Inside Modular: The Podcast of Commercial Modular Construction

Send us a textFor years, modular construction stakeholders have struggled with traditional contracts that fail to account for the dual-site nature of prefabrication, the split responsibilities for design between architects and manufacturers, and the complex permitting processes spanning multiple jurisdictions. Now, new agreements from AIA Contract Documents  tackle these challenges head-on by clearly delineating responsibilities and risks where they're best managed.Listen as Sara Betancorth from AIA Contract Documents and Sal Verrastro from Spillman Farmer Architects detail how these new contracts were created through years of collaboration between architects, attorneys, and industry experts. Now available to the public, these contracts represent a balanced approach that acknowledges the realities of modern modular construction. The result? Contracts that reduce risk, clarify responsibilities, and ultimately facilitate smoother project delivery for all stakeholders.Whether you're an owner, architect, contractor, or modular manufacturer, these new documents promise to transform how modular projects are structured and executed.Support the show

Send us a textRory Rubin, founder and CEO of SI Container Builds, shares her journey from clinical social worker to modular construction innovator and discusses two of her company's groundbreaking container-based projects in Chicago. Rory explores how shipping container construction offers sustainable, cost-effective building solutions as she details her recent experiences navigating municipal approvals and changing perceptions about this innovative construction method.Support the show

Send us a textDiscover how modular construction is primed to reshape Portugal's housing landscape. Diogo Rutkowski from Bond Housing Systems explores the urgent challenges facing Portugal, including a shortage of construction workers and an overwhelming number of homes with poor energy efficiency. Diogo highlights how modular construction can create vibrant, inclusive communities, offering faster, more efficient building processes that promise to redefine the future of housing in Portugal.Diogo also unpacks the advantages of wooden and steel modular structures that promise eco-friendliness, strength, and cost stability. He explains how these sustainable solutions can address the housing shortage with rapid delivery and environmental benefits. Support the show

Send us a textGrant Geiger, CEO of EIR Healthcare, explores how modular construction is transforming healthcare building projects by addressing the industry's unique challenges of high costs, slow timelines, and technology integration.What makes healthcare construction unique isn't the materials or processes—it's the motivation behind the projects. Unlike economically-driven commercial developments, healthcare facilities often expand based on community need rather than financial returns. And with more hospital systems shifting to a "hub and spoke" model with smaller satellite facilities, the opportunities for modular building has never been greater.In this episode, Grant shares his thoughts on the potential for modular healthcare construction to produce buildings that not only deliver care for patients but deliver faster, more predictable timetables for stakeholders. By eliminating the "blank sheet of paper" approach that currently dominates healthcare construction, modular methods promise facilities that can be built faster, cheaper, and with better patient outcomes—a win for providers, patients, and healthcare systems as a whole.Support the show

Send us a textAndreas Kilander, offsite and modular manager at FRAMECAD, delves into the transformative role of cold-formed steel (CFS) in modular construction, discussing FRAMECAD's design-to-manufacture process and efficiency advantages, as well as the latest CFS building trends. In addition, Andreas highlights both the opportunities and challenges builders face when adopting this technology and shares insights about the future of CFS in modular construction.Support the show

Send us a textExplore the fascinating and ever-expanding applications of shipping containers in modern construction and beyond. From housing to retail micro-fulfillment centers, containers are gaining traction across sectors. Max Birner, CEO at Boxhub, discusses the challenges of a fragmented market and the undeniable benefits—financial, environmental, and speed—of building with shipping containers. In addition, Max shares the findings of his company's latest industry whitepaper and speaks to the mainstream acceptance of container construction as well as BoxHub's ambitious plans for geographic expansion and product diversification. Support the show

