Past, Present, and Future of Prefabrication & Modular

Exploring prefabrication's evolution, advancements in construction technology, and the future of prefab ecosystem

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  Patrick Kennedy

  Patrick Kennedy is the owner of Panoramic Interests, a development firm that has been building housing, live-work space, and commercial property in the Bay Area since 1990. The firm has focused on dense, mixed-use, mixed-income, infill developments, typically financed with private funds. All of the multi-family housing projects include below market rate units. The firm’s projects incorporate the Smart Growth principles designed to discourage auto use, mitigate sprawl, encourage local business, and enhance the pedestrian streetscape. Mr. Kennedy grew up in the East Bay, and attended Claremont McKenna College, majoring in Economics and English. He is a former member of the Carpenters Union and Steelworkers Union, and the California Bar. After college, he worked as a contractor, and then attended Harvard Law School and MIT, graduating with a J.D. and a Masters in Real Estate Development. Early development work included building his own house, and renovating several small commercial properties. His hobbies include open water swimming and ultra-light backpacking, both of which have furnished surprising insights into his work in development.

  Panoramic Interests

  Owner

  Patrick Kennedy

  Owner

  Panoramic Interests

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  Luis Belmonte

  Luis Belmonte is a founding partner of Seven Hills Properties. Previously, Luis was Executive Vice President and among the founders of AMB Property Corporation (now Prologis), where he ran the development program ($250 million per year) and supervised management of assets (50 million sf) in the Western United States. During his tenure at AMB, he spearheaded the company’s efforts to enter the Mexican market and also developed the company’s headquarters on the San Francisco waterfront. Prior to his tenure at AMB, Luis was a partner with Lincoln Property Company, responsible for industrial development projects in Northern California. Over the course of 16 years, he developed 18 million square feet of industrial buildings. His responsibilities included site selection, financing, construction management, leasing, and property management. Luis spent three years on active duty with the U.S. Navy, during which time he rode a destroyer escort on coastal patrol in Vietnam and spent 13 months as the Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer, Fire Support Coordinator, and forward observer with the First Marine Regiment. A graduate of the University of Santa Clara with a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude), Luis also pursued graduate studies in Political Science at the University of Chicago and the University of California at Berkeley. Luis is a member of the Urban Land Institute and past chair of one of the organization’s Industrial and Office Park Councils, and a past president of the San Francisco chapter of NAIOP. In addition to industry involvement, Luis served as a board member for Boys Hope Girls Hope San Francisco for 20 years and was twice Board Chair of Ohlhoff Recovery Systems. He is the author of Get Rich Slowly: Invest in Real Estate and Real Estate 101.

  Seven Hills Properties

  Partner

  Luis Belmonte

  Partner

  Seven Hills Properties

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  Geene Alhady

  Geene Alhady began his career with McCarthy Building Companies holding various roles including managing large construction projects in the healthcare and high-tech industries. In the years that followed, Geene served as president of Meridian Systems, a plan-build-operate technology solutions company, and then as general manager of Trimble Buildings’ Real Estate and Workplace Solutions Division. Geene joined Clark Pacific in 2016 bringing his organizational and marketing expertise and now serves as Clark Pacific’s president.

  Clark Pacific

  President

  Geene Alhady

  President

  Clark Pacific

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  Martha Trela

  Martha is the CEO and co-founder of UrbanBloc, a commercial modular manufacturing company located in San Leandro CA. UrbanBloc is a leading design/build company that transforms shipping containers into restaurants, café’s, retail stores and other commercial buildings in the company’s factory in Northern California. To date, UrbanBloc has completed over 80 projects spanning single container coffee shops to multi-container food and entertainment hubs. UrbanBloc was the recipient of the East Bay Innovation Award in 2020, the 2019 StopWaste Business Efficiency Award for waste reduction and reuse, and the MBI Award of Distinction for Permanent Retail. UrbanBloc was also one of four manufacturers that provided units to the Homekey Mountain View project for the homeless that won the ULI Americas Awards for Excellence in 2021. Martha serves on the Board of Directors for the Modular Building Institute and previously was on the Board of Directors of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce. Prior to founding UrbanBloc in 2014, Martha was an executive in the Life Sciences industry for over 25 years. Martha has a B.S. from Stanford University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.

