Pushing the Envelope

SummaryIn 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 conversation highlights the evolving landscape of construction and the opportunities for innovation and change.TakeawaysGreta transitioned from hospitality to roofing, driven by a desire to innovate.She emphasizes the importance of customer service in the construction industry.Reinvestment in the business is crucial for long-term success.Building relationships is key to success in the AEC industry.Hiring individuals who align with the company's vision is essential.Transparency and education are vital for changing industry perceptions.Greta's journey showcases the power of mentorship for women in trades.The construction industry is evolving with more young people and women entering.Success can be defined in many ways, and it's important to find your own path.Greta's BioGreta Bajrami is the CEO and founder of Golden Group Roofing & Solar, Rootless Agency and Rootless, a tech platform focused on e-learning and consulting. A “Rootless” Entrepreneur, Greta migrated from Tirana, Albania, to the USA at age 9. While in college, she turned an inspiration into a multimillion-dollar brand, despite having no prior connections to construction. She revolutionized the industry by prioritizing quality, innovation, and customer experience, earning national recognition. Greta’s leadership in a male-dominated industry has made her a role model for entrepreneurs. She has been recognized by Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 (2017), Remodelers Magazine’s Big 50 (2019), Pro Remodeler’s 40 Under 40 (2021), and as a finalist for Female Roofer of the Year (2021). In 2023, she was awarded the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® New England Award. Most recently, Boston Business Journal 40 under 40 class of 2024.As a speaker, Greta inspires others with topics like “Success is a State of Mind” and “Overcoming the Failure Mindset.” She serves as the Vice President of the North East Roofing Contractor Association and is on the Foundation Board at Worcester State University.KeywordsGreta Bajrami, Golden Group, roofing industry, entrepreneurship, women in construction, brand building, customer service, hiring, mentorship, construction innovation

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.

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/

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

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 wall construction techniques, the opportunities for higher performance afforded by advancing technology and project team relationships that lead to better project outcomes. For full show notes go to copelandbec.com/episode-2-adrian-lowenstein-berdo-performance-efficiency

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-Performance Construction Academy.  Show Notes SIGA North America SIGA High-Performance Construction Academy Finch Cambridge: One of The First Multifamily Passive House Standard Projects in Massachusetts Passive House Institute US, Inc.

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.

Get ready for a masterclass in building science filled with hilarious anecdotes, blunt truths, and profound wisdom. In this episode, Matt Copeland sits down with the legendary Dr. Joe Lstiburek, a founding principal of Building Science Corporation and an icon in the industry. Dr. Joe shares his unconventional journey from aspiring aerospace engineer to a leading voice in building physics, a path forged by on-site labor, getting fired, and not being afraid to tell a home-building legend he had no idea how to build.Listen in as Dr. Joe explains the comical and surprisingly arbitrary origins of fundamental industry standards, like the 50 Pascal blower door test. He argues why "stupid should hurt" and how disasters, litigation, and pain are the most effective drivers of change in construction. From the problems with modern materials like OSB ("the spam of wood") to the critical importance of water management and the next big fight in indoor air quality, this conversation is an essential listen for architects, builders, engineers, and anyone who wants to understand why buildings fail—and how to build them right.Guest BioJOSEPH LSTIBUREK, B.A.Sc., M.Eng., Ph.D., P.Eng., is a principal of Building Science Corporation and an ASHRAE Fellow.  Dr. Lstiburek received an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, a masters degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and a doctorate in Building Science Engineering from the University of Toronto. The Wall Street Journal refers to him as “the dean of North American building science”.  When he is not in buildings he drinks red French wine and drives fast German sports cars – but never at the same time. ResourcesBuilding Science Corporation: The ultimate resource for articles, papers, and presentations from Dr. Joe and his team. Everything is free and accessible. buildingscience.comDOE Building America Program: An extensive library of research on high-performance homes. energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-america

Episode SummaryArchitects 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 amendments, is intended to encourage more accurate calculation of building heating and cooling loads by accounting for thermal bridging.Practical Challenges & Strategies: The group emphasizes that these new requirements should be incorporated early in the design process. A key challenge is educating clients on why new analyses and specialized consultants are necessary. The code can be particularly challenging for smaller projects and historic renovations due to the cost and complexity of the required analysis relative to project size.Documentation, Enforcement, and the Future: Architects report they are working to provide the required documentation, but review and enforcement from building officials are still catching up. Recent amendments provide clear guidance on how compliance should be documented. The panel agrees that the code is pushing the industry toward innovation in building products and that ongoing education for designers, builders, and owners is essential for success.Resources Mentionedcopelandbec.com/self-helpGuest BiosMichael Proscia, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHCMike joined Jones in the fall of 2019 as project manager. With over 10 years of experience, Mike has worked on data center, laboratory, corporate interior, adaptive reuse, and multifamily residential projects in Boston and internationally. He has also been a member of the Swampscott Planning Board, and is passionate about urban planning and active transportation, having previously served on the Cambridge Bicycle Advisory Committee and Swampscott Traffic Advisory Committee. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA.Jake Springer, AIAJake is originally from Salem, MA and joined Jones Architecture in 2018. His work spans higher education, public, and institutional projects, including  projects at UMass Boston, Northeastern, and Harvard, focusing on façade upgrades, facility improvements, and accessibility renovations. Most recent work includes leading the building envelope design for Norwich University’s new Cyber Fusion Center and an accessible addition to The Munroe Center for the Arts. He also assisted on a new call center for the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DCAMM), which features a hybrid structure of CLT, glulam, and steel.He is especially interested in reimagining existing spaces to serve new purposes, designing for the future, and creating efficient, well-crafted building envelopes. Known for his strong technical and representation skills, Jake values collaboration, inclusive practice, and working closely with clients and end users to deliver thoughtful, flexible design solutions.He holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