Send us a textDiscover the secret to not just filling positions but bringing joy to the hiring process. Join industry veterans John Kowalczyk, Keith Jeremiah, and Jordan Ringwald as they share their journey into the modular construction industry's world of recruitment. We explore how their company, Risis Talent Partners, is transforming the recruitment landscape with humor and human connection. Together, they uncover the market trends and candidate expectations that are shaping the future of modular construction and discuss strategies to enhance employer branding and attract top talent.Keith Jeremiah then sheds light on his experience as part of MBI's Workforce and Professional Development Committee. He discusses the goals of the group and the potential of the MBI Learning Center's new online courses designed to both attract fresh talent and upskill current employees. Whether you're in construction or recruitment, this conversation offers a comprehensive look at how to stand out in this dynamic industry.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if affordable multifamily housing could be built more efficiently and with less neighborhood disruption? Gwen Noyes, vice president and COO of GreenStaxx, draws on her wealth of experience in architecture and urban development—and her deep New England roots—as she discusses GreenStaxx's energy-efficient modular housing models. You'll hear firsthand about successful prototypes, like GreenStaxx's triple-deckers in Cambridge and Lowell, that promise to streamline construction and reduce costs.Gwen also discusses the initial skepticism surrounding modular methods and how increasing acceptance is paving the way for new projects in Massachusetts and Vermont. Finally, Gwen shares GreenStaxx's latest endeavors and their innovative approaches to sustainable and efficient building practices, providing a glimpse into the future of commercial modular construction in New England. Support the show

Send us a Text Message.Can a mix of modular housing and panelized solutions be the key to solving the UK's housing crisis? DJ, co-founder and COO of Sano, a UK-based team of innovators dedicated to rethinking the possibilities of housing technologies, believes they can. Set against the backdrop of government transition and new UK housing goals, DJ shares how Sano is empowering stakeholders with tools and information to build better housing, as well as how Sano's revolutionary modular construction system, M-DOCK, is designed to create new housing opportunities quickly and affordably, all while prioritizing healthy homes and efficient processes.Lastly, DJ explores the potential for Sano's global expansion, particularly in the US market, and the crucial need for government clarity on standards and funding. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Sean McFetridge, CEO of RainStick, discusses the importance of water conservation in building projects, highlighting his company's innovative shower technology and water-efficient solutions. Sean also talks about the opportunities for modular builders and developers to promote the long-lasting value of sustainable solutions in water-scarce areas, and he provides insights on the benefits of using RainStick showers and their ease of installation.Support the Show.

Chris Anderson, CEO at Vantem, discusses his company's proprietary structural panel technology used in energy-efficient single-family homes and multifamily buildings in the US and around the world. Chris also shares modular construction solutions and green financing strategies for real estate development, and describes how developers can better navigate the modular construction process and analyze projects holistically. Both conversations emphasized the benefits of using modular construction and green financing in the housing industry.Support the Show.

Peter DeMaria and Diego Rivera of Mid-Rise Modular unpack the intricate dynamics of integrating modern architectural methods into successful multi-story modular projects. Peter and Diego also share their insights on the logistical challenges and precision required in modular construction. The discussion highlights how aesthetics and technical expertise must harmonize to produce efficient and visually appealing buildings. They also touch on the role and potential of AI, as well as the importance of research and development, repetition, and standardization—particularly in cost-intensive areas like bathrooms and kitchens—to enhance efficiency and quality.Support the Show.

Danny Langerman, CEO at DHA Financial, shares details and answers questions about DHA's new way for modular home builders, manufacturers, and developers to expand their verticals and create new income streams for their businesses by adding mortgage and title services.Support the Show.

Cory Segall, co-founder of Southern California-based Strategic Habitats, discusses his company's approach to building shipping container-based homes, the viability of containers as a long-term housing option, and their potential for combatting the housing crisis in San Diego, across the state of California, and beyond.Support the show

Edward Jezeph, senior manager and MMC lead at Homes England, the UK government's housing delivery organization, discusses his recent international travels to Japan, Sweden, and multiple states within the Unites States to learn more about modular housing manufacturing capabilities and business models. Edward shares the insights he gained during his trip as well as his thoughts on the growth opportunities for modular housing both in England and the United States.Support the show

Managing Principal Gary Badge and Senior Designer Manny Lamarche of Orlando-based FK Architecture return to talk about how their modular building design methodologies have evolved over the past several years as they've gained experience and built partnerships within the industry.Gary and Manny also discuss their new modular housing prototype designed specifically for the affordable housing market, how it can be applied to tackle the housing crisis, and about the new AI-based planning and design innovations with which they're working.Support the show