  UrbanBloc

  CEO

  Martha Trela

  CEO

  UrbanBloc

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  Doug Hayden

  Douglas Hayden boasts an impressive track record spanning over 20 years in both the Commercial and Residential real estate sectors. Alongside his team, Doug has successfully executed more than 1,600 transactions, building a reputation for diligence, innovation, and client satisfaction. Before delving into real estate, Doug sharpened his skills in the realm of business development. He held prominent roles at multiple tech startups, all of which were later acquired by industry giants such as Apple, IBM, and British Telecom. Doug's knack for identifying potential and strategically positioning businesses for success was further cemented during his tenure at SMED, an office solutions provider. Here, Doug steered the company towards integration with tech platforms like Cisco Systems, focusing on enhancing office environments with technology-infused solutions for raised flooring, walls, and ceiling systems. SMED was acquired by Hawworth in 2000. In addition to his industry accomplishments, Doug is a distinguished realtor and has been recognized with numerous community support awards throughout his career. Notably, he was part of the pioneering team that established EXP Realty in Canada, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to innovation in the real estate industry. In honor of his service and impact on communities, he is the recipient of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medal and the Alberta Centennial Medal. With his forward-thinking vision and relentless drive, Doug Hayden continues to reshape the landscape of the real estate industry in North America and beyond.

  Arthroto

  Founder, President, and CSO

  Moderator

  Doug Hayden

  Founder, President, and CSO

  Arthroto

Building Inside Out: Executing Prefabricated Projects

Mastering the execution of prefabricated projects: discussing essential strategies, entitlement and permitting processes, delivery, and transportation of modules

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  Kyle Winkler

  Kyle Winkler is the Construction Director for Tidewater Capital. Kyle is responsible for the management of ground up development, re-positioning, and capital projects at Tidewater. Before joining Tidewater, Kyle worked at UDR where he managed various luxury multi-family developments throughout the Bay Area and Los Angeles. His previous work experience includes roles at Balfour Beatty Construction, Howard S. Wright, and the Hanover Company. Throughout his career Kyle has been involved in over 1.5 million square feet of ground up multi-family construction as well as major hospitality renovation projects. Kyle also sits on the Board of Trustees of the National MS Society Northern California Chapter. A native of Portland, Oregon, Kyle has spent his entire career in the San Francisco Bay Area. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering Management from Oregon State University.

  Tidewater Capital

  Director, Construction

  Kyle Winkler

  Director, Construction

  Tidewater Capital

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  Muhammad Nadhiri

  Muhammad A. Nadhiri is the oldest of three children and was raised in Central Florida, in a household rich with educational, artistic, and social justice history. Muhammad’s father, retired from a lifelong career in education, is a poet. Muhammad’s mother, also a former educator, is the Executive Director of the Zora Neale Hurston Museum in Eatonville, Florida, the oldest incorporated African-American town in the United States. Muhammad’s family has numerous ties to the arts, politics, and the struggle for equality; these basic principles, which formed the foundation of Muhammad’s childhood, continue to drive his philosophy as a developer, businessman, and volunteer. Muhammad lives in San Francisco, with his wife, Rochelle, and daughter, Zahra. Muhammad is the Co-Founding Managing Partner of Axis Development Group; he brings deep experience developing residential/retail/commercial mixed-use projects in the San Francisco Bay Area and select urban markets nationally. Axis is a privately-owned San Francisco and Los Angeles based real estate development firm that specializes in the creation and execution of highly-serviced, uniquely-stylized urban-infill and mixed-use projects. Axis’ Principals bring over 40 years of acquisition, structuring, entitlement, construction, marketing, and sale/lease-up experience to the projects the firm pursues. Axis’ core strategy is to take the experience of its Principals and leverage that knowledge into projects that respond to the complex urban environments in which the firm operates. Prior to forming Axis with Theo F. Oliphant, Muhammad was a Co-Founding Partner at UrbanCore Development and the Founding Managing Partner at M.A.N. Associates, both of which are San Francisco Bay Area-based real estate development firms; Muhammad served as the Principal-in Charge for each firm's development activities. Previously, Muhammad was a Senior Project Manager at AF Evans Development in Oakland, where he was responsible for the development of two downtown-revitalization residential/retail mixed-use projects, totaling 433 for-sale units and 70,000 square feet of retail over five city blocks. Muhammad began his real estate career as an Associate at Wilson Meany in San Francisco, where he co-managed the development of rental and for-sale residential/retail mixed-use projects in San Francisco and the Bay Area; one of which was as a member of the project team for the redevelopment of the historic Ferry Building. Prior to beginning his career in real estate development, Muhammad was an investment banker; he was an Analyst at Nationsbanc Securities and an Associate at RBC Dominion Securities, in New York City. Muhammad holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Corporate Finance from Morehouse College and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. Muhammad is a Past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, a Member of the Board of Directors for the 100 Black Men of America, and a Member of the Board of Trustees for Katherine Delmar Burke School. Muhammad is also a Member of Urban Land Institute, San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, and San Francisco Housing Action Coalition.