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 builder, architect, engineer, or just a curious problem-solver, this episode will change how you think about construction, education, and the future of the built environment.🔍 In This EpisodeWhy sub-sill flashing still isn’t standard practice in 2025The "grade school" gap in building science knowledgeHow conferences create echo chambersDr. Straube’s 12-step plan to fix the industry (Step 1: Admit we have a problem)Why bad buildings rarely get talked about—and why that’s a huge problemThe misunderstood role of air barriers vs. vapor barriersWhy architects don’t want to delegate enclosure design—and why that mattersThe real reason prefabrication keeps cycling in and out of fashionWhy education—not tech—is the real silver bullet🧠 Notable Quotes“We haven't even got past the grade school level of building science.” — Dr. John Straube“When I first entered this industry, it was presumed by engineers and architects that most of the problems that were experienced were because of workmanship. And the more I've worked on forensic investigations and failures, the more predominant the proportion of failure I attribute to design.” — Dr. John Straube📚 Resources & MentionsRDH Building ScienceBuilding Knowledge Canada Spring Training🎧 Listen If You...are tired of seeing the same mistakes on every job sitewant to know why building failures happen—and how to prevent themare looking for practical insight from one of the industry’s leading educators and practitionersare passionate about improving the AEC industry👋 Connect with UsMatt Copeland — CopelandBEC.com | LinkedInDr. John Straube — University of Waterloo | RDH Building Science | LinkedInPlease subscribe, rate, and share if you got something out of this conversation—we’re building a smarter industry, one episode at a time.John Staube BioJohn Straube, Ph.D., P.Eng., is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where he is cross-appointed between the School of Architecture and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is the author or co-author of over 100 published technical papers, author of the book High Performance Enclosures and co-author, with Eric Burnett, of Building Science for Building Enclosures. Dr. Straube’s leadership as a building scientist and an educator has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in Building Science Education from the National Consortium of Housing Research Centers (NCHRC). As a Principal at RDH Building Science and RDH Building Science Labs, he conducts forensic investigations, assists the design of new high performance buildings, and leads research projects in the areas of low-energy building design, building enclosure performance, hygrothermal analysis, and field performance monitoring. He has been involved in the development of dozens of new building products, and sat on several product standards committees.🔗 KeywordsBuilding science podcast, John Straube interview, air barrier vs vapor barrier, building envelope design, building failures, building science education, why buildings fail, architectural detailing, sub-sill flashing, building performance, construction knowledge gap, building science for architects, enclosure consulting, offsite construction, prefab risks, Matt Copeland podcast

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 design considerations for managing moisture as it relates to each individual barrier, as well as actionable QA/QC measures that can be implemented for both new construction and existing buildings.About the Presenter: Carmen PrantilA graduate of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a degree in Building Science and Technology, Carmen has more than survived her share of snowy winters. Her academic background laid the foundation for a deep understanding of building design and environmental challenges that come with cold climates.Now Boston-based (yes, more cold), Carmen brings innovative solutions to her role at Copeland Building Envelope Consulting. She balances her professional precision with her passion for an active lifestyle and off-grid adventures. Outside of the office, you can find her training for CrossFit, exploring the Northeast rail trails on two wheels, or hiking in the White Mountains.

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 and building materials. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Education, and successfully completed a Sustainability in the Workplace Certificate Program in 2016 from Hamline University. She lives by her work motto: “human being first, government employee second.”

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.

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 and actively supports it. To make that happen, we also need public and private research funding to develop the next generation of building science educators—those Master’s and PhD graduates who will go on to teach and shape the future of the industry. We also talk about the power of hands-on learning experiences like the Solar Decathlon and why building science principles are essential for creating high-performance, sustainable buildings that prioritize people, comfort, and the planet. #BuildingScience #SustainableDesign #Education #SolarDecathlon #Collaboration #AIInEducation #BuildingBetter

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.

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 explores the evolution of roofing materials and discusses his passion for shaping the next generation of industry leaders. #roofingexperts #Sustainability #BuildingEnvelopes #WaterproofingSolutions #ConstructionInnovation #RoofingIndustry #SamirIbrahim #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalEngineering #RoofingMaterials #Mentorship #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingResilience #RoofingTechnologies #IIBEC #ConstructionPodcast #GreenBuilding #ResilientDesign

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 on how these innovations are crucial in maintaining top-class, safe facilities at one of the world’s leading institutions. Tune in to learn how NDT, Infrared, and AI are shaping a safer, more efficient future.

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 teams and organizations. #Leadership #Inspiration #LeadershipJourney #LeadToInspire #LeadershipSkills #GenerationalLeadership #LeadershipInsights #Podcast #LeadershipPodcast

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.