Episode 34 - David Latimer, New Frontier Design

In this episode, Michael Frank of Prefab Review chats with Alexis Rivas, co-founder of Cover. They delve into the innovative prefab construction processes at Cover, including their all-steel, panelized building systems and their expansion into single-family homes and ADUs in Southern California. Learn about the benefits of vertical integration, improvements in manufacturing and assembly, and the nuances of getting homes permitted in the region. Alexis also discusses the unique features that make Cover homes energy-efficient, fire-safe, and highly customizable. Don't miss this engaging conversation full of insights into the future of prefab housing.

In this episode, we speak with Toby Long, architect at Clever Homes, about the complexities and considerations of building prefab homes in mountain areas, specifically ski towns. Topics discussed include site diligence, the rising difficulty and costs of mountain construction, the benefits of prefab and modular construction in these environments, and practical advice for managing snow loads, landscaping, off-grid solutions, and material choices. Toby also shares insights into specific project examples and key differences between modular and traditional site construction in these unique settings.

In this episode, host Michael Frank is joined by Toby Long, architect at Clever Homes, to discuss the intricacies of prefabricated construction and fire rebuilds. The discussion aims to demystify the prefab industry, address common questions, and provide valuable insights for those affected by recent fires in California. They delve into Toby's extensive experience, touching on site preparation, permitting, design, construction timelines, and cost considerations. The episode also provides actionable advice for homeowners navigating the rebuilding process, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right construction method—whether stick-built, modular, or panelized.

Prefab Review's Michael Frank talks with Cole Painter of New Primitive, regarding their modular wellness suites. In addition to talking about the evolution of New Primitive as a company, they also discuss how prefab construction is being used to deliver high-end home saunas and cold plunge units to customers across the United States.

Prefab Review's Michael Frank talks with Herb Rogove & Wayne Norbeck of Liv-Connected about their unique, small square footage homes. They discuss Liv-Connected's unique value offering for emergency relief and health-centered housing as well as their unique design and architectural systems.

Jordan Easterling, the Founder of Building Swell, a technology company that helps prefab home builders track and manage their operations, speaks with Michael Frank of Prefab Review. Their conversation covers a range of prefab housing topics including construction timelines, manufacturing technology, and measuring construction quality.

Toby Long, architect at Clever Homes, and Prefab Review’s Michael Frank discuss evaluating potential building sites and selecting a parcel of land. Within that, they cover things like necessary site requirements, questions to ask, and other points of diligence potential buyers should consider when buying land with the purpose of building a prefab or modular home.

Mike Wneck, VP of Business Development at Jacobsen Homes, and Michael Frank of Prefab Review discuss the products and operations of a large prefab home company like Jacobsen Homes. Additionally, they discuss the difference between modular homes and manufactured homes and how those differences can affect buyers.

David Latimer, founder and CEO of New Frontier Design speaks with Michael Frank of Prefab Review about the birth and growth of New Frontier Design. They cover multiple stages of the company's evolution including custom tiny homes, affordable luxury tiny homes, interior design, and even their role in reality television.

Galiano Tiramani, founder of Boxabl, and Michael Frank of Prefab Review talk about Boxabl, their unique housing product, and their rapid growth. Together, they discuss Boxabl's folding housing system which aims to be more affordable, easier to ship, and quicker to set up than traditional modular and stick-built housing options.