Diggin' It | Fall/Winter 2019

TURNING IT UP TO 11

A look back at Partner Camp 2019

SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Product Runway’s unconventional materials challenge

MAKE IT, MOVE IT

Working with students to build the future of construction

KEEPING IT COOL

Check out the latest update to ICEreality

Fall 2019

FROM KEVIN

MESSAGE

December is one of my favorite months, with family and friends coming together to celebrate the holidays, and this one marks the end of a particularly exciting and

challenging 2019. With year-end fast approaching, I want to update you on a few things.

The first is a progress update on our safety efforts. We focused

significantly on creating a safety culture during 2019. While there is still much to be done, I’m thrilled with our progress so far. On a year-to-date basis, we’ve cut our company-wide injury rate in

half, from 10.5 to 5.6. The aluminum plants in particular have made huge improvements, with Calgary going from an injury rate of over 10 to below 5, and Savannah and Phoenix going from over 20 to

below 10. Our attention to safety is clearly making an impact and I appreciate everything you’re doing to make this happen.

The next update is about our Calgary HQ move. Several months

ago, I announced plans to move our Calgary office headquarters to a new location nearby once our current building lease expires

in 2022. Our people are our priority, and with the way DIRTT has grown, the existing facility no longer meets our needs. We’re set on providing an ideal working environment for our employees.

We want to bring our non-manufacturing, Calgary-based

employees back under one roof. We also need to enhance our ability to collectively show off our capabilities to existing and prospective clients.

So where are we with the search? We’d narrowed it down to two outstanding potentials: a new building constructed specifically

for DIRTT, and an existing building we would need to renovate.

Both are in Quarry Park, just a few minutes away from our current office location. We thought we were close to a final decision – the renovation option. But at the eleventh hour, we were presented with the opportunity to construct a building on a new Quarry

Park site we hadn’t yet seen, and it’s far more appealing than the original build-to-suit site option we saw.

2

We need to get this right, so we’re now working through every

angle to ensure the decision we make is the best one for DIRTT.

The preliminary design work we already have underway continues.

We’re also working closely with our in-house interior designers.

I will keep you updated as we move forward.

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions,

comments or ideas. Connect with me any time at heykev@dirtt.com.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season,

Kevin

3

REMEMBERING

LINH LY

This summer, the team at DIRTT lost

someone very dear. Linh Ly passed

away on August 21. Those in Calgary

office will know her from her work in

the kitchen. And anyone that met her

will remember that smile that never

seemed to quit. Linh started with DIRTT

in 2013 and brought joy into work with

her every day.

She enjoyed laughing which she did a lot

when she was making food. And whether

you were working with her or being served

by her, you immediately had a better day.

As she transitioned to part time in the last

few years, she took that opportunity to spend

time with her family and travel. But she never

forgot her fellow DIRTTbags. Whenever she

returned, she was bearing gifts for the rest of

the kitchen staff. It was the same for birthdays.

If you were on her radar, you could expect a

thoughtful gift. And it was always wrapped.

She was a dear friend and she will be missed

by all of us.

Linh Ly celebrating her 65th birthday.

4

GREENBOX

TAKES TOP

PRIZE

In May 2019, the team at Greenbox

Interior Solutions got a note from the

American Institute of Architects (AIA).

When they opened it, they discovered

they had earned an AIA Connecticut 2019

Business Architecture honor award. The

Greenbox Green Learning Center stood out

among projects designed for businesses

employing less than 50 people.

Located in a historic building in Hartford

Connecticut, the Greenbox team designed a

space that not only showed off DIRTT in all its

glory, but also told a story. From the custom front

entrance, to the bespoke ceilings in the boardroom,

to the millwork in the kitchen, the building offers

clients a chance to imagine how these solutions will

look in their office.

Dan De Clerq, managing director of Greenbox says

he had a vision for the building as soon as he walked

in. Turning an old gymnasium into an elegant office

environment wasn’t without challenges. So, when

the space completed in 2018 opening the doors was

definitely satisfying. But being singled out by the AIA

was a wonderful surprise.

“I was very touched, almost moved to tears,” says Dan.

“One judge said this should be a prototype for displaying

multi products.”

IMAGE CREDIT: © Heather Conley Photography, LLC

5

DIRTT CONNEXT 2019

The future is designed by YOU working in live ICE files. Changes made in these virtual healthcare, education and commercial In June 2019, we welcomed more than a thousand attendees into our Chicago DIRTT Experience Center for Connext! Invited guests stepped

into the world of DIRTT to discover the future

buildings were reflected real-time. DIRTT and ICE employees worked together from three

different locations – Calgary, Salt Lake City

and Chicago – to deliver these amazing tours.

of construction. They experienced how our

technology is advancing the entire design process in amazing ways. And they explored the latest

creations to inspire their spaces. Best of all, they connected with our passionate DIRTT team and

Partners who are always eager to share a better way to build.

At Connext 2019 we looked at how little changes

in DIRTT can provide our clients with the flexibility to keep their environments relevant over time.

