We are pleased to announce the appointment of Joanna Demkow-Bartlome as Chief Operating Officer of CREE Buildings. With extensive expertise in operational leadership and a long-standing commitment to driving innovation and sustainability , Joanna joins us at a decisive moment in our growth journey leading the transformation of the construction industry and redefining how the world builds.
In the following interview, Joanna shares more about her vision for the industry, her goals as COO, and what excites her most about joining CREE.
Joanna, please tell us about yourself and your role in the construction industry.
When I was six years old, my father took me to my first construction site. I remember thinking he had the coolest job – he was solving problems and building houses. I became an engineer because I wanted to do just that: solve problems for clients and work on projects all over the world. Over the years, a few key experiences have shaped my path, but one moment really defined my purpose. I was invited to a discussion hosted by one of the largest automotive companies. During the presentation, they showed a slide of what a car might look like if the construction industry had built it – and honestly, it wasn’t pretty. I made a promise to myself: I would do everything in my power to help transform the building industry and push it into the top five most innovative sectors. That commitment has guided my work for over a decade – and it still drives me today.
What are your core tasks, and how does your experience contribute to your role as a COO?
In every ambitious company, the CEO dreams of the mountain peak, and the COO builds the path to get the whole team there: safely, quickly, and together. My role is about creating the engine that drives growth for CREE and the CREE Partners Network – turning vision into action, removing roadblocks, and keeping momentum. I guide myself with three simple questions: What’s working? What’s broken? What’s next? And of course, I don’t do this alone – I’m fortunate to work with a great team and a motivated network that makes it all possible.
What drives your commitment to sustainability in construction?
My commitment to sustainability comes from a deep respect and appreciation for nature. I believe that if we treat the environment well, it will take care of us in return. This is not a modern concept – long before sustainability became a buzzword, Indigenous communities around the world lived by it. They practiced sustainable living for centuries, avoiding overuse of natural resources and viewing land not as something to own, but something to care for and pass on. Many of them made decisions thinking seven generations ahead – a mindset we would do well to adopt today. Given that the construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions and generates about 40% of urban waste, we cannot ignore our responsibility. We must step up. Sustainability in construction isn’t just a trend – it’s a duty. We don’t own the Earth – we share it. And with that comes the obligation to care for it since we’re borrowing it from future generations.
Why did you decide to work for CREE Buildings?
I was looking for a company that operates internationally, has an entrepreneurial leadership team, and is truly committed to transforming the building industry. Before joining CREE, I met with several people from across the organization, in different roles and functions. The culture is so strong and consistent that I immediately felt: with this team, great things are possible. What also deeply resonated with me was CREE’s principle of sharing knowledge and collaborating across its global network. That mindset – of openness, innovation, and collective progress – is exactly what I was looking for.
What was the most important factor when deciding to work with CREE?
The most important factor was the strength of the product – the CREE timber-hybrid system. It’s an incredibly smart solution, built from just four core components, yet it offers scalability, speed, production efficiency, and layout flexibility. What really impressed me is how versatile it is: the same system can be applied across multiple asset classes, from apartment buildings and offices to schools, student accommodations, and hotels. There’s nothing like it on the market, and the fact that it’s been successfully used and developed for over 12 years made it clear to me that this is a game-changing solution worth being part of.
What is your ambition with CREE and how does CREE support that ambition?
My ambition is to take the CREE System beyond early adopters and into the hands of the early majority – where it becomes a standard choice in the market. I envision a future where one out of every five or six hotels, apartment buildings, or student accommodations is built using the CREE timber-hybrid system.
That’s when real scale – and real impact – begins. Reaching that stage means we’re not just introducing innovation; we’re redefining how the world builds.
Why do you believe CREE plays an important role for the future of (sustainable) construction?
The CREE Network is made up of over 75 forward-thinking companies across 24 countries. These are early adopters who don’t settle for the status quo. We believe we can change how buildings are delivered – and we do. With one construction system across all countries.
We’re not waiting for the market to be ready for innovation – we’re shaping it. We take risks, we take responsibility, and most importantly, we take action.That’s what makes CREE a driving force in the future of sustainable construction.
How would you summarize the impact of your partnership with CREE in one sentence?
Together, we have the power to transform the way the world builds – faster, greener, quieter, and cleaner.
Thank you for your time, and welcome to our Team, Joanna!