April 09, 2025

Prefab Isn’t Just About Efficiency

26 minutes

Does innovation always mean groundbreaking new tech, or can it also mean simple, steady improvements to the way you work? Live from Advancing Prefab 2025, Todd Weyandt sits down with Jason Van Nest to talk about the importance of standardization in prefab construction, the balance between innovation and practical solutions, and the necessity of stakeholder buy-in for successful standards. Looking to the future, Jason emphasizes the need for configured solutions in construction and the power of collaboration to drive change in the industry.

Main takeaways:

🔹 How can we bridge the gap between architects and builders?

🔹 Why is prefab the key to efficiency and scalability?

🔹 What’s coming next in automation, AI, and modular design?

🎧 Don’t miss this deep dive into the prefab revolution—tune in now!

Jason Van Nest is the founder of LOGIC Building Systems and a leading voice in offsite construction and modular innovation. As the executive director of New York Tech's Center for Offsite Construction, he works to create the technology, research, and curriculum needed to scale industrialized construction in the U.S. With a background as a licensed architect, professor, and BIM consultant, Jason brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, academic leadership, and forward-thinking strategies to the conversation on how to drive down costs and make prefab more accessible.

TODD TAKES

Prefab Needs Standardization—But Not at the Cost of Flexibility: Everyone talks about the need for standardization in prefab, but Jason made a great point—it’s not about forcingeverything into a rigid system. Instead, the goal should be to create repeatable, scalable solutions that still leave room for customization and adaptability. Think of it like USB ports—if the industry can agree on universal connection points, prefab can scale without limiting design freedom.

Industrialized Construction is the Only Path Forward: With rising material costs, labor shortages, and sustainability pressures, Jason doesn’t see a future where industrialized construction isn’tthe solution. Prefab and modular methods are the only scalable way to build smarter, faster, and more efficiently. The key? Breaking free from outdated, project-by-project engineering and moving toward a true “configured-to-order” model.

The Market Needs to Be Ready for Innovation: Here’s the thing—technology alone won’t change the industry. Jason pointed out that major innovations only succeed when the market is prepared to adopt them, just like how USB ports paved the way for smartphones and thumb drives. If we want prefab and industrialized construction to scale, we need to set the foundation nowwith clear standards, better collaboration, and a mindset shift across the industry.

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