Tilt-Up Academy > Latent Innovation and the Role of Collaborative Inquiry

Latent Innovation and the Role of Collaborative Inquiry

Duration: 75 minutes

Speakers: Jeffrey Brown, FAIA, FTCA | Tim Manherz, FTCA | Don Greive, PE | David Tomasula, PE, FTCA

Not all innovation in tilt-up construction emerges through disruption; many advancements surface quietly—prompted by collaborative inquiry, re-evaluation of past practices, or novel applications of established methods. This session examines the idea of latent innovation: technologies and strategies that exist within the industry but remain underutilized, misunderstood, or newly relevant in light of evolving project demands. Topics will include panel stacking, post-tensioning, erecting tall panels, and emerging approaches to concrete mix design in support of performance and sustainability goals. By revisiting overlooked techniques and tracing the conditions that bring them to the forefront, the session invites participants to consider how interdisciplinary dialogue can uncover meaningful opportunities for progress within tilt-up practice.

Panel Overview: This group represents one of the most innovation-minded collectives working in tilt-up today. With deep experience across architecture, engineering, construction, and concrete contracting, these professionals have collaborated on numerous pioneering strategies—both in the field and through ongoing research and experimentation. Their work is marked by a shared commitment to exploration, often questioning conventional limits and revisiting overlooked methods to unlock new potential. Three of the panelists serve on the board of Tilt Lab, the industry’s innovation accelerator, further underscoring their leadership in shaping the future of tilt-up construction. Together, they offer a unique lens on how collaboration fuels progress and how latent innovations can be activated through purposeful, cross-disciplinary inquiry.