Poinsett Hotel on the square in downtown Greenville, a beautiful 1920’s structure befitting the group’s commitment to quality and sustainable architecture. Having recently undergone a $20 Million dollar restoration to its original opulence, the Poinsett is once again the crown jewel of downtown Greenville. A steady stream of weddings and meetings was evidence of its current popularity (and yes there is a connection with the flower we know as Poinsettia). The TFBC two day meeting focused on the impact of the economy on the Timber Frame Housing Industry, marketing strategies for the current environment, and the underlying, often understated, “value added” of Timber Frame craftsmanship and technology.
Economist James Smith of Asheville NC presented his assessment of the economy and how we got to our present situation. He also presented an optimistic projection of improving conditions in the coming months. Bottom line according to Prof Smith now is a good time to regroup and prepare for what will most likely be a robust recovery by this time next year.
John Abrams shared his experience with building affordable, sustainable housing on Martha’s Vineyard and some of the adjustments his company has been forced to make to deal with slow down in high end building on the Island. John’s long time advocacy for socially and ecologically responsible use of building resources struck a cord with all of us who heard his talk.
Addressing the issue of efficiency and affordability, beginning with the design process, Ted Benson, Bensonwood, Inc discussed his companies Open-Built® system of designing, manufacturing, and building new structures. Using a more systematic approach to building elements, Bensonwood has eliminated significant waste in both materials and manpower in a typical structure. Further application of “Lean Manufacturing” techniques pioneered by Toyota (and Deming) have also been effective allowing Bensonwood to be more cost effective and flexible in dealing with today’s market, according to Benson. Here at Davis Frame, we use the same approach to building timber frames and panelized homes; our approach not only eliminates waste, but saves you time to build your home and money.
At a special dinner organized by our Jack Costantino to recognize Ted Benson’s commitment and contribution to the industry, we were treated to Ted’s recounting of his experience in producing the “This Old House” episodes on Timber Framing. He admitted there was more “acting” required than meets the eye and processes that usually require 15 minutes – can take 4 to 5 hours when a “director” is in charge! He admitted it brought out his “Chevy Chase” side, totally out of character for the mild mannered son of a missionary.
To a person, we all came away from the conference excited about future of the timber frame industry and the role we all must play in building the future.
Written By: Larry Watford an Authorized Independent Representative for Davis Frame Co, designers and builders of authentic Timber Frame structures in the Southeast and Blue Ridge Region.
The week before, Jack Costantino an active member of the TFBC and a Davis Frame Company Independent Rep., called to offer me his seat due to a change in his schedule. I cleared my calendar and made the short trip over the mountains to one of my favorite communities. Although a relatively low turn out, especially from the locals who complain every year about going North for such meetings, the conference subject matter was on target and the presenters provided excellent information for today’s business environment.
The TFBC conference was held at the Westin Poinsett Hotel on the square in downtown Greenville, a beautiful 1920’s structure befitting the group’s commitment to quality and sustainable architecture. Having recently undergone a $20 Million dollar restoration to its original opulence, the Poinsett is once again the crown jewel of downtown Greenville. A steady stream of weddings and meetings was evidence of its current popularity (and yes there is a connection with the flower we know as Poinsettia). The TFBC two day meeting focused on the impact of the economy on the Timber Frame Housing Industry, marketing strategies for the current environment, and the underlying, often understated, “value added” of Timber Frame craftsmanship and technology.
Economist James Smith of Asheville NC presented his assessment of the economy and how we got to our present situation. He also presented an optimistic projection of improving conditions in the coming months. Bottom line according to Prof Smith now is a good time to regroup and prepare for what will most likely be a robust recovery by this time next year.
John Abrams shared his experience with building affordable, sustainable housing on Martha’s Vineyard and some of the adjustments his company has been forced to make to deal with slow down in high end building on the Island. John’s long time advocacy for socially and ecologically responsible use of building resources struck a cord with all of us who heard his talk.
Addressing the issue of efficiency and affordability, beginning with the design process, Ted Benson, Bensonwood, Inc discussed his companies Open-Built® system of designing, manufacturing, and building new structures. Using a more systematic approach to building elements, Bensonwood has eliminated significant waste in both materials and manpower in a typical structure. Further application of “Lean Manufacturing” techniques pioneered by Toyota (and Deming) have also been effective allowing Bensonwood to be more cost effective and flexible in dealing with today’s market, according to Benson. Here at Davis Frame, we use the same approach to building timber frames and panelized homes; our approach not only eliminates waste, but saves you time to build your home and money.
At a special dinner organized by our Jack Costantino to recognize Ted Benson’s commitment and contribution to the industry, we were treated to Ted’s recounting of his experience in producing the “This Old House” episodes on Timber Framing. He admitted there was more “acting” required than meets the eye and processes that usually require 15 minutes – can take 4 to 5 hours when a “director” is in charge! He admitted it brought out his “Chevy Chase” side, totally out of character for the mild mannered son of a missionary.
To a person, we all came away from the conference excited about future of the timber frame industry and the role we all must play in building the future.
Written By: Larry Watford an Authorized Independent Representative for Davis Frame Co, designers and builders of authentic Timber Frame structures in the Southeast and Blue Ridge Region.
Barn style timber frame homes
