Lisa is a structural engineer with Holmes based in Christchurch. She is the Sustainability Lead
for Holmes across NZ and Australia and an advocate for mass timber structures.

She has first-hand design experience with timber in New Zealand and the Netherlands. Lisa co-
authored the NZ Wood Design Guide on Post and Beam Timber Construction in 2020. She has been an elected member of the New Zealand Timber Design Society Committee since 2020 and was involved with the establishment of Timber Unlimited. She is a NZGBC Green Star Accredited Professional and member of the Structural Engineering Society’s Sustainable Design Task Force.

Bjørn Stankowitz is a fully qualified German carpenter and Structural Engineer, specialising in mass timber. With 14 years of experience, including 12 years in New Zealand, Bjørn Stankowitz has been with ENGCO since 2016, currently serving as Technical Director for Timber. He has contributed significantly to the industry as Technical Manager for Timber Unlimited, working on initiatives like the CLT Toolbox and updating design standards such as AS1720.1:2022. As sought-after speaker on mass timber connections, hybrid structures and moisture management. Bjørn Stankowitz is dedicated to helping other engineers in the industry by actively promoting the use of mass timber for sustainable projects, serving as Technical and Practice Note Manager for the Timber Design Journal.

Hyungsuk “Thomas” Lim, is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Forestry at University of Canterbury, with expertise in wood mechanics and engineered wood products manufacturing. He received his Ph.D. in Timber Engineering, Faculty of Forestry from the University of British Columbia and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada.

His research focuses are development of Engineered wood products and evaluation of
structural performance of timber structures through experimental studies and modelling
work.

Andrew is the General Manager of Red Stag Timberlab, having exposure to a large range of mass timber projects over the last ten years from design through to completion has given him a good appreciation off the role industry groups such as TDS has to promote good timber design in NZ.

Andrew has enjoyed working with the Timber Design Society over the last few years and is looking forward to extending his commitment be it as a committee member or someone to call on should any assistance be required.

Felix has been active in the timber space in various roles over the past 15 years or so. These range from research to his current role as managing director of Rothoblaas New Zealand Limited.

Outside of the time space Felix acts as a director on a number of boards.

Jordan Robinson is Head of Business Development (New Zealand & Australia) at XLam, where he leads strategic growth and pre-construction engagement across the region. Holding a Master of Architecture from Victoria University of Wellington and professional experience in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, he specialises in Early Supplier Involvement (ESI), Design for Manufacture and Assemble (DfMA), and collaborative project delivery. Since joining XLam in 2021, Jordan has driven partnerships that optimise buildability, de-risk delivery, and advance the role of mass timber in sustainable construction across Australiasia.

Paul Horne is a lecturer in the Civil Engineering department at the University of Canterbury and practices structural-fire engineering at Beca, specialising in the design and analysis of timber structures in fire. After graduating with a civil engineering degree from UC, Paul practiced for four years before he began his PhD investigating the structural performance of post-tensioned timber connections in fire.Paul has contributed to the Timber Design Journal, TDS Roadshows, webinars and was the lead author for the connections chapter of the New Zealand commentary to the Fire Safe Use of Wood Design Guide by Timber Unlimited. While Paul has a strong interest in research, he is dedicated to developing tangible outcomes that enhance timber engineering practice in New Zealand.

Hamish is a Structural Engineer at Dunning Thornton in Wellington with eight years of professional experience. He has contributed to the design and delivery of multiple mass timber projects across New Zealand, developing strong expertise in timber engineering and sustainable structural solutions.

A recipient of a Timber Design Society (TDS) Emerging Engineer Scholarship, Hamish is committed to giving back to the profession and supporting opportunities for the next generation of emerging engineers. He is a strong advocate for the broader adoption of mass timber, believing that its value is not limited to landmark buildings, but that its widespread implementation in smaller, everyday projects is essential to demonstrating timber’s practical and environmental benefits.

Matt is the founder and sole practitioner of Structure ME Ltd, providing structural engineering expertise across New Zealand and internationally, from standard residential to complex multi storey developments.

He brings over a decade of experience in structural design, peer review, construction monitoring, seismic assessment and strengthening. His technical capability is complimented by extensive on-site and leadership experience, having managed consulting teams and supported construction delivery throughout New Zealand, the Pacific, and the United Kingdom.

While proficient in traditional materials, Matt has a strong passion for mass timber engineering, demonstrated through landmark projects such as the Auckland City Mission and the six-storey full timber Highbury Building B. He is committed to advancing sustainable construction and helping clients realise the benefits of modern, efficient design.