Jevon Bindman, partner at Minneapolis-based law firm Maslon LLP, answers questions and offers advice about choosing and crafting insurance policies for offsite construction projects. As a litigator, Jevon works with clients in a range of industries, with a focus on assisting policyholders in insurance coverage disputes and representing stakeholders in construction and real estate matters, as well as general business litigation. Support the show

Vikas Murali, CEO of Offsight, discusses the advantages that offsite factory owners and manufacturers can realize through the use of customized project management software. Vikas talks about the development and capabilities of his company's Offsight software platform, as well as about how his background in enterprise software development—combined with the modular and offsite industry experience from his key staff—has led to Offsight's growth as an industry software solution.Support the show

Scott Bridger, co-founder of ProSet Modular, introduces his newest venture: ModCribs. Nearly indestructible and only 28 pounds apiece, ModCribs modular cribbing units bring ease and efficiency to modular manufacturers and set crews. In this episode, Scott describes the evolution and benefits of product itself, shares how project stakeholders can bring them to their jobsites,  and dives into the best practices of modular set-up and onsite logistics.Support the show

Nick Ververis, Principal at OneDigital, and Mike Wilmot, CEO and co-founder of Wilmot Modular, discuss the advantages of having specially-designed insurance policies so that modular builders and manufacturers can best manage risk. Nick speaks to his past experience as both a modular manufacturer and his current role as an insurance professional while Mike shares his experiences as a builder, dealer,  and business owner.Support the show

Anthony Corpora, CEO at Futuro Houses, joins the podcast to talk about the potential of fiberglass as a modular building material. Anthony also shares the history of Futuro's whimsical-yet-modern UFO House revival and its plans to build upon its success in the marine, camper, and RV industries to offer a variety of fiberglass-formed modular and "tiny" homes around the US.Support the show

Kevin O'Connor, longtime host of the Emmy Award-winning series This Old House, joins the podcast to share his perspective on the benefits of offsite construction practices in residential construction. Kevin also talks about This Old House's Generation NEXT initiative, the construction industry's worker shortage, and how professionals within the industry can encourage young students and recent graduates to enter (and excel in) the trades.Support the show

Stephen Shang, co-founder and CEO at Falcon Structures, joins the podcast to talk about the current uses and still-unrealized potential for shipping container-based buildings. Stephen also speaks to the nature and importance of MBI's work in creating container-friendly building codes. Lastly, Stephen provides an overview of his work with MBI's Government Affairs Committee and its efforts to halt the expansion of the federal government's anti-industry Davis-Bacon Act.Support the show

Robin Bartram Brown, Managing Director of London-based international consultancy firm MMY Global and Dr. Anas Bataw, Managing Director for Heriot Watt University's Centre for Excellence in Smart Construction in Dubai, join the podcast to talk about the rapid acceptance and growth of modular construction in Saudi Arabia and around the Middle East. Robin and Anas also discuss the opportunities that exist for further development and manufacturing in the region—prompted and supported by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and other initiatives—and offer advice for modular building companies looking to do business in the region.Support the show

Ken Puncerelli, CEO of Denver-based LAI Design Group, discusses his experience with modular building design and development and offers helpful tips and advice for both young developers and experienced developers who aren't familiar with the modular construction process.Ken also talks about his upcoming presentation at MBI's upcoming 2023 World of Modular and shares what attendees can expect.Support the show

Carson Holmquist, co-founder and CEO of Stream Logistics, returns to Inside Modular to announce Stream Modular, a new division within Stream Logistics, and to talk about his company's recent investments into the growth of Stream's modular construction logistical capabilities.Carson goes into detail about the logistical challenges of modular construction and explains how Stream's new equipment and operating systems will benefit project stakeholders up and down the project ladder.Lastly, Carson discusses his excitement to return to MBI's World of Modular conference and tradeshow and offers prospective attendees a compelling reason to attend.Support the show

