This panel discussion will cover the opportunities and challenges of modular and volumetric construction, which is an innovative approach to construction that involves manufacturing and assembling building components offsite in a factory. The panelists will explore the benefits of modular and volumetric construction, including faster construction times, reduced waste, and increased quality control. They will also discuss the challenges associated with this approach, such as transportation and logistics issues, as well as the need for specialized design and engineering. The presentation will provide insights into the potential for modular and volumetric construction to revolutionize the industry and how it can be integrated with traditional construction methods. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with this approach and how it can be leveraged to drive growth and innovation in the construction industry.
Brandon Searle, P. Eng. is the Innovation Director for the Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) at the University of New Brunswick. Born in Moncton, N.B., he completed a BScE in civil engineering and a diploma in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of New Brunswick Before joining UNB, Brandon worked on capital projects from both the owner and contractor side followed by a four-year position with WSP where he was an asset management consultant. While with WSP, he worked toward an M.Eng. focusing on level of service in infrastructure management and completed a broad collection of courses in economics, project management, business, finance and engineering. Brandon serves as the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) Western NB Section Past-Chair, CSCE Atlantic Region Treasurer and sits on the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) Board of Directors.
This panel discussion will cover the opportunities and challenges of modular and volumetric construction, which is an innovative approach to construction that involves manufacturing and assembling building components offsite in a factory. The panelists will explore the benefits of modular and volumetric construction, including faster construction times, reduced waste, and increased quality control. They will also discuss the challenges associated with this approach, such as transportation and logistics issues, as well as the need for specialized design and engineering. The presentation will provide insights into the potential for modular and volumetric construction to revolutionize the industry and how it can be integrated with traditional construction methods. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with this approach and how it can be leveraged to drive growth and innovation in the construction industry.
Patrick is the Founder and VP of Market Strategy at Element5, Canada’s newest and most fully automated Mass Timber manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. He is a driving force behind a rapidly growing company that not only manufactures mass timber components but also provides a complete range of services to successfully execute timber construction projects on a large scale.
Patrick believes mass timber is the essential building material of the 21st century and the company is proud to manufacture their products from sustainably sourced Ontario wood. Patrick is a passionate advocate for construction industry transformation and believes that prefabricated mass timber construction is the key to the significant gains in construction efficiency and building performance that we need to meet our significant housing and infrastructure needs in a sustainable way that contributes to a low-carbon future.
Jill Kaehler is the Director of Product Architecture at Volumetric Building Companies, a global construction technology leader headquartered in Philadelphia with locations across the United States and Europe. Having spent a large portion of her career designing and leading international projects within renowned architectural offices and driven by the believe that spaces directly impact our quality of life, Jill contributes an innovative and forward-thinking design approach to the design studio. Regardless of the building typology or construction methodology, Jill believes in the importance of sustainable, energy efficient buildings that respond to their time and place.
Murray Velichko is a seasoned business executive with close to 30 years of experience in the construction industry. As an Engineer, Murray has been able to approach his career with first hand knowledge of many varied market sectors including infrastructure, heavy civil, industrial, residential, offsite manufacturing and modular construction. He began his career with a large construction firm, has pursued entrepreneurial passion by owning his own business and has since maintained roles which cater to his leadership and visionary approach to innovation and people management. Murray has brought value to organizations of all sizes across Western Canada and the United States.
Murray is an advocate for the advantages that modular construction brings to the industry by streamlining timelines and reducing cost without compromising quality. His knowledge and experiences have led him to hold the position of Vice President of Business Development at a leading modular manufacturing firm, Stack Modular. In his role, Murray oversees the company's business development efforts, focusing on growing the company's client base and expanding its reach in the industry. His expertise in construction has been instrumental in identifying new opportunities for growth, and his strategic planning has helped companies achieve significant success in recent years.
Murray is a respected leader in the industry, known for his innovative thinking and his ability to build strong relationships with customers and partners. He is passionate about modular construction and its potential to revolutionize the industry, and he works tirelessly to promote its benefits.
