Return-Path: Delivered-To: info@sterlingcal.com Received: from reseller401.webserversystems.com by reseller401.webserversystems.com with LMTP id iGHIGwxFtmYBIgMAchKAPA (envelope-from ) for ; Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:34:20 -0500 Return-path: Envelope-to: info@sterlingcal.com Delivery-date: Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:34:20 -0500 Received: from mail56.suw151.rsgsv.net ([198.2.175.56]:46341) by reseller401.webserversystems.com with esmtps (TLS1.2) tls TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (Exim 4.96.2) (envelope-from ) id 1scSZH-000s8i-1E for info@sterlingcal.com; Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:34:20 -0500 DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed; d=mailchimpapp.net; s=k3; t=1723221248; x=1723481748; i=info=3Ddesignwithskill.com@mailchimpapp.net; bh=3MOdWeOmv9Jr3eYtEgn9Clw9npweuokikZxgGrv48ys=; h=Subject:From:Reply-To:To:Date:Message-ID:X-MC-User:Feedback-ID: List-ID:List-Unsubscribe:List-Unsubscribe-Post:Content-Type: MIME-Version:CC:Date:Subject:From; b=aHxEQ9uigmR/+KjI0rG+3miRJ93VZzCSdXsCj1ouqnXKt9d2wjlXo6jFKLstMn0rr 4IblYZEaZFognaebUASNJEQF8yZBs+z8ecAwp1SC92nvqA0JEwDJPIz3bwVrIiUnWY r3MD4MZISYw06JxFREUA4/xJDb4wAgXFYnqBrkwi/UH8WTVfF0EzWU+hfaWD5ivoq5 TVuFDRTe+jQyplTRLK9KNIz252LiKO6sFnOeuVM4gN4uUqm+XEZNd4vs6RazerJMtc bSCIYOrQT8sb+Q3lWV6BAxXmSwiYwhoWAVpmuR7zzYScj/MOym5dE1qAcUXtvedafX Dk1aqepPNmtsA== Received: from localhost (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by mail56.suw151.rsgsv.net (Mailchimp) with ESMTP id 4WgTy84W3Fz5QSF for ; Fri, 9 Aug 2024 16:34:08 +0000 (GMT) Subject: =?utf-8?Q?Tackling=20Design=20Challenges=20in=20Modular=20Construction=20=E2=80=93=20Insights=20from=20Forbes=20and=20Beyond?= From: Design With Skill Reply-To: =?utf-8?Q?Design=20With=20Skill?= To: Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2024 16:34:05 +0000 Message-ID: <3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade.c660b64289.20240809163400.bedfb8a255.cebfbe13@mail56.suw151.rsgsv.net> X-Mailer: Mailchimp Mailer - **CIDbedfb8a255c660b64289** X-Campaign: mailchimp3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade.bedfb8a255 X-campaignid: mailchimp3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade.bedfb8a255 X-Report-Abuse: Please report abuse for this campaign here: https://mailchimp.com/contact/abuse/?u=3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade&id=bedfb8a255&e=c660b64289 X-MC-User: 3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade Feedback-ID: 116744334:116744334.17658806:us20:mc List-ID: 3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eademc list <3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade.110941.list-id.mcsv.net> X-Accounttype: pd List-Unsubscribe: , List-Unsubscribe-Post: List-Unsubscribe=One-Click Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="_----------=_MCPart_894820481" MIME-Version: 1.0 X-Spam-Status: No, score=-4.0 X-Spam-Score: -39 X-Spam-Bar: ---- X-Spam-Flag: NO This is a multi-part message in MIME format --_----------=_MCPart_894820481 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"; format="fixed" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Check out our latest updates.. View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/designwithskill.com/go= odbye-june-gloom-hello-sunshine-17658806?e=3Dc660b64289) https://www.designwithskill.com/ Welcome to our June Newsletter! June 2024 | Newsletter At Design With Skill (https://www.designwithskill.com/) =2C our goal for e= very newsletter is for you to learn something and for you to get to know m= ore about us and our work Education - Condos vs. Rentals in Affordable Housing ** The ongoing discussion around condos versus rentals in affordable housing= is crucial for urban planners and developers. Condos provide a pathway to= ownership=2C fostering community stability and long-term investment. Howe= ver=2C they often require higher initial costs. Rentals=2C by contrast=2C= offer affordability and flexibility=2C making them a more immediate solut= ion for many. Both are essential in creating diverse and inclusive housing= markets=2C catering to different financial capabilities and lifestyle nee= ds. ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Emergency Power of Accessibility ------------------------------------------------------------ Ensuring accessibility in emergencies is a fundamental aspect of architect= ural design. Buildings must be equipped to accommodate individuals with di= sabilities during emergencies=2C through features like ramps=2C wide doorw= ays=2C and visual and auditory alarm systems. These elements are critical= in facilitating safe evacuations and ensuring that all residents=2C regar= dless of physical abilities=2C are protected. At Design With Skill=2C we e= mphasize creating inclusive designs that prioritize safety and accessibili= ty for all. ** EV Parking: The Future is Now ------------------------------------------------------------ The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) demands innovative solutions in our ar= chitectural designs. Incorporating EV charging stations into residential a= nd commercial properties promotes sustainability and appeals to eco-consci= ous tenants and buyers. Investing in EV infrastructure today ensures that= our buildings are prepared for the future=2C supporting the growing need= for green transportation options. Design With Skill is committed to integ= rating these forward-thinking elements into our projects=2C paving the way= for a more sustainable tomorrow Shoutout My name is Cindy=2C and I'm the friendly face behind our social media pres= ence and the all-things assistant (if that makes sense). I've been a part= of the company for about a year and a half. I clicked with the company's= principles immediately=2C and my first meeting with Samantha (our CEO) fe= lt warm and friendly=2C allowing me to know I was in the right place. The thing I love most about my role is that it has led me to learn about a= world I didn't know before (architecture)=2C one that I find quite fascin= ating. I've learned how to use new tools and have acquired many valuable s= kills over my time at Design With Skill. On a personal note=2C I live in Argentina with my dog=2C "Pollito=2C" whic= h means "Chick." I love working out=2C watching movies=2C and listening to= good music (all things we talk about in our Monday regroups). I feel fortunate to be a part of this team and to have the opportunity to= learn about them every day. Pasadena ADU Check out the Pasadena ADU program (https://www.cityofpasadena.net/housing= /second-unit-adu-program/) The Pasadena Second Unit ADU Loan Program is an affordable housing initiat= ive designed to incentivize homeowners to create affordable rental units o= n their properties through an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) loan. This program offers Pasadena homeowners comprehensive assistance for finan= cing=2C designing=2C permitting=2C and constructing a new ADU in the City= of Pasadena. Homeowners can receive financial assistance for building an= ADU through new construction=2C garage conversions=2C or bringing an exis= ting unpermitted =E2=80=9Cgranny flat=E2=80=9D or illegal garage conversio= n up to code. Additionally=2C the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) provides a= list of approved financial lenders for those interested in applying for a= loan to build an ADU. We are proud to be a part of this initiative=2C let's take a visit to the= units we worked on: Raymond Unit Lincoln Unit Asbury Unit "Working with Design With Skill was a great experience. Their knowledge an= d experience contributed tremendously to the success of the ADU Pilot prog= ram" - Randy Mabson (City of Pasadena Housing Coordinator) CASP PROJECT: 8500 SMB Remember when we mentioned our CEO=2C Samantha Hill was about to run a mar= athon? We want to thank the Elevate L.A. Works program (https://www.laworks.com/e= levate) - A series of virtual workshops designed to equip at-risk young a= dults with essential job skills through training and job placement. We would also like to thank all of the donors=2C who made this possible! Design With Skill www.designwithskill.com (http://www.designwithskill.com/) info@designwithskill.com (mailto:info@designwithskill.com) 747-900-2082 Access With Skill www.accesswithskill.com (http://www.accesswithskill.com/) samantha@accesswithskill.com (mailto:samantha@accesswithskill.com) 747-900-2082 =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Want to change how you receive these emails? You can ** update your preferences (https://designwithskill.us20.list-mana= ge.com/profile?u=3D3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade&id=3D6545b4d063&e=3Dc660b64289&= c=3Dbedfb8a255) or ** unsubscribe from this list (https://designwithskill.us20.list-manage= =2Ecom/unsubscribe?u=3D3c667e2d6e23b8c37d2e3eade&id=3D6545b4d063&t=3Db&e=3Dc660b64289&c=3Dbedfb8a255) =2E --_----------=_MCPart_894820481 Content-Type: text/html; charset="utf-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Tackling Design Challenges in Modular Construction =E2=80= =93 Insights from Forbes and Beyond Check= out our latest updates..
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View this email in your browser
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3D"Design<= /a>
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Welcome to our August Newsletter= ! 
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August 2024 | Newsletter