Julian Bowron, founder and chief technology officer at METALOQ, joins the podcast to talk about how advancements in precision building are helping power the modular construction industry. Julian also discusses his experience inventing products for the offsite and modular construction industries (among others) and about the process he follows when creating new products.Finally, Julian teases his upcoming presentation at MBI's 2023 World of Modular conference and tradeshow in March, 2023.Support the show

Cristian Ossa, commercial manager at South America-based Tecno Fast, joins Inside Modular to talk about the role and scale of its workforce housing projects in countries across South America. Cristian also discusses the logistics and challenges inherent to remote worksite camps and about Tecno Fast's recent growth into the North American and European markets.Support the show

Roger Krulak, founder of FullStack Modular, joins the podcast to talk about the growth of his modular manufacturing company and the exciting projects FullStack and its partners have in the pipeline.Roger also shares some of the lessons learned from his career in modular and gives advice to up and coming modular manufacturers.Support the show

Bruce Talley, chief operating officer of OFC Inc., discusses the current conditions inside Ukraine, including the state of its infrastructure and housing, and recounts his personal experience and observations from recent visits. Bruce also shares important information for modular companies looking to help in the relief and rebuilding efforts.Support the show

Mike Wilmot, co-founder/president of Wilmot Modular and chair of MBI's Board of Directors, discusses the host of the challenges facing the modular construction industry and how MBI is working to meet those challenges. Mike also explores all the opportunities that lie ahead, including the immediate needs for affordable housing, disaster relief, and more.Lastly, Mike shares his goals for MBI as the association enters its 40th year in 2023.Support the show

Ken Lowney, president and CEO of Lowney Architecture, discusses the design and construction of Oakland's newest hotel, Moxy Oakland Downtown. This award-winning project is the first modular development for Moxy Hotels. Ken talks about the hotel itself,  some of the challenges his team faced during the building's construction, and how he was able to leverage its modular design to create a unique rooftop lounge.Ken also discusses his team's long history with modular construction and shares his advice for young architects looking to get started with modular building design.Support the show

Rich Rozycki, CEO at CRATE Modular, talks about CRATE's recent transition to building with light-gauge steel and how that has affected their factory and building processes. Rich also talks about CRATE's inclusion of "incremental automation," the possibilities and benefits of their approach to automation, and about how BIM modeling will soon change the way modular buildings are constructed.Support the show

Dave Stahl, associate AIA and principal at Cuningham, joins the podcast to discuss the design of Pentagon Village Apartments, a 244,000-sqft rental community in Minnesota which is on track to become the largest volumetric modular multifamily development in the country. Dave talks about how his designs evolved from the project's inception, how the building's modular construction influenced the façade, and his team's goals for the project in general.Dave also gives advice to designers entering the industry and looks ahead to the possible modular design trends of the next few years.Support the show

Stuart Cameron, co-founder of UK-based design firm SCMS Associates, talks about designing net zero modular buildings in and around England ahead of London's goal of being a net zero carbon city by 2030.Stuart also explains his firm's focus on sustainability and the importance of energy-efficient MEP in modular building design. In addition, he gives advice to design professionals looking to create more sustainable buildings.Support the show

Carson Holmquist, CEO of Stream Logistics, discusses all the factors that go into getting completed modules from the factory to the job site, including the specific dimensions of ideal module sizes and what manufacturers and builders can do to optimize the transportation process.Support the show

MBI executive director Tom Hardiman discusses the potential expansion of the Davis-Bacon Act—which would impose prevailing wages on offsite and modular manufacturers working on federal construction projects—and its many implications for the modular industry at-large.Tom also describes what industry members can do to assist MBI's efforts in opposing this expansion.Support the show

Rick Murdock, co-founder & CEO of Boise-based Autovol, discusses the growth of his latest company and the potential of automation for the modular construction industry. Rick also talks about the specific benefits of automation for modular companies themselves, the types of projects that benefit most from automation, and his advice for future entrepreneurs in modular automation. Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