Everything tied back to how this game-changing benefit sets them up for future success.

Before Connext, DIRTT walls measured four

inches face-to-face. We revealed a new wall at this year’s event that gives clients three inches

Check out this video we created to recap

of clear space inside the wall cavity. That’s two

year’s event.

do with an extra two inches? Turns out, a lot. This

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Check out this blog post to see how these

the magic that went down in Chicago at this

Launching an interactive ICEreality experience More than 375 people toured through DIRTT

in three different virtual buildings. Guests were wowed by the new features in ICEreality. Now you can measure project dimensions, see

manufacturing information, change finishes and

move objects. The most exciting part? They were 6

Unveiling a 6” wall

inches more than the four-inch wall! What can you is especially true for healthcare environments. inches will go the mile.

The DIRTT culture continues to shine It takes a lot of hands and just as much heart to

host an event like Connext. From revamping the DXC to event logistics to extensive client tours, everyone went above and beyond to make this

event a hit. We appreciate the team of DIRTT staff and Partners who made it all possible. Thank you

for all you do to celebrate DIRTT. Congratulations to everyone who made this year a huge success!

We’re already counting down the days until we wow the world at DIRTT Connext 2020.

Introducing Inspire™ The other game-changing solution we announced at Connext 2019 was Inspire. This addition to

our collection of custom prefab solutions does

more with less. It’s an extraordinarily slim glass

wall, that is also highly responsive. Even though

it’s about half as thick as previous DIRTT walls, it

plays well with the rest of your space. It connects seamlessly with DIRTT’s four-inch wall system.

Check out our official release to learn more.

7

MOVERS

AND SHAKERS

“So, you’ll see me very active on most social channels including Twitter,

Instagram and LinkedIn,” says Jennifer.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the DIRTT team and love it already!”

See what Jennifer had to say about her move to DIRTT in her recent LinkedIn article.

Getting to know some of the new (and old faces) around DIRTT.

You might have noticed that there have

been some changes to DIRTT’s leadership

Mark Greffen

past few months. We’ve brought in some

Mark is certainly not a new face at DIRTT.

team and corporate structure over the

new talent to bolster our existing team

and many deserving employees have been promoted to new roles where their years of experience will be best put to use.

Jennifer Warawa

Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer joins the DIRTT team in her newly created role as chief commercial officer (CCO). Jennifer will work closely with

the sales and marketing teams to lead

our commercial efforts. She has a deep

understanding of the role our Partners play and will focus on building their business and presence in their market. Before

coming to DIRTT, Jennifer worked as an

executive vice president at Sage, one of the largest corporate planning software companies in the world.

As you have probably noticed by now, she’s a big fan of social media.

8

Chief Technology Officer In fact, he’s been an important part of

the IceEdge team for 15 years. He was responsible for setting up our original manufacturing facility back in 2004.

Also on his resume, building IceEdge’s business development team, and

automating DIRTT’s factories and

ICE software. Mark has also been

passion for DIRTT’s future to life. Second, to help sense where the construction

market is heading in order to identify and nurture long-term growth opportunities, keeping us well-ahead of the curve.”

David Brown

Director of Strategic Accounts Before joining DIRTT in 2013 David Brown spent his time at a number of Fortune

500 companies. After coming onboard, involved with the senior leadership team for a number of years, helping with our

initial public offering when we first went public in 2013.

In 2018, Mark was named DIRTT’s vice president of software before being

elevated to the position of DIRTT chief

he quickly became an invaluable resource

for the Partner and business development teams. David has been responsible for educating our Partner network on the DIRTT message, helping build their teams and bringing in leads for our representatives.

This May, David moved into the newly

technology officer in January 2019.

created role of director of strategic

Brandon Jones

his experience to develop an approach for

Vice President Strategy With 15 years of experience in

construction and engineered products, Brandon Jones is a great addition to

DIRTT’s leadership team. And he joined

knowing exactly what DIRTT is all about.

He was a project leader at Boston

accounts. In this position, he’ll leverage

dealing with clients at a corporate level.

David is known for his business acumen.

He’s also known for his engaging manner and skills with a bugle. His embodiment

of the DIRTT culture we all know and love, makes him the ideal candidate for this new opportunity.

Consulting Group. And after spending

months analyzing our company to help

develop strategy, he decided that his long game was to join our team. So, we threw

him into the deep end. His first day was at Partner Camp 2019. With his impressive education and extensive experience, it

didn’t take him long to get up to speed as our new vice president of strategy.

“My mission at DIRTT is two-fold,” says

Brandon. “First, to develop and execute a concrete plan that brings your vision and

9

Laura Bartley

Client Relations Lead Incredible client experiences are at

DIRTT’s core. And Laura Bartley ensures

every guest and client at DIRTT HQ learn that firsthand. She’s been a key member of the client relations team for the past two years. She’s also a driving force

behind the success of thousands of our client experiences. She’s been heavily

involved with planning Partner Camp and Connext events. The experience she’s

gained spearheading events, along with Ginger Warner

obvious choice to take over as the client

Regional Director of Sales

relations team lead.

