Why Choosing the Right Modular Manufacturer Matters
Modular construction has been a very popular form of construction for hundreds of years now. Of course, in modern times, modular construction is very advanced even with several cons. But a simple fact remains for real estate and construction companies opting for modular: choosing the right modular manufacturers. In deciding on a modular manufacturer, these companies often must weigh certain components to ensure seamless projects. Why is choosing the right modular manufacturer so important?On the latest episode of Mainstream Modular, host Gabrielle Bejarano interviewed MacKenzie Thorn, Director of Multi-Family at Aspen Starwood, on construction projects, modular manufacturers and the varying industry standards.In this episode, Bejarano and Thorn further explored…Thorn’s current construction project: StruthersWorking with modular manufacturers and the potential challengesThe importance of having the right design team and tough lessons learned“There's been big lessons learned with that experience. We have had a design team that in different areas were told that they had modular experience, and the lesson learned was hearing that they've done it and maybe seeing a picture, but actually sitting down with them discussing who they worked with, what factory they worked with, how they built it, and then talking to other developers, is a lesson learned from me about really digging in on, ‘Do they have that experience building modular?’ So, that was a key — will be a non-negotiable going forward as finding that pairing,” said Thorn.She added that she seeks to partner with companies with readily available skills and tools. “And I think also having a modular manufacturer that has a strong design team in-house because the construction really has a lot of parameters around it, how the boxes are built, and only the factory can drive some of those parameters.” MacKenzie Thorn is the Director of Multi-Family at Aspen Starwood. She is also the President of Aspen Dev Co., LLC. Having grown up a Lego enthusiast, Thorn found herself very interested in construction and real estate very early on. She attended the University of Denver and continued her graduate studies at NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate and New York University, respectively, where she received her Masters’ degrees.