Inside Modular: The Podcast of Commercial Modular Construction

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...

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 (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"...

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...

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. Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Tom Hardiman, executive director of the Modular Building Institute, previews MBI's just-released 2021 annual reports. Tom talks about how the reports were complied, what's new in the industry, and why these reports--filled with data direct from MBI member companies--are critical to the industry. Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)

In this episode of Inside Modular, Claudia Granados, founder of New York advocacy firm The Carnelian Group, joins MBI's government affairs director Jon Hannah-Spacagna to discuss MBI's recent efforts to forestall legislation in New York that would significantly hamper modular construction in the state. Claudia and Jon also provide a preview of MBI's planned efforts in New York during the remainder of 2021 and into 2022. Support the show...

BROAD USA's general manager Sunny Wang and director of communications Jeremy Zimman join the podcast to describe BROAD's newest project: an 11-story modular multifamily "Living Building" that was built in just 15 days and then stacked in only 29 hours. What was behind this remarkably fast turnaround? BROAD's adaptable B-CORE stainless steel building slabs. Learn more about B-CORE—and about BROAD's commitment to environmentally-conscious business practices—in this episode of Inside...

Michael Heitsman, President of Development at Best GEN Modular, joins the podcast to talk about Best GEN's newly-stacked housing development in Rapid City, South Dakota. Michael also discusses the labor shortage in the construction industry at-large and how Best GEN is bringing in and retaining talented workers. Support the show (https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=application)