Exploring the Future of Offsite Construction: A Conversation with Steve Dubin

As the world of construction evolves, industry events continue to play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. At this year’s Advancing Prefab event in Glendale, Arizona, Offsite Dirt Network had the pleasure of catching up with Steve Dubin, a well-known figure in the offsite construction industry.

The Power of Industry Networking

Steve is no stranger to industry events, and he believes they are one of the best ways to connect with influential professionals across the construction sector.

"Events like Advancing Prefab provide a unique opportunity to meet people who influence your work—or whom you can influence. Even if you don’t work directly together, sharing best practices helps everyone," he explained.

The construction industry is rapidly adapting to offsite and modular techniques, and networking at these specialized events fosters knowledge-sharing that pushes the industry forward.

Expanding Opportunities in Offsite Construction

Beyond Advancing Prefab, Steve highlighted other key industry gatherings, including: - World of Modular - International Builders' Show (IBS) in Las Vegas - Regional modular and offsite construction events

Each of these offers a different perspective on the industry, from new technologies and materials to emerging trends in industrialized construction methods.

Behind the Scenes: Factory Visits & Innovation

Steve's role involves traveling extensively to visit offsite manufacturing facilities, including a recent trip to Stratford Building Corporation in Rathbun, Idaho.

"Every factory is different," he noted. "You may expect similarities in the final product, but how they operate, the materials they use, and their workflow are always unique."

Factory visits offer a firsthand look at how prefab and modular construction processes evolve, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in the industry.

Clarifying Offsite Construction Terminology

The terminology surrounding offsite construction can often be confusing. Steve broke it down:

- Modular Construction – Can refer to either modular components or a full modular system.- Volumetric Construction – Focuses on complete, prefabricated three-dimensional units.- Panelized Construction – Prefabricated panels used in construction, a subset of offsite methods.- Prefab Construction – A broad term covering anything built offsite and later assembled on location.

Understanding these terms is key for industry professionals as more traditional construction firms explore modular and offsite solutions.

The Push for Standardization

One of the biggest challenges in offsite construction is standardization—something Steve sees as a necessary step toward efficiency, cost savings, and scalability.

"When we start implementing standardized processes, the industry benefits from improved efficiency, reduced costs, and a more streamlined workflow," he emphasized.

As modular and offsite construction continue gaining traction, companies are working to refine best practices and set industry-wide benchmarks.

The Future of Offsite Construction & AI Integration

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the evolution of offsite construction. At Advancing Prefab, discussions centered around AI-driven solutions like Merlin AI, an ERP system designed to optimize construction processes.

More companies are integrating digital tools, automation, and AI-driven data analytics to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve project outcomes.

Final Thoughts: The Value of Industry Events

Beyond the technology and innovation, Steve highlighted one core takeaway: the importance of building relationships in the industry.

"One of the best parts of my job is networking—meeting people at events like this and forming long-term connections. A year ago, I met some amazing professionals, and today, we’re collaborating in exciting ways."

For anyone looking to stay ahead in offsite and modular construction, industry events remain a must-attend—offering insights, opportunities, and valuable connections that shape the future of the industry.

🚀 Stay tuned for more insights from the world of offsite construction with Offsite Dirt Network!