Episode Summary Architects Michael Proscia and Jake Springer of Jones Architecture join Matt Copeland and Gert Guldentops of CopelandBEC to discuss practical impacts of the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code. They cover the code's primary goals, the challenges of implementing it for both new and existing buildings, and how it's shaping the future of building design and technology. Key Topics Discussed: New Code Requirements: The code, based on the 2021 IECC with significant Massachusetts amendmen...
Jun 25, 2025•32 min
Summary In this conversation, Greta Bajrami , CEO and founder of Golden Group Roofing and Rootless shares her unique journey from hospitality to the roofing industry. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building her brand, the importance of customer service, and her commitment to mentoring women in construction. Greta emphasizes the need for transparency and education in the industry, as well as the significance of hiring passionate individuals who align with her vision. The conversatio...
May 19, 2025•21 min
Despite decades of knowledge, buildings continue to fail for many of the same predictable reasons . Why? In this episode, Matt Copeland sits down with world-renowned building science expert Dr. John Straube to explore why gaps in knowledge about high performance construction still remain—and how we can fix it. From air barriers vs. vapor barriers to the myth of industry-wide know-how, this conversation peels back the layers on why "better buildings" still aren't the norm. Whether you’re a builde...
Apr 29, 2025•40 min•Ep. 13
When it comes to moisture control, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you—and your building. In a time of evolving building codes and increasingly complex facade systems, moisture management demands a sophisticated integration of building science and design.This presentation reveals essential strategies for creating resilient exterior wall assemblies by understanding the four barriers—water, vapor, air, and thermal—within the context of 21st century building demands.We’ll explore specific d...
Apr 18, 2025•48 min
Melissa Wenzel is the Built Environment Sustainability Administrator and has worked for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for over 2 decades. Her current focus is on creating system-wide change within the building material management system. Working with key stakeholders across the state, Melissa focuses on reuse of buildings and building materials, and works to prevent building materials from going to landfills by encouraging preservation & renovation, reuse, and repair of buildings an...
Apr 02, 2025•33 min
In this bonus episode, CopelandBEC Principal and Atlanta Unit Manager Arjun Bir gives a crash course on low-slope commercial roofing including actionable tips for owners to reduce costs and prolong the lifespan of roofs.
Mar 13, 2025•47 min
On this episode, we’re joined by Patrick (Pat) Huelman for a thoughtful conversation on the evolving world of building science. We touch on everything from walleye fishing to the influence of AI in education, but the heart of the discussion is about the importance of foundational building science knowledge—and why it needs a stronger presence in architectural education. Pat highlights a critical point: Building science education will only thrive if the industry demands it from higher education a...
Jan 13, 2025•47 min•Ep. 11
In this episode, hosts Matt Copeland and Chelsey Line are joined by roofing industry pioneer Heidi Ellsworth. With over 25 years of experience, Heidi shares her inspiring journey in roofing, her passion for empowering women, and her vision for a collaborative, innovative future. As a founder of National Women in Roofing (NWIR) and a partner at RoofersCoffeeShop, Heidi is dedicated to creating spaces where women and new leaders can thrive in an evolving industry.
Nov 13, 2024•42 min•Ep. 10
Join us as industry icon Samir Ibrahim shares standout moments from his 40-year journey at Carlisle Construction Materials. With his profound expertise, Samir offers fresh insights into roofing and waterproofing solutions, along with captivating stories from his early days in Egypt and major projects like the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. He analyzes in detail into the critical need to resolve design 'gray areas' and reveals the powerful connection between sustainability and durability. Samir also exp...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 9
In this episode, we explore the innovative world of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Infrared technology, and Artificial Intelligence. Our guests, Peter Brooks and Mike Cioffi from IR Analyzers, discuss how they dedicate their work to predicting and solving building envelope problems before they become destructive. By utilizing advanced technologies, they ensure structures maintain their integrity and performance. Kevin Kennedy, Project Manager at Harvard, joins the conversation, sharing insights ...
Aug 30, 2024•47 min
In this episode Matt, Chelsey, and Andrew dive into the world of leadership. In this episode, our hosts share how they each define and face the challenges of guiding others, offering different perspectives that reflect their individual experiences and philosophies. From the essential characteristics that make a great leader, to the inherent powers of effective leadership. Discover how mentalities about leadership vary across generations, providing insights into the evolving nature of guiding tea...
Aug 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 1
Join us in this episode as we explore how women are transforming the building envelope industry. We share our unique stories and diverse backgrounds, highlighting the innovative ways we’re shaping the future of engineering. Discover the inspiring journeys of women engineers and gain insights into our contributions to this traditionally male-dominated field. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the field, our experiences will offer you motivation and valuable knowledge.
Jul 30, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1
In this episode I walk through the building science fundamentals of controlling bulk air flow and water vapor diffusion using air barriers and vapor barriers. Check out copelandbec.com/podcast for the full show notes.
May 29, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode we dive into various aspects of unmanned aerial photography (aka "drone" photography) including the use of drones for infrared (IR) inspections and photogrammetry. Full show notes at: https://copelandbec.com/podcast/
Apr 23, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Why do some roofs end up in the parking lot? Learn the answer to that question and much more in this this information-packed episode where I discuss the ins and outs of wind uplift design for low-slope roofing with Jennifer Keegan (LinkedIn), James R. Kirby (LinkedIn) and Benjamin Meyer (LinkedIn) of the GAF Building & Roofing Science team (LinkedIn). For more details and show notes: https://copelandbec.com/episode-3-roof-wind-design
Mar 26, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 3
This is a great conversation with Adrian Lowenstein, PE, MBA, National Business Development Manager for Skyline Windows. Adrian has insights on how we can move towards higher performance and higher efficiency in our building stock. We discuss a couple of new local ordinances that seek to raise the bar for performance of buildings: the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) in Boston and Local Law 97 in New York City. We also hit on topics such as pre-fabricated pre-glazed wal...
Feb 26, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 2
My guest in this inaugural episode is Ken Kiefer. Ken is the Director of SIGA North America's High-Performance Construction Academy and expert on high performance construction, especially related to air and water control in wall assemblies. We cover a variety of topics including Ken's work on a recent passive house project in Cambridge, MA, what contractors and designers are looking for from manufacturers of high performance building materials, and some of the resources available at SIGA's High-...
Jan 29, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Here's a quick intro to what I hope will be an interesting podcast for architects, engineers, contractors, building product manufacturers and anyone else interested in making better buildings.
Jan 20, 2021•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1
