Inside Modular: The Podcast of Commercial Modular Construction

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,...

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...

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 one of the largest volumetric modular multifamily developments 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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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