The Design With Skill monthly&nb= sp;newsletter is in your inbox to share our knowledge and expertise&n= bsp;as you get to know us and our work. In this edition we talk about some= the challenges we've encountered in the past with Modular Design=2C and m= ore importantly - How we dealt with them! 
 
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">WE WERE FEATURED IN FORBES! = ;
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Take a look at this installation we visited!
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We're thrilled to share that Samantha Hill=2C our founder and= managing principal=2C was recently interviewed by Forbes regarding the ch= allenges and opportunities of offsite and modular construction. The articl= e=2C titled "Offsite Housing Faces Challenges Before Solvin= g The Housing Crisis=2C" highlights Samantha's insights into the compl= exities of modular construction=2C particularly in the context of Californ= ia's regulatory landscape.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Bureaucratic Limitations
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Modular multifamily construction faces a uniqu= e set of challenges when fitting into an existing multi-layered regulatory= system.  For instance=2C in California modular housing is now r= egulated by the state agency Housing and Community Development known as HC= D.  This agency is responsible for processing and enforcing buil= ding permit approval of the modular housing components in a project=2C def= ined as Factory Built Housing =E2=80=98FBH=E2=80=99.   The remai= ning on-site construction is regulated and enforced by another agency or a= uthority based on the type of project.  Unfortunately=2C this ca= n be a very arduous and complicated process. The management and navigation= of this complex permitting system adds a significant amount of time=2C de= dication=2C and often requires expertise from the design and development t= eam=2C which adds costs to a project.  

Furthermore=2C politics can play a significant role in the development of= modular construction policies. Labor disputes=2C such as prevailing wage= requirements=2C for factory-built housing can be difficult to apply or im= plement.  As with any heavily regulated industry=2C various agen= cies and regulatory bodies for modular permitting and construction are oft= en at odds with one another in an attempt to meet local vs. state or regio= nal needs.  Navigating these political challenges requires calcu= lated strategies.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Permitting and Inspection Issues=
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In addition to the complex bureaucratic oversight that a modul= ar project must navigate=2C the actual permitting process on a modular hou= sing project can be exhaustive. Often a third-party plan check reviewer an= d an inspector will need to be hired for the modular scope. Since modular= on-site installation is a relatively unique process compared to more trad= itional construction types=2C the inspectors need expertise and experience= to ensure things like fireproofing between units and structural tie-downs= are adequately installed.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Building and Fire Code Limitatio= ns
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Current building codes= are modeled for traditional construction systems =E2=80=93 wood stick-bui= lt=2C concrete=2C and steel.  The codes are slowly starting to a= ddress modular construction.  For instance=2C fire safety height= limitations are restricting for modular projects due to the redundancy of= the unit structure.   Since a modular unit needs to be transpor= ted as a stable structural =E2=80=98box=E2=80=99=2C stacked units have dou= ble thickness at floors and walls.  Building codes have been slo= w to address the inherent differences of modular construction.

Code compliance of the modular units is often not applicable or compliant= in all states. This means that modular manufacturers must either design t= o the most restrictive=2C and often most expensive=2C code requirements or= they will have to limit their market to specific areas. As an example=2C= California has more stringent disabled access requirements than other sta= tes. This means the bathroom designs are often larger with more elements o= r complicated design in California.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px"> Transportation
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Trucks.  Probably one of the most influential compon= ents of a modular construction project.  Units are designed base= d on the dimensional limits of a truck bed.   Also=2C height and= weight limits must be considered when planning transportation of the unit= s directly from a factory or port. 

Transportation costs can add a significant amount of money to a modular pr= oject. Manufacturing facilities overseas often incur expensive tariffs=2C= such as China factories.

Advanced planning the delivery of the units is critical to determine the m= ost cost-effective route.  Otherwise=2C transportation costs can= make a project financially infeasible.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Labor
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There are additional tr= ade coordination and systems overlap on a modular project.   Traditio= nal on-site systems and utilities must connect. For instance=2C fire sprin= klers must be installed in the modular units in the factory but must tie i= nto the onsite circulation areas or other non-modular program areas.

There is significant overlap between the modular and on-site construction= work=2C so a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities must be esta= blished at the beginning of a project. 
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Education
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There is a lot of misin= formation and misunderstanding of the modular construction process by gene= ral contractors=2C subcontractors=2C professional services consultants=2C= such as engineers and architects=2C local municipalities=2C insurers=2C l= enders=2C and many other parties involved in a modular development.  = Often traditional construction method standards are erroneously applied to= a modular project that increases costs and schedules. 

Cost budgeting misunderstandings from inexperienced general contractors th= at do not fully understand the responsibility of each party on a modular p= roject; over budgeting is a common contingency method to avoid unknown and= unfamiliar risks. 
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Additional Costs <= /em>
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Modular construction is= not necessarily cheaper than traditional construction methods=2C However= =2C the value lies in the reduced construction schedule. In some cases=2C= up to six to eight months can be saved by going modular.  However=2C= the full development and construction team needs to collaborate early and= effectively to ensure the reduced schedule is achieved. 

