Modular Part 2 - Working Skillfully Within Constraint

The Building Science Podcast

Today we’re continuing the conversation on modular construction w/ Rommel Sulit and Chris Krager. Buckle up for some quotable quotes and impactful ideas in this episode. A recurring theme from part 1 is present here. Could it be the case that because modular delivery must rethink basic assumptions, it may be the first area of the AEC to do what the rest of the AEC is not. At core, the role of architecture is to create the link between design intent and what is actually built. This is not easy, nor simple. It means managing multiple streams of expertise and action so that they are effectively coordinated and integrated into a finished livable space.

Modular requires a high resolution understanding of why we build the way we do, what are its strengths and weaknesses, and, particularly, where are the key leverage points to unlock change. Because as they say in this episode, there’s no way around the reality that when it comes to AEC practices, We have to Pivot at somewhere. Modular delivery is perhaps, at heart, a recognition of this truth.

Rommel Sulit

Founding Principal and Chief Operations Officer at Forge Craft Architecture + Design. With 25 years of experience, Rommel founded Forge Craft with Scott Grinder to improve lives through the art and science of architecture and design. Rommel developed his architectural philosophy working on projects that span demographics, geographies and types at the Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with Rem Koolhaas, Page Southerland Page, Rhode Partners and BOKA Powell.

Before Forge Craft, Rommel’s work in Europe and across the U.S. centered on ambitious, large scale urban developments. Rommel now oversees projects across Forge Craft’s six Architecture + Design Craft Studios including Commercial, Affordable Housing, Interior Architecture, Residential Use, Modular Architecture and Emergent Technologies.

Chris Krager

Chris Krager has a BA in Business Administration from Michigan State University, and he received his March First Professional from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. Krager formed KRDB (Krager & Associates, Design/Build), a develop/design/build company, in 2001 with the intention of creating financially accessible architecture, while focusing on sustainability in the urban environment (www.krdb.com). The firm’s projects cover a broad range from single-family developments, small lot projects, mixed-use and multi-family developments, hotels, creative office, alternative senior living models, and more.

KRDB’s work has been recognized locally and nationally including winning the AIA Austin’s prestigious “Firm Achievement Award” in its first year (2001). Their work has appeared in the New York Times, Dwell, Architectural Record, Residential Architect, and Metropolitan Home amongst others. It has been published in numerous books including “Modern Shoestring: Contemporary Architecture on a Budget” by Susanna Sirefman, “Good House/Cheap House” by Kira Oblensky, “The Perfect $100,000 House” by Karrie Jacobs, and two of Sheri Koones’ “Pre-Fabulous” books. There work has also been featured on shows such as “This New House”, “Small Space, Big Style”, “Dream Builders”, “Dwell TV” and “What You Get For Your Money”.

KRDB’s Sol Austin project, a 40 unit model for holistic sustainable design, was one of the first net-zero capable projects in the US, and was awarded an AIA Austin Merit award, the inaugural Austin Green, “Project of the Year” and was featured on the front page of the NY Times Homes section (www.solaustin.com).
KRDB introduced ma modular in 2008, their line of affordable modern modular homes and are currently working on projects in Austin, Los Angeles, Dallas and New York
(www.mamodular.com). What began as a single-family endeavor, has now grown to
include projects ranging in scale from a 4 unit small lot development, to a 135 unit, 150k sf project on 6 acres.

Team

Hosted by Kristof Irwin

Edited by Nico Mignardi

Produced by M. Walker