Synergies in Mass Timber and School Design: A Panel on Evergreen Charter School

While the benefits of mass timber as an environmentally responsible building material have been well documented, research is growing around its positive impact on student wellbeing and learning. Despite this, there are currently only a handful of mass-timber schools around the country. The lack of adoption can be attributed to a range of factors, including outdated building codes, risk-averse clients, lack of experience among architects regarding design implications, and cost mark-ups by builders wary of undertaking a new construction technology.

Join the AIANY Architecture for Education Committee as we learn from a panel of professionals about how Evergreen Charter School overcame these obstacles as one of the first mass-timber schools in the Northeast. Located in one of Nassau County’s most impoverished neighborhoods, Evergreen provides under-served families with an attractive alternative to public schools. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of working with mass timber through the lens of the architect, school leadership, structural engineer and construction manager.

Speakers:
Martin Hopp, AIA, Principal, Martin Hopp Architect
Gil Bernadino, President of the Board, Evergreen Charter School
Dr. Sarah Brewster, Vice-President of the Board, Evergreen Charter School
Michael Scancarello, PE, Assistant Vice President, WSP
Doug Renna, Project Executive, Consigli

Moderator:
Serena Losonczy, AIA LEED AP, Studio Director, FXCollaborative Architects.

About the Speakers:
Martin Hopp founded Martin Hopp Architect (MHA) in 2013, bringing European sustainability and circular construction approaches to New York. With experience at Rafael Viñoly, John McAslan, and Buro Wulf, MHA is a pioneer in using cross-laminated timber and has delivered award-winning, environmentally focused projects.

Gil Bernardino was born in rural Spain, dedicated his life to education, social justice, and immigrant advocacy. He founded Círculo de la Hispanidad and Evergreen Charter School, securing funding for its first building completed in 2009 which achieved LEED Gold—transforming lives through holistic education, sustainability, and unwavering community commitment.

Dr. Sarah Brewster blends expertise in education, law, and social work to champion sustainability and equity. As co-founder of Evergreen Charter School and a leader at Círculo de la Hispanidad, she has shaped inclusive, green learning environments and advanced services for immigrant and underserved communities. 

Michael Scancarello is a Project Director at Odeh Engineers Inc. and licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, specializes in steel, wood, concrete, and masonry design for new and adaptive reuse projects. His notable work includes the Music Center at Groton Hill. Scancarello advocates for mass timber, aiming to create sustainable, inviting spaces while ensuring high-performing buildings.

Doug Renna is an Executive Vice President at Consigli Construction, where he is responsible for estimating and pre-construction activities. He has over 25 years of experience in project planning, budgeting, cost control and has been responsible for a wide range of projects within NYC and the Long Island area.