Ginger is no stranger to DIRTT. She

Laura says her focus in her new role is to

representative in the Boston area and has

client groups as well as continue to push

largest projects on the east coast. Prior to

future. If you were lucky enough to attend

real estate management groups of several

team for the amazing event. We’re all

bought millions of dollars of prefabricated

for next year!

joined the team in 2014 as a sales

provide world-class experiences for our

been responsible for some of DIRTT’s

boundaries for what’s possible for the

her career at DIRTT, Ginger directed the

Partner Camp 2019 you can thank Laura’s

high-tech companies. Doing so she

looking forward to what they have planned

walls and floors. This experience made Ginger the perfect fit to lead our sales

team in the southwest as regional director of sales.

When she’s not killing the sales game, Ginger loves spending time outdoors

fly-fishing, riding horses and spending time with her new grandson.

10

her knack for leadership made her the

CONTINENTAL OFFICE RIDES

FOR A CAUSE How far would you go for a good cause?

Each rider raises money for their ride (somewhere

what the team at Continental Office did.

money. Then on August 2, they got on their bikes

How about 22 thousand miles. Because that’s More than 10 years ago Pelotonia was just an

between $1250 and $3000). The fundraising

starts in March. The folks at Continental hosted pancake breakfasts and dunk tanks to raise the and rode.

idea. Get some people together. Ride some bikes.

“I did the 25-mile ride and it was amazing” says

Comprehensive Cancer Center. Continental CEO

I am a better volunteer than rider.”

event kicked off in 2009 with a handful of other

the road who raised more than $46,000. In the

Raise some money for the Ohio State University

marketing manager Amy Reilli, “however I think

Ira Sharfin was immediately interested. When the

This year the Continental team had 26 riders on

companies on board it wasn’t a huge event.

past 10 years they pedaled 22,686 miles which

Continental started with one volunteer and five

riders. In the last decade it’s become a serious part of their company culture. As the event

has grown, Continental has become the official

workplace partner of the event and even helped create a space for Pelotonia when they moved into their new offices.

Here’s how it works. Every rider signs up for a

ride. Maybe you want to go 25 miles. Maybe you’d rather go 200 miles, over the course of two days.

is almost one trip around the world. Total money

raised: $659,600 and counting. Between the two-

day ride and the eight months of fundraising it’s a

lot of work. But the team at Continental knows it’s worth it. Plus, when you’re riding the camaraderie and the crowds make you feel like a superstar.

“It is a feeling that just never goes away,” says

Amy. “Even though the ride may be long and the fundraising a little stressful, you know that your

teammates and the community have your back.”

11

SAVANNAH STUDENTS GET AN

INSIDE LOOK AT DIRTT The Make It, Move It initiative is a summer student program organized by Georgia Tech. The first annual event is designed to encourage curiosity and enthusiasm about manufacturing, supply chain and logistics. According to Georgia Tech, robots, assembly lines and raw materials are what it takes to make it, and planes, trains, trucks and ships are what it takes to move it. With that in mind, this week-long program allows middle-school students a chance to explore all aspects of manufacturing and the supply chain.

Make It, Move It does this through interactive trips to local companies that use the latest tech in the video game, virtual reality and manufacturing industries. Students also get the opportunity to explore production experiences, engage in projects, take educational plant tours and join work-along sessions led by industry experts.

Students explore the why and how of manufacturing in several industries and see items being designed and manufactured. They also learn all about where components come from and how they are transported around the world.

Make It, Move It was created to educate and expose students to exciting career opportunities available to them in manufacturing and logistics.

The idea is that if they learn how their skills and interests can apply to industry, they’ll be more likely to go to school for it. This program can get them on the right track and inspire the next generation into the workforce.

Students dig into DIRTT Before the program started, Georgia Tech provided laptops to all students and DIRTT provided ICE access to each student. Then on June 19, DIRTT 12

hosted students at the Savannah factory and introduced them to the world of prefabricated construction.

“Wow. I never thought video games could be used to really make stuff. ICE is super cool.”

– Make It, Move It participant Right from the start, students got to work learning the ins and outs of ICE in a design workshop hosted by our own Laura Lee Bocade. They learned how to harness the power of ICE to streamline the manufacturing process and how ICEvr can help clients ensure they’re getting exactly what they want.

Being part of Generation Z, the students took to ICE right away. They learned how simple it was to specify walls, doors and power. This led to an ICE Design challenge where participants had the opportunity to explore the spaces they had created in virtual reality.

“I’m telling my mom I want to be a DIRTTbag someday.” – Make It, Move It participant Once they understood DIRTT’s high-tech approach to construction, they toured the factory floor. There they saw that ICE truly drives all our manufacturing. Students were blown away by how their designs could be built right then and there, without the need to be a trained architect or designer. This experience shows how ICE simplifies the design process for clients and stakeholders who would typically struggle to understand a conventional build.

Thanks to all of the Make It, Move It participants this year. We’re looking forward to hosting you again in 2020!

