Technology and Trends in Sustainable Tropical Hardwoods

There is no substitute for the natural beauty of newly installed tropical hardwood, but keeping it looking great and achieving the desired performance over time require careful attention to detail. Choosing the best hardwood species and specifying the appropriate fastening and finishing systems will ensure an aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance, and successful design in terms of installation, performance, and appearance. This course discusses wood species specification, installation techniques, and finishing methods for tropical hardwoods in conventional and sustainable buildings. As well, international programs that are used to successfully determine sustainability are examined.

Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:

Identify the characteristics of sustainable tropical hardwood options related to appearance, durability, and other performance issues.
Investigate the different tropical hardwood options available from different locations around the world.
Recognize the different sustainability certifications that are applicable to the selection of tropical hardwood.
Specify sustainable tropical hardwood, including the means of installation and finishing based on best practices.

Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes. Delivered online, at your own pace.

Presented by Naomi Comstock, Steve Getsiv, Keaton Smith, Katja Wahl on behalf of Nova USA Wood. View the Privacy Policy .

Presenter Information

Name: Naomi Comstock, Steve Getsiv, Keaton Smith, Katja Wahl

Title: Mechanical Engineer, President, Sales, Marketing Manager, Nova USA Wood Products LLC

Background: Naomi Comstock

Naomi joined the Nova USA Wood team in early 2021 as their lead Mechanical Engineer. She attended Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (BMSE) with a focus on material studies. She graduated with honors in 2020 from the ABET-accredited program.

While attending Eastern Washington University, Naomi completed a senior project with Triumph Composite Systems, an aerospace company that designs and manufactures aircraft parts, where she strength-tested thermoplastic composite materials. She also has experience in finite element analysis, simulation software, and statistical analysis.

During this time, she was also working as a retail manager where she led a large team on a daily basis, managing operations and training team members to increase performance. Through this position, she learned communication skills and developed her high-performing work ethic.

In her time off, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and tending to her many tropical houseplants.

Steve Getsiv

Steve is the President and CEO of Nova Products, Inc. and is the managing partner for Nova USA Wood Products. Steve has a BA from Dartmouth College in Engineering and Computer Science (1987), earned his MBA with honors from Portland State University (1997), and attended the Executive Program for Growing Companies at Stanford University (2011).

After college, Steve joined Pacific Laminating & Manufacturing, an edge and finger-joint glue plant started by his father, Ted Getsiv, in 1961. Steve quickly learned the truck flooring and lumber remanufacturing businesses, as well as some financial accounting, cost accounting, and manufacturing management. In 1991, he joined Oregon-Canadian Forest Products in North Plains, Oregon. While there, he was responsible for special projects and information technology, and eventually managed the tropical hardwoods import program, which grew into a $25 million annual program.

While working on his MBA from Portland State University, Steve was able to apply his business school studies directly to his work. His projects included implementation of accounting software, designing cost accounting software and employee incentive programs, and managing and creating most of the company's marketing collateral.

Steve used his skills and vast knowledge of and experience in the lumber industry to help found Nova USA Wood, which specializes in importing and wholesaling the finest exotic hardwoods from around the world.

Keaton Smith

I began working with Nova USA Wood in January of 2017 and have taken on multiple roles, including making product samples, working in the warehouse, creating print and digital marketing, and handling distributor sales on the West Coast and direct architect sales nationally.

I was first drawn to Nova after working in the construction industry where I came across tropical hardwoods, which instantly fascinated me. I find joy in educating others on the benefits and installation practices of the products we offer, and in the relationships I've built within the industry.

Katja Wahl

In early 2021, Katja joined the Nova USA Wood team as their Marketing Manager and relocated to Portland, Oregon. She attended Washington State University Everett’s Murrow College of Communication and Carson College of Business, where she earned her BA in Integrated Strategic Communications with a minor in Business Administration and a dual emphasis in automotive and industrial sectors. While attending this program, Katja was an active member of the Association of Women in Communication, as well as the acting Head of Communications for the Washington State University Engineering Club. It was through this club that Katja was able to work with a national-award-winning Mars rover competitive team and a Baja SAE competition team, and attend SEMA 2019 as the sole female marketing student from Washington State.

Katja’s passion for marketing within the automotive and industrial sectors can be further seen through her various internships. In 2019, she worked with Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family as their Marketing Intern, where she assisted in event planning, CRM system management and development, and social media. The following year, she worked with the Everett Silvertips hockey team as their Media Relations Intern. In this role, she was responsible for social media, press releases, and other media relations for the team.

Prior to her work at Nova, Katja worked professionally as a journalist and social media manager. She spent a year as a photojournalist with the Everett Clipper before being promoted to the Managing Editor of Visuals, where she worked for two additional years. Following this, she moved into the architecture sector, where she works as a Social Media Marketing Manager for Architextures, an acoustic paneling and ceiling solution company. Katja has also freelanced for various publications and companies such as the Daily Everett Herald, the Empire Press, and Cierra Candle and Soap Supplies.

This course is registered with: 33 Industry Association(s)

Industry Association(s)

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663-01:1

Approval ID: AEC1663-01:1

AIA/CES Learning units: 1.5

AIA approved course. This course qualifies for 1.5 LU/HSW Hour.

AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members' behalf.

Green Building Certification Inc. (GBCI)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663-01:1

Approval ID: 920030770

GBCI CE Hours: 1.5

GBCI approved for GBCI General CE. Course approval #920030770.

AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members' behalf.

Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Hours: 1.5

This course qualifies for HSW.

American Construction Inspectors Association (ACIA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Credits: 1.5

This course is approved for ACIA RCI CEUs. This course qualifies for HSW.

