General Information

The Portland Building Enclosure Council is pleased to announce the 2026 Symposium. This year’s Symposium will focus on building enclosure innovation.

The symposium is a full day event, comprised of presentations, speakers, and opportunities for sidebar conversations.

• Meet with local representatives of leading building product manufacturers
• This all day event includes continental breakfast and seated buffet lunch.
• Anticipated 6 AIA /CEU - LU/HSW

Brochure

Schedule

Registration Information

Cost

• Members: $100
• Non-Members: $125

Speakers & Sessions

Session order subject to change

Josh Stein & Will Babbington
Session 1 - Portland Art Museum Facade
1 AIA LU/HSW

Description

Julian Safford
Session 2 - Modern High Performance Curtain Wall Design
1.25 AIA LU/HSW

Description

Christian Schoewe, Christopher Pitt, Steven McBride, & Tom Wharton
Session 3 - PDX Main Terminal Skylights Panel Discussion
1 AIA LU/HSW

Description

Chris O'Hara & Will Babbington
Session 4 - Populous Hotel
1 AIA LU/HSW

Description

James Elder
Session 5 - Balancing Design and Performance: Lessons from Complex Façade Enclosures
1 AIA LU/HSW

This presentation will examine façade design through a series of case studies drawn from projects in the Pacific Northwest, where wet, cool, and seismically active conditions create a uniquely demanding design environment. The session will explore how ambitious architectural expression and structural performance requirements informed enclosure strategies, material selection, and delivery planning across a range of complex façade systems.

The discussion will focus on the strategic use of steel, timber, and aluminum systems; glass selection decisions involving coatings, heat treatment, and laminated assemblies; and the importance of clearly defining divisions of scope and coordination responsibilities across the project team. Particular emphasis will be placed on the value of early-stage planning in aligning design intent, constructability, and technical performance. Attendees will gain practical insight into lessons learned, common coordination challenges, and key considerations for delivering high-performance façades in demanding project conditions.

Blair Payson
Session 6 - New Heights: Transforming and Icon - The Renovation of Seattle's Space Needle
1 AIA LU/HSW

Description

Sponsors

Symposium Sponsor

• Soprema

Meal Sponsors

• Carlisle Syntec
• International Masonry Institute

Bag Sponsor

• TBD

Exhibitors

• AVM
• James Hardie
• Siplast
• Henry
• 3M
• Hydrotech/Emseal
• Protecto Wrap
• GCP
• Sika Roofing
• Exterior Product Solutions
• Prosoco
• Rocky Mountain Reps NW
• Window Tech
• 13 Elements
• Cascadia Windows
• Neogard
• Elemex
• GAF

Maximizing Envelope Performance with IMP-Integrated Components explores an advanced insulated metal composite panel building envelope system, components that have been engineered to integrate with the system – including windows, sunshades, accent fins and louvers – and how the IMP system and integrated components combine to create a high-performance building envelope.

Michael Naughton was previously a Senior Territory Sales Manager for Associated Materials, a window and siding manufacturer. In addition, Michael has over twenty years of experience in residential and commercial construction serving in leadership roles for distribution and manufacturing organizations.

Michael's primary focus is assisting architects, engineers, owners and design build general contractors with specification, application, and design for Centria in the Pacific Northwest.

1 AIA LU/HSW

As the saying goes, when nature is at its worst, buildings need to be at their best. Roofs at their base level are designed to keep weather out. As weather gets more extreme, roofs are being asked to withstand even more to do just that. During this webinar, you will learn about the new wind requirements in ASCE 2022, best practices for designing for very severe hail, and ways to manage water from large rain events.

Kristina Sigmund is the Specified Solutions Advisor for GAF | Siplast in the West Region of the US, bringing eighteen years of experience in the engineering consulting and construction industries to the team. Kristina is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Boston College and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. With a background in building enclosure consulting, construction management, and owner’s representation, Kristina combines strong technical building enclosure experience with the ability to collaborate with designers, consultants, contractors, and building owners.

1 AIA LU/HSW

The mass timber Founders Hall project at the University of Washington stands as an exemplary model for air barrier performance in design and construction. This presentation will delve into the innovative strategies and collaborative approach that led to the project's exceptional success, with a focus on how attendees can apply these lessons to their own projects.

