In this episode of The Common Chord, Carlton sits down with Tyler Rhodes, a freelance component designer and civil engineering student, to explore what it really takes to grow in truss design. The conversation dives into mentorship, hands-on repetition, and why slowing down leads to better outcomes for designers, shops, and builders.
Learning Truss Design the Right Way
Tyler’s path into the industry started with simple tasks and steady exposure. Cleaning cut sheets, helping senior designers, and absorbing shop workflows laid a foundation that no shortcut could replace. His biggest takeaway is simple. Do the work carefully first. Speed comes later.
Design Choices That Change the Building
A standout moment in the conversation centers on a unique project where Tyler used truss design software and 3D printing to compare roof trusses against conventional framing. By modeling both systems to code, he demonstrated real material savings and greater layout flexibility. It is a clear example of how design decisions impact cost, labor, and long-term building value.
Looking Ahead
Now studying civil engineering, Tyler is focused on understanding the why behind the designs he creates. His goal is to bridge design and engineering with clarity and confidence.
“Don’t try to do the task quickly. Do the task slowly, and the speed will come.” — Tyler Rhodes
