Thomas Mills

Role and Background

Thomas Mills serves as an Associate Professor for the Building Construction Department in the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. He joined Virginia Tech in 1993. 

His research focuses on architectural design management, construction work processes, means and methods, construction management, commercial and residential construction, and construction worker health and safety. He has been a principal investigator (PO), Co-PI, or contributor on over 30 research projects for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Veteran’s Administration, HUD, VDOT, and other sponsors. 

Current and previous research work in E-Project Management. BIM, jobsite video monitoring, project industrialization, intelligent construction sites, construction education, curriculum development, construction health and safety with a focus on worker safety and health and building information modeling (BIM), and virtual design and construction’s (VDC) ability to support hazard Prevention through Design (PtD).

He received the 2016 Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Outstanding Researcher Award. This international award is given annually by the Associated Schools of Construction to an individual in ‘Recognition of Outstanding Contributions and Excellence in Research and Support for Construction Education.

Previously, Professor Mills served as the Director of the Center for Innovation in Construction Safety, Health, and Well Being (IC-SAFE) and Director and Past President of Sigma Lambda Chi, the International Honor Society for Construction Education. He is a professional architect, and worked as a wood frame carpenter, welder/fitter, steel erector, and construction manager.

Education

Professor Mills holds a MS in Architecture-Construction Management Option and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech.  He is registered as an architect in the state of Arizona and maintains an National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certification.