Michael is a licensed Architect who joined Hoffman Construction in 2007 after practicing for 9 years in Seattle and the surrounding area. In his years of practice, he developed the firm’s Quality Plan and executed internal Quality Reviews as a Project Architect, Project Manager, and Partner.

At Hoffman, he began working on project sites, coordinating subcontractors and installations, learning the ways the details he had drawn as an architect were actually being installed. Since 2019, he has been helping devise and implement a company-wide quality system that focuses on planning as the strategy to ensure materials are installed correctly the first time. He leads preconstruction drawing and specifications reviews to ensure complete, coordinated, and constructable documents are issued for construction. As the project transitions to construction, he collaborates with project site teams to identify and mitigate risks, provides technical guidance to help provide solutions to complex details, and communicates quality goals as construction progresses.

Michael has experience in many building types, high rise towers to below grade transit stations, and with GCCM and Design Build project delivery methods, as both an architect and contractor. A proud building science and sustainability geek, he completed the design and build of his own net-zero house in 2021.

1 AIA LU/HSW

Join Mike Poirier, Vice-President of QED Lab for a presentation on air leakage and water penetration testing of window systems in the field. This presentation focuses on testing at the Portland Airport terminal expansion project and covers everything from specifications, to test planning, site logistics, and actual testing. The PDX airport project is known for its unique complexities and impressive appearance and highlights the need for proper test planning.

Mike has over 20 years in the construction consulting and testing industry with emphasis on enclosure performance, specifically air and water leakage. As VP of an AAMA certified test lab, certified blower door technician, and certified thermographer, testing & diagnosing building enclosures have become second nature. The "science nerd" of QED's office is pleased to present at the Portland Building Enclosure Council.

The future of high-performing buildings is in the hands of evolving codes and standards. Join us for this presentation where we'll explore key aspects of high-performance building enclosures that meet the latest energy standards where thermal bridging mitigation is required. This presentation will provide valuable insights into evolving energy standards and strategies to prepare for future changes in building envelope requirements. Participants will learn best practices for reducing thermal bridging and optimizing building envelope designs. We’ll also identify innovative techniques for designing sustainable and durable facades, including materials and methods to improve the longevity and environmental performance of building exteriors. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of building design and envelope performance!

Edlyn is a Senior Façade Consultant at Stantec, bringing over 18 years of experience in building science with a strong foundation in architecture and a master’s degree in bioclimatic design. Since joining the firm in 2019, she has applied a multidisciplinary and environmentally responsive approach to façade systems, integrating advanced analytics and sustainable design principles. Her project portfolio spans a wide range of building types and complexities, from early-stage material research to comprehensive façade design and performance optimization. Her technical expertise includes thermal and daylighting analysis, shading optimization, dynamic condensation risk assessment, and envelope code compliance. In addition to her consulting work, Edlyn is an active educator, teaching courses on sustainability, façade performance, and building energy efficiency.

1 AIA LU/HSW

For the November 2025 monthly meeting the Air Barrier Association of America and the Portland BEC will be collaborating on a half-day, in-person only symposium. The event will be at the EcoTrust Building in our usual space. 4 AIA HSW continuing education credits will be provided by the ABAA. This event will include lunch and some afternoon snacks. Attendance is limited and there will be a $25 registration fee.

11:00 - 12:00 PM - Lunch and Networking

12:00 - 1:00 PM - Presentation
Brian Stroik, FABAA, CABS, CRIS, Performance Excellence & Quality Consultant, American Contractors Insurance Group
Trust but Verify: Quality Control for Your Air Barriers
Modern construction is more complex, with layered systems, tight schedules, and higher expectations. This session outlines how quality assurance programs and trade-specific quality control—starting before installation and continuing through completion—help ensure durable, high-performing air barriers. 1.0 LU/HSW

1:00 - 2:00 PM - Presentation
Andrew Dunlap, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Senior Principal, Building Technology Studio Leader, SmithGroup
Locating That Elusive Point of Condensation: A Review of Hygrothermal Evaluation Fundamentals.
This presentation will review the various types of Hygrothermal modeling tools available to assist designers in developing a building’s exterior enclosure. Variables such as the interior and exterior climate (temperature/humidity), material permeance, wall assembly types, and transitions between adjacent construction will be explored. Understanding the impact of the decision to use various modeling techniques such as 1D/2D/3D and transient versus static modeling will be discussed. 1.0 LU/HSW

