This 16-week micro-credential provides learners with foundational competencies in mass timber design. Participants learn to work in industry-standard Cadwork software while navigating the fabrication approval process. The course supports skill development in:
- Building information modeling and coordination
- CNC machine design and optimization
- Fabrication approval process and BIM output generation
- Conflict identification and resolution
A mass timber designer uses knowledge and principles of feasible fabrication processes, durable design and best practices in the use of large-format timber (mass timber, solid sawn timber, engineered wood products) to create a fabrication-level 3D model of the project. The projects require the adaptation of technical construction plans, fabrication data and production sequencing for residential, public, commercial or industrial projects. The designer completes a fabrication-accurate 3D BIM model of the structure including connections, screws and integrated penetrations for other trades by coordinating structural and architectural drawings, as well as possible Mechanical Electrical Plumbing 3D models supplied by the design team.
The fabrication designer is an integral member of the mass timber construction team and overall project delivery. They play a pivotal role in the sustainable use of wood products in the construction trade and will be one of the most in-demand positions for the foreseeable future.
Recommended for success
This micro-credential could be a good fit if you have a passion for mass timber construction and a related background. For example:
- Completion of the Mass Timber Fabrication Foundations micro-credential
- Architect/engineer design diploma
- Carpentry, fine woodworking or timber framing experience
- Advanced manufacturing diploma or experience
- Digital fabrication and design certificate or diploma
Due to the highly technical nature of this course, it is strongly recommended that participants have the following competencies:
- Strong aptitude for design in 3D
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented
- Advanced computing competence
If you are unsure if you meet the recommended prerequisites, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
System requirements
System requirements for Cadwork V28.
Operating system: Cadwork supports Windows® 10 and Windows® 8.1 64-bit. Cadwork recommends Windows® 10 Pro, Home or Enterprise. All other systems are not compatible with cadwork version 28 and higher (Windows 7, Apple, etc.).
Processor: Cadwork supports all Intel® processors from Intel® Core™ i7, 5th generation onwards as well as AMD® Ryzen® 3000 series processors. cadwork recommends Intel® Core™ i9, 9th generation or higher. cadwork recommends processors with a base frequency of 3.5GHz or higher for workstations and 2.6GHz or higher for laptops. In general, frequency is more beneficial than the number of processor cores. Customer feedback has shown that Intel® Xeon® processors provide less performance than an Intel® Core™ processor.
Graphics card: Cadwork supports NVIDIA Quadro® P, T or RTX series graphics cards or NVIDIA GeForce® RTX series. Graphics cards should have a minimum of 4GB video memory. The release date of the graphics card drivers must be recent (less than 6 months). We recommend "Download Type: Production Branch / Studio" drivers. A graphics card with relatively old technology can cause problems after a version change. The reasons are that manufacturers may no longer provide up-to-date drivers, or the card technology may no longer be compatible with our graphical kernel (Hoops). For use with multiple displays (2 or more), we recommend the NVIDIA Quadro® P, T or RTX series. They have been tested and work with appropriate graphics card drivers. All other cards have not been tested and may therefore have problems with display and/or performance.
Displays: Experience shows that using multiple displays saves a lot of time and improves productivity, both for cadwork and when using the PC for other purposes. Therefore, you should look for the presence of 2 (or more) video outputs on your graphics card. You will need to ensure that the minimum resolution is 1920x1080 pixels. All monitors should use the same resolution and scaling in Windows. 4K displays do not offer any advantage currently. The use of a docking station can cause problems when using cadwork. The screens must be connected directly to the graphics card.
Memory (RAM): A minimum of 16GB of memory is required. We strongly recommend 32GB or more for optimal performance. When using the IFC interface for BIM (Building Information Modelling) projects, 32GB is the minimum. In some cases, 64GB of RAM will be required. In general, you should not try to save on memory.
Solid state drives: Nowadays, the operating system as well as the programs used daily should be located on an SSD because the access times (backup, data reading, etc.) will be reduced. The disk containing the Windows® partition should have a minimum capacity of 256GB. A second disk with a capacity of 512GB can also be installed. If your data is on a network share, the second disk may not be necessary. A minimum of 20GB of free space on all disks (networked and local) must be present in order to ensure proper functionality of cadwork (backup, installation, updates, etc.). HDDs are not recommended for cadwork version 28.
Mouse and keyboard: A mouse with at least three clickable buttons is required. Left, middle and right clicks are used everywhere in the software. For laptops, a keyboard with an integrated numpad is highly recommended, the same goes for an external keyboard.
*Loaner laptops and mice may be available upon request. Contact us with any requests.
Cost, Registration and Format
Cost: $1,500
Tuition Subsidies: This program is eligible for full tuition subsidies for learners who meet admission requirements. Please contact us to see if you qualify.
Dates: February 23–June 12, 2026
Format: Fully online with asynchronous (self-paced) modules and real-time virtual sessions (including guest speakers). Synchronous sessions are recorded for learners who cannot attend at the scheduled time. Learners can expect to dedicate approximately 7-8 hours per week to self-paced modules, synchronous sessions and assignments.
Program Admission: Students will be admitted on a first-submitted-admission-form, first-qualified basis until the program is full
This course qualifies for the StrongerBC future skills grant. You could be eligible for up to $3,500 toward tuition.