ACIA members self-report to ACIA by submitting their certificate of completion to ACIA for RCI renewal.

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CE Hours: 1.5

AIBD approved course. This course qualifies for HSW.

AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

American Institute of Constructors (AIC)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CPD Hours: 1.5

AIC approved course.

Hours must be self-reported to the AIC.

Building Owners and Managers Institute - Continuing Professional Development (BOMI CPD)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CPD Hours: 1.5

BOMI approved course. This program qualifies for BOMI Institute Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit for RPA, FMA, and/or SMA graduates. This course qualifies for HSW.

Members must self-report CPD hours.

California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CE Hours: 1.5

CCIDC approved course. This course qualifies for HSW.

Members must self-report CEU hours to CCIDC.

Decorator and Designers Association (DDA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CEUs: 0.15

Members must self-report CEUs to DDA.

DDA will accept all IDCEC-approved courses.

Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Provider Number: 0004278, Sequence Number 0000031

PDHs: 1.5

FBPE approved provider.

International Code Council (ICC)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: 29375

Provider Number: 1293

CEU: 0.15

AEC Daily is an ICC Preferred Provider. This course qualifies for ICC Certification Renewal.

International Design Continuing Education Council Inc. (IDCEC)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663-01:1

Approval ID: CC-115004R2-1000

CEUs: 0.15

HSW

This CEU is registered with the International Design Continuing Education Council Inc. (IDCEC) for continuing education credits. This credit will be accepted by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Interior Designers Association (IIDA) and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). The content included is not deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by IDCEC of any material or construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods and services should be directed to the instructor or provider. This program is registered for CEUs (continuing education credits).

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CE Hours: 1.5

InterNACHI approved course. This course qualifies for HSW.

Members must self-report CE hours to InterNACHI.

Landscape Architecture - Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (On- Demand) (LA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: 0013667

Provider Number: 0009165

Credit Hours: 1.5

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has approved this course through LA for continuing education requirements.

As a LA provider, AEC Daily will report on your behalf to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System™ (LA CES)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

PDH: 1.5

LACES registered course. 1.5 Contact Hour

AEC Daily is registered with the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System as a provider of Continuing Professional Education programs for landscape architects. This course qualifies for HSW. AEC Daily reports Professional Development Hours on members’ behalf.

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners (LSBAE)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Hours: 1.5

LSBAE approved course.

Credit hours will be reported through cebroker.com

Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Interior Designers (LSBID)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CEU 0.15

This course qualifies for HSW.

LSBID approved course. Members self-report their credit to the Louisiana State Board of Interior Designers.

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CE Hours: 1.5

This program meets NAHB's continuing education requirements for one or more of the following designations: Certified Graduate Associate (CGA), Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Green Professional (CGP), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR), Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)

National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

CEUs: 0.15

NARI approved course.

0.15 CEU toward certification renewals. 1.5 Hours toward certification application.

North Carolina Board of Landscape Architects (NCBOLA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Hour(s) 1.5

This course is approved by the NCBOLA

Members must self-report

Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663-01:1

Approval ID: 170837

PDH: 1.5

AEC Daily is an RCEP-approved continuing education provider.

Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to RCEP.

Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Credit Per Hour: 1.5

This is a RMMI approved course.

RMMI will confirm certification credit upon receipt of Certificate of Completion (members must self-report).

The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Provider No.: A-002

Learning hours: 1.5

This course is approved as a Structured Course.

AAA Members must self-report their learning hours to AAA.

AANB + ALBNL + NSAA (AANB + ALBNL + NSAA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Core Hours: 1.5

This course is EPP approved.

Members must self-report their learning hours on the RAIC|Architecture Canada Transcript Database, https://raic.org/transcripts

Architects Association of Prince Edward Island (AAPEI)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Learning hours: 1.5

This course is approved as a Core Learning Activity.

Members must self-record their learning hours on the RAIC|Architecture Canada Transcript Database, https://raic.org/transcripts.

Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Learning units: 1.5

AIBC members may self-report this learning activity for consideration of AIBC learning units.

Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

MRC Hours 1.5

CAHPI approved course, MRC Hours.

Members must self-report MRC hours to CAHPI.

Construction Specifications Canada (CSC)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

PDE Hours: 1.5

CSC approved course. This course qualifies for HSW.

Members must self-report PDE hours to CSC.

Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Architects (NLAA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Learning units: 1.5

This course is approved as a core course.

Members must self-report LUs through the MCET National Con Ed reporting website. (www.architranscripts.ca/default.htm)

Northwest Territories Association of Architects (NWTAA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Learning Hours: 1.5

This course is approved as a Structured course.

Members must self-report Learning Hours through the National Con Ed reporting website at https://www.raic.org/transcripts/default.htm

Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Hours: 1.5

This course may apply to both OAA structured and unstructured learning as long as it addresses the required subject matter topics.

Members must self-report activity to OAA and retain your Certificate of Completion.

Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1 / Cours # AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1 / Cours # AEC1663:1

Hours / Nombre d’heures: 1.5

This course qualifies for self-directed learning activity with the OAQ. / Ce cours est reconnu par l’OAQ comme activité d’auto-apprentissage.

Members must self-report hours to OAQ. / Les membres doivent rapporter eux-mêmes leurs heures à l'OAQ.

Saskatchewan Association of Architects (SAA)

Course Number/ID: AEC1663:1

Approval ID: AEC1663:1

Provider No.: 1036

Learning units: 1.5

This course is approved as a core course.

Members must self-report LUs through the RAIC National Con Ed reporting website. http://raic.org/transcripts.

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Technology and Trends in Sustainable Tropical Hardwoods

Presenter Information

Industry Association(s)

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