**** we are trying this new format with less edits, a little more AI (surely you’ve heard and seen it!), less formal but more authentic – let us know what you think in the comments ****

In this conversation, Kelly Harrison, a director at Whitby Wood and a chartered structural engineer, shares her journey into the field of structural engineering, her focus on timber, and the challenges and innovations within the industry.

She discusses her educational background, early career experiences, and the importance of collaboration in timber projects.

Kelly emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to design, involving various stakeholders early in the process to ensure successful outcomes.

She also highlights her current initiatives with Timber Development UK and her commitment to promoting sustainable building practices.

In this conversation, Kelly Harrison discusses her experiences and insights related to acoustic research, her involvement with Timber Development UK, and the challenges and opportunities within the timber industry.

She emphasizes the importance of effective communication in securing grants for acoustic research, the role of Timber Development UK in promoting timber use, and the need for education among developers regarding timber construction.

The discussion also touches on the future of timber in tall buildings, the exploration of alternative low-carbon materials, and the unique community initiative Steel Warriors, which aims to tackle knife crime through outdoor gyms made from confiscated knives.

**Takeaways**

• Kelly’s journey into structural engineering was influenced by her academic strengths in math and physics.
• Timber design was not widely taught in universities, leading to a gap in knowledge.
• Collaboration with architects and engineers is crucial for successful timber projects.
• Understanding the properties of timber is essential for innovative design solutions. Research and development play a key role in advancing timber engineering practices.
• Timber projects often face unique challenges, especially when integrating with existing structures. 
• Sustainability and low carbon solutions are central to Kelly’s work in the industry.
• Engaging clients and stakeholders early in the design process is critical for project success.
• Timber Development UK aims to share knowledge and improve practices in the timber industry.
• Kelly’s involvement in various networks and research initiatives reflects her commitment to industry impact. Grant providers need to be specialists in acoustic design.
• Timber Development UK aims to provide free resources for education.
• The timber industry is evolving with a focus on sustainability.
• Effective communication is key in securing funding for research.
• Timber can be used efficiently in tall buildings with the right design.
• Education is crucial for developers to embrace timber construction.
• Alternative materials like hemp and straw are being explored.
• The UK timber industry has room for growth and improvement.
• CLT is valuable but should be used judiciously in construction.
• Community initiatives like Steel Warriors can have a positive impact.

To register for the launche of Optoppen, follow ⁠this link⁠.

To connect with Kelly on Linkedin, follow ⁠this link⁠.

For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠⁠ this link⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠this one for Youtube⁠⁠⁠.