From roofing to insulation to finishing, CertainTeed/Saint Gobain has a long history of creating innovative materials and products for building construction of all types (even famous French castles!). In this episode, CertainTeed's Brent Belanger and John Harding discuss four new products that specifically benefit the modular and offsite construction industries. Brent and John also talk about their excitement to share these products at the fast-approaching 2022 World of Modular convention and tradeshow.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

Unlike traditional construction, modular construction requires significant planning and coordination between principles during all phases of the project. In this episode, Curtis Fletcher, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Prefab Logic, draws from his years in modular construction and talks about the best ways to both navigate and mitigate the complexities than can occur during modular projects. Curtis also looks ahead and gives his thoughts on the modular industry's next 5 to 10 years.In addition, Curtis previews his upcoming presentation at MBI's 2022 World of Modular.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Dr. Jin Ouk Choi, assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, discusses his research into the critical success factors (CSFs) of modular construction projects and identifies the key CSFs that modular stakeholders should be utilizing. Dr. Choi also discusses the benefits large modular companies are seeing from incorporating these CSFs into their projects.Lastly, Dr. Choi previews his upcoming session at the 2022 World of Modular conference.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Joanna Schwartz, CEO of Quartz Properties Management, discusses the design and development of Quartz's completely modular residential communities around the country. Joanna also talks about the advantages of modular construction for single-family homes and how Quartz is partnering with other modular builders to quickly turn vacant land into much needed housing. Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Curtis Wong, founder and CEO of modular construction start-up Cloud Apartments talks about his company's new ideas for reducing the cost of building through "productization" and innovation and how these savings can lead to greater housing opportunities.Curtis also teases his presentation at MBI's upcoming 2022 World of Modular and describes the value it brings attendees.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Rene Bernaert, founder and COO of Montreal-based Corner Cast Construction, talks about his company's use of ISO shipping containers to create customized industrial-use buildings. Rene also talks about quality control for containers, the ongoing potential for containers as a building method, and he teases his container-focused presentation at the 2022 World of Modular.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, John Barrot, president of fire safety firm Banksia, joins the podcast to discuss the current state of fire-related building codes, how to choose appropriate fire-rated assemblies for the various forms of modular construction, and his upcoming presentation at MBI's 2022 World of Modular in April.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Alan Rasmussen, VP of Production at Modern Building Systems, talks about the industry's current workforce challenges, what he's doing at Modern to recruit and train the next generation of modular industry workers, and how companies around the country can take advantage of student technical education programs.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Brad Gudeman, vice president of modular manufacturer Modular Genius and chair of MBI's board of directors, talks about his journey into modular construction and the value that companies can get through their involvement with MBI. Brad also shares his excitement for the upcoming 2022 World of Modular tradeshow and convention.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

Blair Davies, P.Eng, COO of Toronto-based Catalyst Offsite, joins the podcast to discuss the processes necessary to properly plan and start a modular building project.Blair also talks about common mistakes that first-time modular building developers make and shares best practices learned over decades in the building industry.Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Gary Badge and Manny Lamarche of FK Architecture (formerly Fugleberg Koch) return to discuss FK's recent inclusion of modular design and the evolution of their design processes. Gary and Manny also highlight their efforts to bring sustainable design elements into FK's modular construction projects and talk about the importance of sustainability both inside and outside the construction industry. Lastly, Gary and Manny preview the prefabricated "tiny house" project that they're designing and how it can benefit the growing need for emergency and affordable housing needs around the country.

Brian Perlberg, executive director and senior counsel at ConsensusDocs, joins the podcast to talk about the recent creation of the offsite industry's first standard contract: ConsensusDocs 753 Standard Prefabricated Construction Contract. Created in partnership with MBI, this contract simplifies a formerly-complex and inadequate contracting process and provides greater clarity and well-defined risk allocation for all involved.Brian also explains how 753 came to be and what additional resources the offsite/modular industry can look forward to soon.

In this episode of Inside Modular, Brent McPhail, founder and CEO of Brave Control Solutions, returns to discuss the current state of automation within the modular construction industry and what lies ahead as both designers and manufacturers embrace the benefits and challenges of modular automation.