STF#9 - 2025: Presentations
Branching Innovation: Timber Design and Construction with Computational Processes
StructureCraft
Meet Branch, a next-generation software platform bridging design and manufacturing in AEC. Hear how adventurous structural engineers and builders at StructureCraft developed Branch, streamlining workflows throughout the design process. The software integrates design, manufacturing, and assembly with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. These comprehensive workflows came together for the currently in design Makers KUbe at the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design, including an all-wood mockup fully detailed with Branch.
Our discussion begins with the Tianfu Agricultural Exposition and Taiyuan Botanical Garden Domes, which inspired Branch’s foundation. These projects challenged our team to explore computational solutions that optimized deliverables from schematic analysis to detailing and fabrication.
Branch has since evolved from these explorations, applying advanced modeling and detailing solutions across many projects. At T3 Fat Village (Fort Lauderdale, USA), Branch enabled automated CNC workflows and shop drawings, while at Upper Macungie Township’s Community Recreation Center (Pennsylvania, USA), 3D modeling streamlined steel and timber shop drawings for a ~85m hybrid truss. This strong tie to ongoing projects is essential to Branch’s continuous development, making sure that the software addresses real project needs.
Building on these detailing successes, Branch continues to extend into real-time structural analysis, delivering cost and carbon insights at concept stage for towers such as the 13-story Bridge District Parcel 5 Tower (Washington, D.C.). Meanwhile, geometry optimization and form-finding for projects like Maker’s KUbe (University of Kansas, USA) help to shape the future analysis capabilities as the team re-imagines what structural analysis can be in an integrated platform with instant feedback.
Mark Skepasts is a Structural Engineer at StructureCraft, where he pairs structural engineering with computational design, playing a key role in developing parametric tools and workflows for timber design. His contributions have included the analysis of complex 3d structures and optimising workflows throughout the stages of the project for projects such as the Nancy Pauw Bridge, KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence, and Branch Concept.
Mark holds a B.S.E. from Princeton University, where he earned a certificate in Applications of Computing. His enthusiasm for blending design and technology continues to drive his approach to solving engineering challenges.
Websites
StructureCraft
Branch