DIRTT IN THE NEWS

Coltrane Systems Helps WWT Innovation Center Live Up to Its Billing Commercial Integrator Find out how DIRTT helped create a space

that took home 2019 integration award

https://www.commercialintegrator.com/ projects/coltrane-systems-helps-wwtinnovation-center-live-up-to-its-billing/

The growing pains Alberta Faces as it sheds its boom-and-bust past CBC Learn how DIRTT is leading the

charge as one of the companies diversifying Alberta’s economy

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ calgary/alberta-no-single-road-aheadpart-three-1.5022155

Sneak peek: Inside Sutter Health’s new S.F. medical building opening next week San Francisco Business Times Take a look at the 274-bed hospital that DIRTT and the local Vantis

team helped bring to completion. https://www.bizjournals.com/ sanfrancisco/news/2019/05/31/

sneak-peek-inside-sutterhealth-new-medical-cpmc.html

13

MAJOR ICEREALITY

UPDATE BETTER SUPPORTS THE DESIGN PROCESS Clients can now explore their future space on their mobile device with anyone from anywhere

N

ext-level collaboration. Increased accessibility. An extremely user-friendly interface.

And a relentless pursuit to provide our clients with an exceptional construction

experience. These were the driving forces behind the latest version of our ICEreality

mobile application, available to all clients and project stakeholders building a space with

DIRTT. Our latest innovation was demonstrated at Partner Camp 2019, our annual gathering of Partners from across the globe. It launches ICEreality further into the future by removing barriers to provide an even more powerful experience. All with the goal of helping take away some of the headaches that traditionally come with construction. How did we achieve this? ICEreality is now cloud-based.

If you’re unfamiliar with the platform, we’ll get you up to speed (fast). Our ICEreality app is a virtual reality tool DIRTT developed to give clients complete certainty on their future spaces. It does this by translating design elements into a digestible walk-through experience, hosted from a mobile device. ICEreality takes away

the guesswork that comes with interpreting 2D drawings by giving people a full

view of how their completed project will look, feel and function. And it’s a social process – allowing multiple people to walk through together. This helps teams better communicate a project’s design intent and ensures the same vision is shared. Overall it helps give clients complete confidence to sign-off on their

design, ensures they will be content with their completed environment, while

also eliminating pricey change-orders during construction. It also banishes the need for costly and wasteful physical mock-ups. It’s important to note that in

ICEreality, people aren’t just viewing a 3D model. They’re connected directly to

digital manufacturing, in real-time. This means every change made in ICEreality has a material impact on what will be manufactured and delivered to your

project site. This is because ICEreality is directly linked to our ICE software.

14

Pushing it to the next level In true DIRTT fashion, we’re expanding on the innovation! Now, individuals can walk through

their designs in our virtual reality app with people located anywhere in the world.

Now the app uses a cloud-based approach to deliver an accessible experience for anyone

with an internet connection. It’s a tool that can get everybody on the same page, even when

they aren’t in the same room. An ICE user can open a design file on their computer and host a walk-through by sending a nine-digit code to colleagues, clients or friends in different

locations. When other users launch the app

and type in the code, it beams them into the virtual mock-up.

Having a hard time getting your head around this? Think of a video call or skype chat, but

instead of a video, people can meet inside their virtual mock-up with all the same data that will

be sent to our factory floors. They can see and hear each other as they explore their design in

real time as a group. This allows project teams (clients, architects, designers and general

contractors) to now share a VR experience from different buildings, cities, countries or even

continents. And all you need to have to take part in this experience is a mobile device, making it extremely accessible and user-friendly for participants.

working with the client. Contractors are working with the trades. If the information doesn’t make

it to the end of the line, things get messy. Maybe the space doesn’t look like the client wanted.

Or, maybe a big-ticket line item gets overlooked.

These things happen, more than anyone wants to admit.

This leap forward for ICEreality opens a world of collaboration that no other design and

construction company can provide. Through this

innovation, we’ve made seamless communication a core element of the design experience.

Advanced tools and voice connectivity bolster the experience. The result is powerful collaboration

Why does it matter?

and total design certainty. When design

If you talk to any general contractor or architect,

more thoughtfully planned. As a result, designs

they will tell you that good communication is vital to a successful construction project. Most of

the hurdles they face on a job site come from a

breakdown in communication. Whether it’s among teams, between team members, or anywhere down the line. Designers and architects are

collaboration is seamless, those spaces are

will have a more meaningful impact on the way

people live, work, learn and heal. Imagine spaces that help medical staff give better patient care.

Environments that cultivate critical thinking skills in students. Collaboration areas where great ideas are triggered.

