Breaking Barriers in Modular Construction: An Interview with Heith Bibby of Mandeville Modular

Published Mar 7, 2025. Author: Audree Grubesic. Read time: 3 min.

Overview

The interview presents Heith Bibby and Mandeville Modular as advocates for steel-framed modular construction. The company focuses on flexible design, large open spaces, and predictable delivery.

Heith Bibby and Mandeville Modular

• Heith Bibby has a 40-year background in structural steel.
• He founded Mandeville Modular to reduce design limits in modular building.
• The goal is large-scale, customizable, high-quality modular buildings.

Steel-framed modular features

• Proprietary truss system spans up to 60 feet without intermediary columns.
• Structures are described as non-combustible and mold-resistant.
• They are engineered for seismic and wind loads.
• The company says it can support multifamily, commercial, and retail projects.
• Finishes and facades mentioned include stucco and glass curtain walls.

Example project

• San Bernardino Navigation Center
• 52,000-square-foot open-space facility
• Designed with congregant sleeping areas and no obstructive support columns

Claims about modular construction

• 8-foot doors.
• 10-foot ceilings.
• Custom layouts.
• High-end finishes.
• On-site factory visits for clients.

Cost and schedule points

• Cost certainty is presented as a key advantage of modular construction.
• Pre-construction planning is used to improve efficiency.
• Factory-controlled environments reduce weather and labor disruption.
• Material futures planning is used to lock in pricing.
• Units are built, inspected, and approved before on-site construction begins.

Transparency and delivery

• The company offers live factory views.
• It also provides logistics coordination.
• Set crew management is part of the process.

Outlook

The article says modular construction is positioned as a response to labor shortages and rising costs. It describes modular as a future direction for faster, more efficient, and customizable construction.

All images are described as illustrative only.