Insurance coverage is a challenge. From the design side=2C professional se= rvices firms have a lot of trouble getting appropriate insurance coverage= for modular. Most insurance companies see modular as a product and not a= service=2C very similar to car  manufacturing. However=2C a lot of d= esign is required by the development team outside of the modular company p= roducing the unit.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Market
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Another challenge for d= evelopers is the instability of the modular market. There are a lot of new= modular companies that have formed within the past decade. Each one being= unique in the product they offer and not all having the financial backing= or bonding to ensure a successful delivery of their products or to limit= risks in the event they go out of business. This can create a nightmare s= cenario for developers that have invested significant amounts of time and= money into a modular project=2C only to have it die because of a modular= company's insufficient business model or limited knowledge of the process= or limited capabilities to deliver the products they claim to make.

The end users also need to be considered.  There are inherent dimensi= on limits that impact a modular design.  As the housing market demand= changes=2C modular design limitations may go out of fashion or loose popu= larity.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Design
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When it comes to modular housing=2C two design approaches dominate: wh= ole units and the kit of parts. Each presents its own set of design challe= nges and limitations.

The kit of parts approach centers on modular units for specific program elements=2C such= as kitchens or bathrooms. While this method allows for faster constructio= n and easier transport=2C it necessitates more on-site coordination=2C com= plicating the design process. In contrast=2C whole units reduce t= he need for on-site adjustments but impose significant constraints on desi= gn flexibility and require more complex off-site fabrication.

Modular design faces inh= erent limitations due to transportation constraints=2C particularly the si= ze of truck beds. These constraints impact several aspects of design:

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  • Corridors and balconies often need to be c= onstructed on-site=2C increasing the complexity of installation and assemb= ly.
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  • The width of a modular unit typically acco= mmodates only a single room=2C such as a bedroom or living room. This limi= tation necessitates joining multiple units in the field=2C driving up cost= s.
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  • Stacking units results in structural redun= dancy=2C an issue often unaddressed by existing zoning codes=2C leading to= height restrictions based on a standardized 10=E2=80=99-0=E2=80=9D floor-= to-floor height.
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  • The structural framing systems used in mod= ular construction impose additional design limitations=2C particularly in= reducing openings to meet shear and torsional requirements.

Furthermore=2C modular c= ompanies vary widely in the design options and elements they offer. Some p= rovide exterior envelopes=2C attached balconies=2C or corridors during ins= tallation=2C while others focus on different aspects=2C such as fully furn= ished units or basic shells. The lack of standardization across the indust= ry adds another layer of complexity to modular design=2C a challenge that= remains significant as the industry evolves.
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3D"=
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<= em>Speaking of modular construction= ...
We're thrilled to highlight a recent project where Access With Skill is ma= king a significant impact.
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Q2: August 2024 | Project Highlight  CalPoly SLO

We're excited to share that Access With Skill is providing accessibility c= onsulting for "The Future of Cal Poly Housing" project. This ambitious 10-= year plan will enhance the residential experience for students and promote= their success by adding approximately 4=2C100 new beds and renovating exi= sting facilities. We're addressing the unique challenges of creating unive= rsally accessible spaces within this extensive development=2C ensuring tha= t the new suite-style living arrangements=2C community spaces=2C and modul= ar construction align with the highest accessibility standards. Stay tuned= as we help shape a more inclusive future for Cal Poly students.

https://housing.= calpoly.edu/future-housing

Access With Skill
Please reach out to us at samantha@accesswithskill.com = ;if you or your client is in need of accessibility consulting se= rvices.
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<= span style=3D"font-size:24px">Connect + Collaborate!<= /em>
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PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We are certified= as WBE=2C WOSB=2C and LBE in the City of LA.  We offer a variety of services:

Consulting 
High-Rise
Affordable
Mixed-Income
Mixed-Use
Disabled Access/CASp (ADA Compliance)

Feasibility Analysis 
Context and Regulatory Constraints
Code Compliance and Zoning Review

Project Management
Schedule Development
Design Process Oversight
Project Budget Management
Documentation Management
Consultant Engagement and Coordination

Pre-development 
Market Research
Capital Stack Analysis
Lender Relations

Site Acquisition
Cost Assessment
Physical=2C Legal=2C and Political Constraint Analysis
Site Survey=2C Soils=2C Phase I=2C and Title Reports Procurement

Community Engagement
Community Group Management
Community and Neighborhood Advocacy
City Council and Regulatory Management

Design 
Concept Design
Program Design
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction  Documents

Permitting
Entitlement Permitting 
Building Permitting

Construction 
Pre-Construction
Construction Kick-off
Site Inspections with Documentation 
Construction Management
Construction Close-Out
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Design With Skill
www.designwithskill.com
info@designwithskill.com
747-900-2082

Access With Skill
www.accesswithskill.com
samantha@accesswithskill.com
747-900-2082
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Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe fro= m this list.
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