GETTING UP & BACK DOWN THE MODULAR MOUNTAIN
Eight steps to climb the modular mountain
A great plan makes all the difference
ASSEMBLAGEworks is an architectural studio committed to using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) while upholding a strong ethos of sustainability, community and innovation. With modular design/build we tackle the pressing issues of labor shortage, housing demand and carbon footprint to ensure our client’s satisfaction and a successful project outcome.
Discover eight steps for successful MMC project delivery for immediate actionable lessons on your journey.
First, choose your guide wisely.
Below are the six essential leadership qualities any guide must embody:
Socially savvy, they’re adept at creating positive client interactions quickly
Adaptable leaders, they’re able to adjust their style to rapidly changing conditions
Empowering support, they foster a space for client growth and development
Trust-builders, they help clients learn to trust themselves and their teams
Risk-savvy, they’re skilled and safe in uncertain conditions
Big-picture thinkers, they take a holistic view of the entire project
ASSEMBLAGEworks has the expertise and experience to partner with you to safely lead you up the mountain and back down, ensuring the greatest degree of successful project outcomes.
Here’s the journey we’ll go on, together, and the questions you’ll need to ask yourself, before you embark on this trek.
Eight Steps to Climb the Modular Mountain:
1. Establish clear project goals and objectives.
Ask yourself: Why are we using a product vs. a project delivery methodology? Speed, predictability, site or localized forces (e.g., lack of labor?). What programmatic functions cannot be achieved by use of a MMC project and why. Criteria for selecting and collaborating with manufacturers?
2.Develop a detailed project plan (e.g., “research the mountain”).
Ask yourself: What’s the best pathway? What are the impediments? How to define locations to turn back or rethink the proposed path. How is this communicated to my teammates?
3. Assemble the right integrated team.
Ask yourself: What does this team look like? How should they be structured? What skill sets are needed? How do these requirements get defined in the contract?
4. Pack the right gear.
Ask yourself: Who’s the right manufacturer? Do they make the right product? Is the product right for our project? Do they have the right technical staff? Do they have the right production speed? Does the chosen manufacturer have other capabilities that we can multiply onto?
5. Develop & practice safety protocols (e.g., spec and QC/QA)
This is typically the lowest priority and the most important step that you should think about at the beginning of your process! What headwinds do you anticipate encountering and how can you mitigate the risk?
6. Plan for logistics and transportation (and weather!).
This is typically the lowest priority and the most important step that you should think about at the beginning of your process! What head winds do you anticipate encountering and how can you mitigate the risk?
7. Adapt to changing conditions.
Offsite-to-onsite issues are the most ignored and are guaranteed to provide the most headaches. Note that construction tolerances are your friend (or – can be your enemy!). Ask yourself: Can my team model (via BIM) at a fidelity to identify these issues? How do these requirements get defined in a contract?
8. Ensure all are tied to the rope!
Everyone must make it to the top and back home safely – it truly takes a village to make a successful modular project. A few last tips: Information is king and must be shared with the team. Delivery methodology must be placed at the forefront of the project. Note that “design – bid – build is truly the last, and least desirable option.
Follow these eight steps and you’ll successfully scale the modular mountain. If you have questions or would like a free project consultation, please reach out to us at: info@assemblage-works.com