As truss software gets faster and more capable, one question matters even more: are we helping new designers build real understanding?
That question sits at the center of this conversation with Sheila Yant, a lifelong leader in component manufacturing and a driving force behind Structural Components Academy. With decades of experience spanning from hand calculations to modern design software, Sheila brings a perspective that is both grounded and forward-looking.
The discussion explores how foundational knowledge shapes better designers and why real-world context still matters in an increasingly digital workflow.
Why Fundamentals Still Matter
Software has transformed truss design. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes. But that speed comes with a risk.
As Sheila explains, many designers today know which buttons to click, but not always why they are clicking them. That gap shows up in costly mistakes, missed inefficiencies, and designs that look correct but fail under real-world conditions. Her approach is simple. Teach the fundamentals first. Understanding concepts like load paths, overhangs, and wall conditions creates a foundation that no interface change can take away.
This is exactly where the Structural Components Academy comes in. The program focuses on core truss design principles before introducing software, helping new designers build confidence and clarity before they ever step into a production environment.
Connecting Design to the Job Site
One of the most practical insights from the conversation is the importance of getting out of the office.
Sheila emphasizes that real understanding happens when designers walk job sites. Seeing how a girder is installed or how a roof system comes together creates a connection that no screen can replicate. That connection changes how people design. It builds intuition. It helps designers catch mistakes earlier and think through production and installation at the same time.
For component manufacturers, this is a major opportunity. Training programs that include job site exposure can dramatically accelerate the development of new designers.
A New Model for Learning Truss Design
The Structural Components Academy introduces a structured way to bring new talent into the industry.
Instead of relying on on-the-job trial and error, the program walks through real plans, definitions, and scenarios in a way that builds understanding step by step. It combines visual learning, audio explanations, and hands-on practice to meet people where they are.
Paragon has partnered with the Academy to support this approach through video content that walks through real truss design scenarios inside the software. These videos help bridge the gap between theory and application, giving learners a clear view of how concepts translate into actual design workflows.
The result is a more prepared designer. Someone who doesn’t just operate software, but understands what they are creating and why it matters.
Looking Ahead
As automation and AI continue to evolve, the role of the designer is not going away. It is becoming more important.
Tools can speed up workflows and even suggest optimizations, but they still rely on human judgment. The best outcomes will come from designers who combine strong fundamentals with modern tools.
As Sheila puts it, “You’ve got to understand it before you can actually do the application of it.”
That idea captures where the industry is headed. Not just faster design, but better design.