15

Behind it all Our ICEreality app directly links to our proprietary software called ICE. This means all of the

data (exact pricing, engineering information,

manufacturing specs) that ICE generates, runs on the back end when these VR walkthroughs take place. Design changes can be made in

real-time. Clients will then see these instantly in their virtual mock-up and all of the back-

If you select the public experience, you’ll be

able to walk through a list of previous DIRTT

projects that are publicly available 24 hours a

day, 365 days a year. Make sure you introduce yourself when you meet others in these public

spaces, as anyone in the world can tour these

virtual mockups with the ICEreality app. Feel free to invite someone else to join from a different

location and see how you can meet up virtually.

end data is calculated simultaneously. Why is this significant? Imagine you are walking

through your design and (let’s say) you want to see how widening a hallway will impact your entire project. ICE lets you make the design

change in a matter of seconds. Plus it instantly calculates all of the engineering, pricing and

manufacturing information. You can evaluate the look against the new price to see if it’s a change you want included in your final environment.

In conventional construction, making a design

change like this means waiting for a drawing or

render to be made, then having it quoted, which

could take one to two weeks. By integrating ICE

and ICEreality into the design process, the result is more efficient decision making. And because this same data runs our CNC machines in our

factories, what you see is what you actually get.

Take it for spin If you’re the type of person who has to see it to

believe it, try out the new app! Getting started is simple. Visit Apple’s App Store on your iPhone or iPad, and search ICEreality. Once the app is downloaded, open it up and view the user

tutorial. You’ll then have the option to choose

between a public or private experience. A private experience takes place when an ICE user hosts their own ICE file design. A public experience

is an open experience hosted by DIRTT and is available to anyone with the ICEreality app.

16

We’re excited to see the impact this new

upgrade has. It brings more efficiencies to our client teams. It’s just one of the ways we’re

bringing construction into the future to help people build faster, cleaner and smarter.

DIRTTy LOOKS As you know, sustainability is always in style. DIRTT

got a chance to prove it this year at Product Runway.

Every year the Cleveland/Akron chapter of the

International Interior Design Association (IIDA) hosts

a fundraising event where vendors team up with local

architects to design a dress. But there’s a catch. It has to be made from their solutions or products.

DIRTT teamed up with studio TECHNE architects to create something stunning. They spent four months

designing and building what they called Union 5-3992.

Inspired by post-apocalypse couture, the dress

uses recycled denim insulation, the bio-based fabric Xorel and rubber to bring a hot Arthurian knight look screaming into the 21st Century.

On June 1, 22 dresses hit the runway raising funds

for All Abilities and the IIDA Foundation. According to DIRTT rep Gary Thomas, “it’s a great way to develop relationships and contribute to a great cause.”

The World Climate Conference of 2019 predicted dire consequences for the species of our planet if we continued our current rate of depletion of resources and carbon emissions. The predictions were largely ignored. In 2030, technological advances were required to shelter and protect our bodies from the harsh consequences of our actions and allow habitation of the planet. Union 5-3992 provides protection from the environmental conditions encountered and is constructed from the materials available.

union 5-3992

retractable helmet (rubber base) scarf + face mask (Xorel) shoulder armor (rubber base) insulated tunic (recycled denim insulation) wrist guard (rubber base) pants (Xorel)

shoes (Xorel)

TECHNE X DIRTT

17

TURNING IT

UP TO

11

Using music to get the band back together at Partner Camp 2019 Some people plan their year around a trip to

we’re changing the way people live their lives.

Partner Camp. And if you think the comparison to

That incredible feeling coming of together touched

Coachella. For teams in the DIRTT network, its

a world-renowned music festival is a stretch, think

again. It’s not just that it’s a massive group getting together for a few days with one killer session

after another. This year’s theme was music. That’s part of what made it the biggest and best Partner Camp ever.

everyone at Partner Camp. The keynote speaker

inspired. The leadership address got everyone on

the same page. The sessions provided deep dives on topics that Partners wanted to hear about. But the real connection came during an epic round table session on the second day. Hundreds of

There were 534 people who descended on

Partners gathered around tables to discuss what

address. The signed up for workshop sessions.

challenges. Share strategies. Discover helpful

Metaphorically yes, but some people literally.

build lasting connections.

Scottsdale, AZ. They came for the keynote

really mattered to them. They got to talk through

And they left singing a new song about DIRTT.

hints. They learned from each other while they

(Watch this video all the way to the end for proof.)

Partner Camp wasn’t the big finale, either. It’s

Using music as a touchpoint for Partner

just the opening act. DIRTT has always had

its universal. It allows all of us to pump up

Scottsdale with a plan. Coming together to

importantly music inspires all of us to come

what they do with their passion will no

in tune. In key. You have to play together. And

So, how do you follow up an event that

Camp was no accident. Music is exciting and

a vision, but our Partners walked away from

the volume. Turn things up to 11. But more

celebrate DIRTT inspired our Partners. And

together. When you’re in a band, you have to be

doubt inspire us.

when you do, you can make something amazing, that you couldn’t have achieved on your own.

That’s exactly what happens with DIRTT and our Partners. Someone in product development has an idea. Someone in the factory helps build it.

Someone in field helps it find a home. Together 18

It’s music to everyone’s ears.

many have called the best Partner Camp ever? What do you do for an encore?

We found out at DIRTTx in November.

Stay tuned for highlights from that amazing event.