2:00 - 2:15 PM - Break

2:15 - 3:15 PM - Presentation
Brian Stroik, FABAA, CABS, CRIS, Performance Excellence & Quality Consultant, American Contractors Insurance Group
A Sticky Subject - Adhesion of Air and Water Resistive Barrier Materials
Adhesion is critical for barriers to resist wind, stack effect, and pressurization. This session reviews 15 years of field research on adhesion performance across materials and substrates, comparing real-world results with lab testing. Attendees will learn how this data informs specifications and quality control on job sites. 1.0 LU/HSW

3:15 - 4:15 PM - Presentation
Andrew Dunlap, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Senior Principal, Building Technology Studio Leader, SmithGroup
Failure is Not an Option: Air Barrier Continuity Strategies for Storefront and Curtain Wall Systems
Critical details that typically cause building performance-related issues will be focused on one of the largest failures of building enclosures: wall-to-window connections specific to curtain wall systems and storefronts. A step-by-step look at each critical detail regarding the sequence of construction and the various connections to ensure airtight/watertight and thermally protected details. Real-life photos and job conditions will highlight the realities of the construction process to show typical errors found and how those errors can be addressed correctly. 1.0 LU/HSW

4:15 - 5:00 PM - Networking

Sponsors

Exterior Product Solutions
3M
Prosoco
Protecto Wrap

For our October 7, 2025 Portland BEC meeting, we have arranged an opportunity to tour the ongoing construction of the PSU Gateway Center project located at 1914 SW Park Avenue. The Art & Design project also known as Gateway Center is set to redefine the campus landscape and elevate PSU's commitment to sustainability, wellness, and excellence in higher education. One of the project's standout features is its use of 4 stories of mass timber construction as opposed to the conventional use of concrete/steel. The total project is approximately 98,000 SF. This project will be PSU's first building constructed with this sustainable and resilient construction method, championing both environmental responsibility, occupant wellness, and connection to local community. The exterior enclosure that will be visible and discussed during the tour is composed of aluminum and glass curtain wall, fiberglass punched openings, ribbed metal panel and vegetated roofs over a modified bitumen roofing system.

As this is an active construction site, our tour will need to start at 3:30pm after most trades have left the site. The tour will be approximately 1-hour long starting with a brief intro to the project at the Swinerton site office at 1850 SW 6th Ave, then breaking into groups each visiting various locations throughout the building to view/discuss the variety of enclosure systems and detailing. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required to be worn during the tour. Street parking is available in the neighborhood. Additionally, the project is a block from the PSU South Station on the MAX Green/Yellow lines for those wishing to take light rail. More information regarding PPE requirements and parking will be distributed in the days before the tour.

Due to space and safety constraints, this tour is limited to 30 attendees. While we recognize that this tour will be in high demand, we would ask that corporate BEC members limit participation to two (2) attendees from your organization. Please follow this link to register for the event.

This presentation is an overview of the environmental and economic benefits of a properly designed, installed, and maintained vegetated roof. We will review the generic components that comprise typical green roof systems, and we will address concerns in-depth including wind uplift considerations and how to treat drains to avoid flooding. We will also review local case studies ranging from thriving systems to outright failures, and how the design and maintenance of the systems affects the outcomes.

Liz Morris is the president of Green Up LLC, the firm she founded to work with architects, building owners, contractors and municipalities to develop and restore on-structure vegetation and amenity spaces. Liz has been working with green roofs across North America for nearly 15 years, with the majority of her project experience on commercial roofs in Portland, Washington and California. She is experienced in all phases of green roofing, from conceptual development and specification, through procurement and installation, as well as maintenance and restorations. She has presented hundreds of continuing education sessions to architects, and has trained dozens of installers in green roofing. Liz is the co-founder and past president of the Green Roof info Think-tank (GRiT) and is the Green Roof Professional Education Chair on the Board of Directors of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC).

1 AIA LU/HSW