  LightPoint Group

  Managing Partner

  Muhammad Nadhiri

  Managing Partner

  LightPoint Group

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  Tim Haley

  Timothy Haley, Architect, is an innovative and client-focused Senior Associate at MBH Architects with over 20 years proven success providing quality designs for multi-family residential projects and mixed use developments. As Technical Director of MBH’s Housing Studio and a leader of the firm’s design technology practice group, he is a strong proponent of leveraging technology to bring about the most creative and expedient solutions to design and construction challenges. Timothy uses his extensive knowledge of design technology to advise on projects across the firm from workspace and laboratory to hospitality and modular housing. Creating projects to meet the clients’ needs by synthesizing program context, technology, and budget, Timothy is recognized for his top performance by repeat client selection and architectural awards of merit

  MBH Architects

  Senior Associate

  Tim Haley

  Senior Associate

  MBH Architects

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  Ryan Ware

  Ryan Ware is co-founder and vice president of construction for Vantis, one of the largest commercial interior construction firms in Northern California. He is an expert in off-site construction modes and methods, including prefab, volumetric, panelized and precast construction; “lean” design and construction; and alternative contract delivery methods that optimize skilled trades labor. Vantis specializes in off-site construction as part of its design-build service. Vantis integrates pre- construction planning, off-site fabrication and multi-trade subcontractors to deliver custom interior spaces that are flexible and optimized for peak performance on Day 2 and Day 222. Vantis clients are general contractors and space occupiers in the corporate, technology, healthcare and education sectors. Representative GC clients: Devcon, DPR, Novo, Swinerton, XL. Representative corporate, technology, healthcare and education clients: Cisco, Silicon Labs, Stanford, Sutter Health, Symantec, UC Berkeley, Veterans Administration.

  Vantis

  President

  Ryan Ware

  President

  Vantis

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  Danette Lucas

  Western Regional Development Manager

  MiTek

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  Hugo Beltran

  Hugo brought change to T.L. Shield & Associates, Inc. that has made a meaningful difference to everyone he comes in contact with. Through his experience, he understands that day in and day out, people are looking for someone who will be a trustworthy partner not just sell them a product and help them find a solution that addresses their needs. That positive sales approach and top-down example leads the elevator and vertical transportation industry and has led TLS to be a leader in California and nationwide distribution. Hugo has exhibited this kind of leadership through a 20-year career in effective communication and project management. The result is a partner with potential clients that demonstrates honorable principles, intentions, and actions. What this means for you is that when he or his team says it. You can believe it. With that integrity he brings an understanding of the tools of management gained in his degree in Business Administration, the latest software, and territory management skills beyond compare. This has propelled TLS to be the top manufacturer and installer of commercial quality modular elevators in the nation.

  T.L. Shield & Associates

  VP

  Moderator

  Hugo Beltran

  VP

  T.L. Shield & Associates

Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis Through Modular Construction

Best strategies to optimize efficiency through scheduling, upfront coordination, streamlined labor, and cost-effective solutions

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  Andrew Meagher

  Though originally from New York, Andrew has spent more than half his life in the Bay Area. His background spans more than thirty years in the architectural profession with the early part of his career focused on global retail design and rollout. He has spent the last twenty dedicated to addressing California’s critical housing needs. Andrew has directed projects across many disciplines, including master planning, mixed use, affordable, supportive, workforce housing, senior living, and new concept development. As Chief Design Officer Andrew is responsible for the creation of Factory OS’s standardized volumetric designs and building systems and oversees all architectural & engineering activities. Andrew collaborates intensively with developer design teams, city agencies, non-profits, and community stakeholders through every stage of the process from feasibility through fabrication to maximize efficiencies that volumetric design can provide. Prior to joining Factory OS Andrew designed 5880 Third Street San Francisco’s largest modular project for Holliday Development. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the Virginia Tech.

  Factory OS

  VP, Architecture & Engineering

  Andrew Meagher

  VP, Architecture & Engineering

  Factory OS

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  Susie Criscimagna

  As Senior Director of Real Estate Development for Eden Housing, Susie leads a team that originates, coordinates and implements all aspects of affordable housing development in the Northern California region for Eden, one of California’s largest and oldest affordable housing non-profit developers and owners. She and her team identify new opportunities, secure both public and private financing, obtain entitlements and environmental approvals, and oversee construction and lease-up for projects including new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation, portfolio syndication, and joint ventures with other developers. Susie Criscimagna holds a Master in Urban Planning from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College.