More than 500 people attended Partner Camp (and most of them are in this picture)

The round table discussion gave Partners a chance to really connect on important topics.

LOOK FORWARD TO TURNING UP TO 11 WITH YOU AND THE TEAM! - Michael Maude

The team at Smartt dressed to impress and took home an award for their DIRTT spirit

Hundreds of people took a look at our acoustic mock up

19

DIRTT

BRINGS THE NOISE As you know, Partner Camp 2019 was all about the music! Why? Well, just like any great band, when our employees come together, they create something better than the sum of their parts. Not to mention DIRTT is home to several very talented musicians.

To get a better sense of how music influences our employees and the DIRTT culture, we took a deep dive with some of these folks. Now you can take a peek into the rock star life they lead outside (and occasionally inside) the office. together, reignites memories and gives people something to talk about. At the end of the day music is something you can always take with you. Eventually you will hang up your hockey

skates, your baseball glove, and your football cleats, but music will always be there.

Jo Jo and the Profiles Q: Who’s in the band?

A: Josip Vulic (lead singer and rhythm guitar),

Colin Blehm (guitar) Todd Damboise (drums), Phil Henderson (bass) and Hans Wissner

Darcy Daniels Q: How did you first get interested in music?

A: It was ‘80s rock and many hours on the guitar that got me into it.

Q: How has music brought people together and forged new relationships at DIRTT?

A: Music is a common ground for people even if they don’t share genres. It brings people

20

(guitar).

Q: How did Jo Jo and the Profiles get its name?

Hans Wissner: Josip is Jo Jo, our illustrious

and talented leader. The Profiles is a take-off of the numerous aluminum profiles we have designed over the years.

Phil Henderson: We thought it was clever at the time.

learning to play bass guitar was a great combo of both. I chose the bass guitar because I was always fans of bands where the bass guitar

played a leading role — Motörhead, The Police, Led Zeppelin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Q: What gigs have you played at DIRTT? A: I played with Darcy and his crew at DIRTT U

Live in Kananaskis last year. Darcy and I have

also jammed at a few lounge nights. Believe it or not, Orange Whip (that band I’m in) played Q: How has music brought people together and forged new relationships at DIRTT?

DIRTT Christmas parties before I even worked at DIRTT!

Phil Henderson: This little jam experiment

we’ve put together really demonstrates the connective power of music. We started the

band as co-workers and have since turned

into close friends. There is a vulnerability that

is attached to playing music with people and a

successful, positive experience brings everyone in that experience together that much more.

Our lounge night gig earlier this year opened

the door to conversations and introductions I probably wouldn’t have had an opportunity

to have otherwise. It’s created new friendships for with other DIRTT employees that also play music.

David Brown Q: How did you first get interested in music?

A: I have always loved music and performing, so

We look forward to supporting the diverse musical talent around DIRTT as they grow into the natural born rockers that they are. We just hope they don’t forget about their roots at DIRTT when

they’re headlining Coachella in 2020! If you have a talent you’re hiding from us, we would love to

learn more about it! Email MarComm@dirtt.com 21

It’s official.

DIRTT is on Nasdaq!

We’re excited to announce DIRTT is officially a Nasdaq listed company! On October 9th, DIRTT began trading under the stock ticker “DRTT”.

We thank our employees, Partners, Clients and investors for helping us reach this milestone. The celebration continued on October 22nd when we hosted Nasdaq’s Opening Bell Ceremony live from Times Square in New York City.

Why did DIRTT list on Nasdaq?

There are two main reasons we chose to list DIRTT on a US exchange. DIRTT’s shareholders are now largely based in the United States, which means that DIRTT needs to follow many US rules and regulations. Since June 2018, any new shares issued by DIRTT were required to be held for one year before being sold or transferred. This was very restrictive for investors, so being listed in the US removes this restriction. Also our US listing increases the visibility and reputation of DIRTT on a much larger stage. There are some US investors who aren’t allowed to invest in companies that are only listed in Canada. Listing in the US increases the number of people who can invest in DIRTT.

Will DIRTT continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)?

Yes, DIRTT will continue to be listed and traded on the TSX.

What happens to shares that employees currently own?

Our US listing has no impact on the shares you currently hold. If or when you choose to sell those shares, you can do so through Solium for shares held in your ESPP or RRSP accounts, or on the TSX or Nasdaq for shares held outside of those accounts.

This is a big step for the company and we know you have some questions. We’ve put together answers to the most common ones we’ve seen so far.

22

Where can/should employees buy DIRTT shares?

Outside of the ESPP (discussed below), employees can buy and sell shares on either exchange.

How do the US and Canadian stock prices correlate? Will they rise and fall together?

The price of the US stock and Canadian stock will be the same, but in a different currency. So, any price difference will solely be the result of the US-Canada exchange rate. This means that the shares should rise and fall together.

How does this impact DIRTT’s Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)?

There is no change to the ESPP for Canadian employees. Effective mid-November for employees in the United States, ESPP shares will be purchased on Nasdaq in US dollars (instead of on the TSX in Canadian dollars), which eliminates the need to convert currency. You will receive a separate communication with more details in the next few weeks.

