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The latest episode of Built Environment Matters brought together two leading voices in the world of industrialized construction: Amy Marks (fondly known as the 'Queen of Prefab'), and Jaimie Johnston MBE, Head of Global Systems at Bryden Wood. The discussion delved deep into the future of design, prefabrication, and industrialized construction, offering insights that are both thought-provoking and actionable. Listen in to find out more about the future of construction.
Click the 'play button' above to listen to this Built Environment Matters podcast episode featuring Jaimie Johnston MBE and Amy Marks, or read our 5 Key Takeaways from this episode below...
Amy and Jaimie emphasized that the shift towards industrialized construction is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. With growing pressures from sustainability goals, workforce challenges, and cost-efficiency demands, traditional construction methods are proving inadequate. The conversation highlighted how industrialized processes, including productization and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), are essential for addressing these challenges and meeting future demands.
The discussion introduced the concept of productization—treating components of construction as standardized products rather than one-off custom solutions. Amy argued that productization enables consistency, scalability, and better integration across projects, creating a foundation for innovation. She pointed out that productization is not just about manufacturing but also about enabling architects and engineers to focus on what matters most: creative, high-value design.
Amy and Jaimie discussed how technology serves as the 'connective tissue' that enables the adoption of industrialized construction. Platforms like Autodesk’s suite of tools and Bryden Wood’s work on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and connected construction platforms are driving the integration of design, manufacturing, and construction processes. These technologies provide the data and insights needed to support decision-making, optimize workflows, and improve project outcomes. Integrating machine learning and AI further optimises these processes, leading to smarter construction solutions and improved project outcomes.
The episode highlighted the importance of collaboration across the entire ecosystem—designers, contractors, manufacturers, and clients must work together. Amy stressed the need for serial owners (those who manage multiple projects, such as healthcare providers or governments) to take a leadership role, demanding and supporting industrialized approaches. This collaboration ensures that processes and technologies align with shared goals, creating efficiencies and driving innovation.
A recurring theme was the importance of defining and designing for value. Whether it’s reducing waste, achieving certainty in project timelines, or meeting sustainability goals, understanding what 'value' means to each client is critical. Amy and Jaimie emphasized that industrialized construction is about delivering outcomes that matter to clients and end-users, not just cutting costs.
This engaging episode of Built Environment Matters underscores the transformative potential of industrialized construction and the critical role of collaboration, technology, and innovative thinking. As Amy Marks noted, the shift is already underway, and companies that embrace this change will position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving industry.
Stay tuned for more insights from Bryden Wood and learn more about Industrialized Construction here.
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