  Eden Housing

  Senior Director of Real Estate Development

  Susie Criscimagna

  Senior Director of Real Estate Development

  Eden Housing

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  Nick Gomez

  Nick brings more than 20 years of experience in designing and shepherding multifamily developments in California including affordable, market-rate, student housing and senior living communities. He is an industry leader in off-site construction and modular design having permitted more than 2,500 units of factory-built housing in California. Nick is passionate about urban infill housing and inspired by the opportunity to develop projects that contribute to the unique and complex fabric of the cities they are in. A graduate of California College of the Arts architecture program, Gomez is a native Californian and proud of his Bay Area roots. He is active in the East Bay community and serves on the Modular Building Institute (MBI) Design Professionals Advisory Council and the Alameda Public Art Advisory Council (PAAC).

  AO

  Principal

  Nick Gomez

  Principal

  AO

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  Mark Donahue

  As Design Director, Mark brings over 35 years of experience in architecture, leading the charge on a broad spectrum of project typologies ranging from small multifamily residential projects to large scale, complex mixed-use development. Mark is known for his collaborative approach, reflecting a belief in a truly integrated process from project onset to delivery. Notably, Mark was the Design Director for The Jasper – a 39-story high rise; Truckee Artist Lofts – a 77-unit modular, affordable housing project; and Electric Lofts – a micro-unit, co-living, urban-infill apartment building in Oakland. With an attention to detail and focus on materiality, Mark continues to lead successful design projects tuned to the local conditions and incorporating innovative approaches to project delivery. As a college lecturer teaching design and MEP integration, he has passed these successful strategies on to the next generation of architects.

  Lowney Architecture

  Design Director

  Mark Donahue

  Design Director

  Lowney Architecture

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  Nick Schwieger

  Nick Schwieger is the Vice President, Project Executive at Suffolk Construction. Nick provides strong, effective overall leadership and direction to any project team with over ten years of experience. Nick is responsible for ensuring complete transparency and collaboration throughout the project. With professionalism and passion, Nick serves as a direct point of contact, providing delivery on safety, quality, and innovation. Nick’s recent success in modular construction includes Mercy Housing projects at 6th & San Julian and 3552 Whittier Blvd.

  Suffolk Construction

  VP, Project Executive

  Moderator

  Nick Schwieger

  VP, Project Executive

  Suffolk Construction

Future of Mass Timber & CLT

Discussing the advantages vs. risks, noteworthy projects, and pioneering the future of new-age materials

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  Danny Haber

  Danny Haber is the co-founder of oWOW, a B2B and B2C real estate company. An innovative entrepreneur, with a flair for providing workable solutions to the burgeoning housing crisis in California, Haber has been labelled the ‘Oracle of Oakland’ with visionary solutions to the housing crisis. His company, oWOW develops, designs, and constructs net new housing units for consumers and also builds modular units for resale to developers. As a vertically integrated corporation, oWOW operations are geared towards cost-cutting measures, and luxury living courtesy of adaptable units.

  oWow

  CEO

  Danny Haber

  CEO

  oWow

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  Lisa Podesto

  Lisa is a passionate advocate for sustainable structures, serving as rotating Chair of the Structural Engineers Association of California’s Sustainable Design Committee since 2009 and co-authoring several papers on sustainable design and construction, including one of the first studies on the life cycle impacts of structural systems. Highly engaged in California’s AB2446 embodied carbon workshops, she continues to lead efforts that advance low-carbon building strategies. Building on her expertise in timber innovation and sustainability, she supports clients and project teams through feasibility planning, design management, cost planning, and pre-construction, guiding early decisions to deliver pioneering, environmentally responsible projects.

  Swinerton

  Director of Mass Timber and Sustainable Construction

  Lisa Podesto

  Director of Mass Timber and Sustainable Construction

  Swinerton

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  Joseph Nelms

  VP

  Bigge Crane & Rigging Co.

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  Ethan Martin

  Ethan Martin brings a wealth of engineering design experience to DCI Engineers, particularly with his advocacy in mass timber building construction. He has conducted feasibility reports and educational presentations for clients and project stakeholders; collaborated with state officials to set new precedents in prescriptive building codes; and contributed to performance based design of taller wood constructed buildings. His mass timber projects include Flatiron PDX, 120 Clay, and Fair Haired Dumbbell. Ethan contributed to the publication Tall With Timber, a collection of mass timber case studies. Driven to inform his team and professionals in the AEC industries, Ethan quickly becomes an asset to any multi-discipline project team. Formerly a business owner himself, Ethan is a natural leader and skilled project manager. He also co-founded the International Mass Timber Conference with Forest Business Network in Portland.

  DCI Engineers

  Associate Principal

  Moderator

  Ethan Martin

  Associate Principal

  DCI Engineers

Opening Remarks

• Opening Remarks

  Andrea Hyde

  Consultant

  International Healthcare & Science Facility Design and Planning