Does this impact the employee RRSP program?

No. Currently, the Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan available through Solium allows you to purchase shares on the TSX, and this remains unchanged.

Does this affect the stock option program?

DIRTT employees can now exercise their options directly through Solium, as you’ve done in the past. This also means that DIRTT will no longer be settling in cash. For any employees who have shares with a transfer restriction, please reach out to Nandini Somayaji at nsomayaji@dirtt.com to have those restrictions removed.

OVERHEARD AT PARTNER CAMP “I left last night feeling invigorated and energized about what’s about to unfold. Can’t wait to get started!”

- Andrew Lutowicz, Verto360

“We had an amazing time and we’re thrilled to be a part of the DIRTT family. I’m stoked about the direction we’re moving in!”

- Jake Carlson, Accent

“I felt this was one of the best partner camps I have attended and am very excited about the direction DIRTT is taking.”

- Michael Gleasman, Accent

“Partner camp always leaves me inspired. It was great to see the commitment that DIRTT is putting into helping their partners grow the business.”

- Melissa Kolic, POI

Have any more burning questions? Please contact Kim MacEachern on our Investor Relations team at kmaceachern@dirtt.com.

23

ALWAYS SOMETHING IN

THE PIPELINE

Jamie Nollette is changing the world, one connection at a time You might know Jamie Nollette as a DIRTT rep.

Truth is, that shipping container is only one part

development. But did you know that she’s

a trip to Africa, she saw the kind of poverty most

She’s based in Phoenix and works in business

changing the world? We’re not just talking about bringing off-site construction to the masses

(though she’s definitely doing that). We’re talking about helping to bring water to remote parts of

Africa. Or helping transport orphans in war-torn Uganda to a safe home.

of the story that goes back to 2009. After making North Americans never experience. Some people would be overwhelmed by the scope of that kind of disparity. Jamie saw an opportunity.

“I really believe that a little goes a long way

there,” she says. “I couldn’t believe you could build a whole well for an entire community

for $10,000. That would mean kids could go

to school and it would mean they could have agriculture and start a business.”

That was the birth of Pipeline Worldwide. Since

their first fundraiser in 2010 they’ve drilled more than 50 wells. To do that, Jamie used the skills that have made her such a powerhouse in

business development to initiate change where

it was needed most. She knew people. She had connections. “I’m not afraid to ask anybody,” she explains, “because I feel very passionate As the co-founder of Pipeline Worldwide, she

works to bring sustainable change to communities in East Africa. You’d be forgiven for not knowing.

If you talk to her colleagues, they will tell you

she’s a doer. She’s not in it for the recognition.

Heck, DIRTT ran a story on a project that Pipeline Worldwide had in the works to bring a retrofitted

shipping container to Uganda and we didn’t even mention her. And cause she’s classy like that, she never mentioned it, either.

24

about the project.” She knew establishing a

team that could run lean and solve problems would be the best way to make a difference.

This led to Pipeline Worldwide backing projects like Cows for Peace. It’s a

program that pairs a victim from the

Rwandan genocide with one of their direct perpetrators. Together they care for a

cow. The victim owns the cow, they care for it together. Then when the calf is born, it’s given to the perpetrator.

I LOVE COLLABORATION

It takes what would be the biggest road blocks in the path of reconciliation — poverty and

malnutrition — and gets them out of the way.

“Now there is this ability for forgiveness and kind of recovery,” she says, “which was in my mind

the most impactful programs we’ve been involved in.” While Jamie’s work with DIRTT focuses

on building, her work with Pipeline Worldwide focuses on rebuilding.

It’s programs like this that caught the eye of world champion boxer Terence Crawford. You see,

Jamie was his grade four teacher. When the two of them reconnected years after graduation, he learned about Jamie’s work in Africa. He asked

if he could come with her on one of her biannual trips. This was a turning point for Terence. He

was a guy who had nearly lost his life to gang

violence. Seeing what could be accomplished in such an extreme environment made him realize

that change was not just possible but necessary.

Crawford’s trip was a turning point for Jamie as well. She’s now the chairperson of Crawford’s

B&B Sports Academy in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. The goal of the facility is to help

at-risk kids find a way to get the physical literacy that they need. Once again, it’s a situation where Jamie has used her connections to make connections.

“I love collaboration,” she says. “I do a lot of work with people who have talents and resources and it’s not just financial. There are a lot of people

who have strengths and it is fun bringing people together to do some projects that have some significant impact.”

25

A BRAND-NEW

FIT YOU DIRTT launches an all-new version of our fitness rewards program

If you participate in DIRTT’s fitness incentive program – Fit You – you’ll have noticed a big change. Along with a brand-new look, we’ve also changed the process for submitting your workout ballots. Instead of having to fill out a ballot for each individual workout, you can now submit multiple entries at once.

Office employees will use the ballot submission form found on myDIRTT whereas factory employees can

access the form at fityou.dirtt.com. Best of all, both forms are mobile friendly and can be accessed from your phone, iPad or computer.

