Please join us on Thursday 8 May for our next Talking Timber webinar

This webinar will explore best practices, material choices, and design considerations for timber decking and flooring in both residential and commercial applications. Whether you’re a designer, builder, or timber enthusiast, this session will provide valuable insights into how to specify and maintain timber surfaces that are both functional and timeless.

The webinar carries 0.15 CPD points through the South African Institute of Architects.

SPEAKERS:

Richard Müller is a seasoned wood scientist and mechanical engineer with over two decades of experience in timber processing, drying technologies, and wood product innovation. A lecturer at Nelson Mandela University’s School of Natural Resource Management since 2000, he specialises in wood technology, research, and industry consultation. Richard holds a B.Sc in Wood Science, a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering, and an M.Sc in Forestry from Stellenbosch University, with his postgraduate research focusing on solar hardwood drying.

His extensive consulting portfolio includes kiln design, timber drying optimisation, wood preservation training, and expert assessments for structural timber failures. Richard has authored numerous articles and presented technical papers both locally and internationally, including at IUFRO and SALDEA conventions. His passion lies in bridging academic research with real-world applications to advance the sustainable and efficient use of wood.

Barry Muller is a forestry and wood processing specialist with over 30 years of experience spanning sawmill management, timber processing, and vocational education. He holds a BSc in Forestry from Stellenbosch University and a Master’s in Technology (Forestry) from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), where he has served as a lecturer in Wood Technology since 2005.

Barry has extensive hands-on experience in both plantation and sawmill operations, having managed hardwood and softwood processing facilities, overseen structural timber production, and developed timber-based furniture and housing solutions. He has also contributed internationally as a forest products and processing expert for the INDUFOR PFP2 programme in Tanzania, training SMEs in sustainable sawmilling practices. At NMU, Barry leads modules in timber processing and sawmill management, while also co-developing a furniture production curriculum in collaboration with the University of British Columbia.

Please join us by registering here