Sustainability Forum @ Uptic Studios

About the Event:
This quarter's forum will feature Russ Vaagen, CEO of Vaagen Timbers, a pioneer in mass timber products. Vaagen Timbers produces cross-laminated and glue-laminated timber using byproducts from sustainable forest restoration, helping to mitigate wildfire risks and improve forest health. With a rich family legacy in the timber industry, Russ Vaagen is dedicated to transforming the way we think about building materials and fostering a connection between sustainable forestry and our communities​

Continuing Education Opportunity:
Architects attending this event will earn 1.5 LU/HSW continuing education credits, expanding their knowledge in sustainability and wellness in the built environment.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The current state of forest health and the importance of sustainable management practices.
2. The environmental, economic, and health advantages of mass timber.
3. How mass timber supports a circular economy and benefits communities.
4. Opportunities to incorporate mass timber into architectural designs for sustainability and wellness.
5. The role of mass timber in reducing wildfire risks and improving air quality.

Networking Opportunities:
This forum is part of our quarterly series, offering a platform for professionals in architecture, engineering, construction, forestry, and health sciences to connect and collaborate. Attendees will have the chance to network with like-minded individuals, fostering partnerships that drive positive change in both our built environment and natural ecosystems.

About Vaagen Timbers:

Russ Vaagen, the founder and CEO of Vaagen Timbers, comes from a multi-generational family of lumbermen. Prior to founding Vaagen Timbers, he worked with his family’s business, Vaagen Brothers Lumber, and played a key role in developing sustainable logging practices. He is a strong advocate for mass timber, seeing it as a disruptive force that can transform the building industry by offering a renewable, sustainable alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete. Russ is also deeply involved in forest management and conservation efforts, serving on the board of organizations like Sustainable Northwest. He’s passionate about the potential for mass timber to both support rural economies and create healthier urban environments.

Vaagen Timbers is a leader in sustainable timber production, specializing in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT). Based in Colville, Washington, the company was founded with a focus on connecting forest health with modern construction techniques. Vaagen Timbers leverages small-diameter timber, often sourced as a by-product of forest thinning, to create eco-friendly building materials. These efforts not only support sustainable forestry but also help reduce wildfire risks and contribute to the health of rural timber communities. The company aims to revolutionize how people think about construction by offering versatile, carbon-friendly wood products for a variety of building types, from residential to commercial structures.​

Host or Publisher AIA Spokane