Here’s how to use the new submission form:

Step 3

Step 1

Enter your activity, select all dates you wish to

Access the Fit You submission form

submit ballots for and click submit’.

at fityou.dirtt.net (factory employees)

or my.dirtt.net/fityou (office employees).

Step 2 (Factory employees only) Enter your employee number when prompted and click ‘submit’.

Step 4 (optional) If you want to enter another activity, click the ‘resubmit’ button and repeat step 3!

Questions about submitting a ballot?

Contact Taylor Russell or your supervisor.

26

HEALTH CITY

CAUSES A

DISRUPTION

AT DIRTT

Virtual healthcare is changing the conversation

Back in June, DIRTT HQ hosted a breakfast

session in conjunction with Health City. The event

was the result of a long partnership between DIRTT

and this Edmonton not-for-profit that prides itself on

disrupting the world of healthcare. With the common goal of solving challenges that face the health

system, this Health City breakfast put the focus on virtual reality (VR).

About 60 guests connected to experience VR demos from DIRTT, The University of Alberta Rehabilitation

Robotics Laboratory, the Center for Advanced Medical

Simulation at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and the LINDSAY Virtual Human project. Whether VR is

being used in the field of surgery or healthcare training or

the design of patient care spaces, we’re just scratching the surface of how to exploit such a powerful tool.

According to DIRTT’s Alyssa Lefaivre, who helped

coordinate the event, it was a great way to get people to

interact with the technology and start to a conversation.

It was also important in figuring out where that

conversation should go.

“The way we deliver healthcare

is changing rapidly,” says Alyssa, “so the way our buildings are made needs to change, too.”

27

STRAIGHTENING OUT

DIRTT TILES We tested nine different types of MDF and

shortlisted the best performing substrates.

Quality is at the forefront of everything

DIRTT does. It’s an important part of our strategy

that sets us apart from the competition. As you’ve

non-added formaldehyde MDF wasn’t going

to meet our standards. The tile needed sealant to repel moisture.

heard, DIRTT was experiencing production issues

Sealant was added to the top performing MDF

new medium density fiberboard (MDF). We wanted

chamber. This simple change made all the

meet new regulatory requirements. Unfortunately,

retesting the tiles, our team noticed a significant

compared to the old tiles. To ensure the quality of

solution we were looking for. So, we have a fix!

with our wall tiles. In 2017, DIRTT began sourcing

boards and they were tested in the humidity

MDF that did not have added formaldehyde to

difference. After applying the sealant and

these new tiles absorbed more moisture

improvement. This new process was exactly the

our clients’ environments, we quickly got to work.

Our tiles will once again perform just a good as

In the short term, we did everything we could to

they look.

minimize potential warping in these new tiles. We

It’s going to take some time for the DIRTT

to the wall. We backed the tile with

The first phase of implementation is already

stiffness. But this wasn’t a long-term solution. Our

apply the sealant before shipping to our factory.

finding a way to fix the problem for good.

we’re purchasing the equipment needed to seal

used stronger metal clips to keep the tile attached

factories to get the new solution up and running.

low-pressure laminate (LPL) to increase tile

underway. We’re currently having a third party

product development team quickly got to work

This is a great short-term solution. Long-term,

Building a better tile As soon as the warping issue came to light,

product development began testing our new

MDF tiles. Using a controlled-humidity chamber

allowed us to see exactly how much the tiles were expanding and contracting. This was a vital first step to know what we were dealing with.

Once we had a baseline for the non-added

formaldehyde MDF, the next step was to source

it from different suppliers. This allowed us to see which would perform best for our uses.

28

More testing showed us that using raw

the tiles in-house. Keep an eye on your inboxes and DIRTTtv for updates when our new production line is up and running.

HUSTLE FOR

THE HOUSE

PUTS THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING In September, DIRTT was a proud sponsor of the Hustle for the House fun run in

Calgary. And what an amazing time we had! This is an annual fundraiser for

the Southern Alberta chapter of Ronald

McDonald House. The money helps provide a home away from home to the families of

children requiring medical treatment across the province.

Event attendees got to participate in a one, five or 10 km walk or run. They also got to enjoy a petting zoo, bouncy castles and

many more activities. At our tent, people won fun DIRTT swag playing “toss in the bin to win.” The sun was shining and as people hustled home, they left inspired.

DIRTT is looking forward to growing with

the Ronald McDonald House to make a big impact for families in need.

YOU KNOW

YOU’RE A DIRTTBAG WHEN • Every time you type the word connect, your phone auto corrects it to Connext.

• You ship so much freight that if someone gives you a zip code, you can tell them the city without looking it up.

• You try and sit down on a chair, in virtual reality.

• You wear your DIRTT tie to a wedding.

• You try texting your family members in Teams.

29

HAVE A STORY THAT SHOULD BE FEATURED IN DIGGIN’ IT?

MarComm@dirtt.com 30

Steal this copy!

Feel free to share Diggin’ It with your family.