A builder who
gets design.
Rooted in design.
Plant started as a residential design studio, collaborating with Ray Kappe, KieranTimberlake, and other leaders in the field to design and build homes more efficiently. We worked with ten different prefabricators, struggling to find one who met our standards for design integrity, quality, and sustainability.
We founded Plant Prefab as a solution. Our patented Plant Building System™ and factory were designed specifically for custom, architectural projects, empowering us to efficiently and precisely prefabricate unique designs.
Dependable quality and time savings.
Our factory processes offer exacting quality standards that are more akin to manufacturing than construction. Advanced engineering exposes any design or structural issues before production, and we build indoors, with all trades in-house. Construction occurs in tandem with site work and inspections are conducted right in our factory. Your client gets a reliable schedule that’s 20-50% faster than on-site construction.
Expert guidance.
We developed guidelines to explain our processes and orient you to basic prefab design principles. Be sure to send us your project details and plans (ideally at a schematic level) so we can help you optimize your design for prefab.
We also created a one-hour, AIA-accredited course that covers key topics like approvals, design considerations, and criteria for evaluating project fit for prefabrication. The course is free and qualifies for continuing education credit.
Here’s the full process.
Feasibility & Estimate
Initial Design Review
You share the initial design concepts and site address, and we make initial recommendations on a potential Plant Building System™ strategy based on your site, design concept, and overall goals. The Plant Building System allows us to accommodate many different designs. Our engineering services team works with you to determine the most efficient prefab concept for your design based on site and project constraints.
If you haven’t yet reviewed the Plant Design Guidelines for architects, this is a great time to do so.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Site Feasibility
When necessary, we formally evaluate your client’s site and the route from our factory to the lot to make sure it’s feasible to deliver and install prefabricated components. Impediments like overhanging trees and power lines, low bridges, narrow roads, severe curves, and steep slopes along the route determine any constraints on the size of the prefabricated components that can be delivered to the site. We then give you a full report and discuss our recommendations. This is a paid service.
Time: 2 - 4 weeks
Initial Project Estimate
You share the design and finish assumptions, and we then prepare a rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate that specifies anticipated costs, inclusions, and exclusions. If the ROM and initial design review are acceptable, the next step is to move into preconstruction.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Design
If you’re still developing the design, we’ll work with you during the preconstruction phase on any changes that may be required to make it more efficient for prefabrication. Ideally, you will connect with us before your plans have been engineered, as the requirements for off-site construction vary from those for site-built projects.
If you’ve already completed the design, we’ll help you optimize it for prefabrication, which may result in reengineering and re-approvals.
Time: Varies by project
Preconstruction
Preconstruction & Design Review
You and your client finalize the design and all specifications, and we work with you on behalf of your client to determine the scope of work between us and your client’s site general contractor, who we recommend hiring as early as possible. Based on the final CD package, we establish pricing for the fabrication. We also collate and submit the engineered drawings for the factory-built portion to state authorities for review and approval.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Estimating
As your design progresses from schematic designs to construction documents, we provide three estimates, as well as a spec and scope document, to assist in developing overall prefab component costs. The spec and scope document identifies what’s built and/or provided by Plant versus what’s built and/or provided by the general contractor.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Engineering & Approvals
As the Architect of Record, you are responsible for all zoning and code compliance for the project. You also coordinate with all consultants necessary to complete a full CD package. We can provide referrals for consultants or assist yours with the specifics of prefab engineering. We encourage you and your client to bring on a general contractor as early as possible to assist with the scope of work development for the site portion.
Our team works with you during the development of the design and detailing and the preparation of the state submittal package. All components built in the factory are reviewed, approved, and inspected by a 3rd party agency representing the state. Engineering and permitting for foundations and site work is governed by local authorities.
We review the package before submitting it to the state approval agency on behalf of the project. Once the state submittal is approved, it is added to your permit package for final submission to the local enforcement agency (LEA).
Time: Varies by jurisdiction
Plant Virtual Build
Before fabrication begins, our CAD engineers create a complete virtual model of your project, down to the SDS screws and hold downs. The digital modeling process includes coordinating and specifying the routing of mechanical, electrical, sprinkler, and plumbing systems through the structure. The entire project is constructed in CAD, and shop drawings are created prior to any lumber being cut. RFIs are also generated during this time, before construction begins, insuring a shorter more efficient build time.
The shop drawings produced include cut lists for factory equipment, all purchased materials, and detailed shipping instructions. An installation manual for assembling all the components on site is also included.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Fabrication & Site Work
Fabrication
After the building permit is secured, the project is built according to the shop drawings in our indoor facilities by our highly-skilled, full-time tradespeople. Our rigorous quality control program ensures superior craftsmanship, and our environmental health and sustainability standards minimize waste. Our Plant Building System walls and panels are built to minimize air and ember infiltration, taking into consideration both energy efficiency and fire resiliency.
Production happens in parallel with the site work, and all required inspections are completed in our factory prior to shipping components to the site. All components have an insignia on them alerting the LEA of the state’s approval.
You and the general contractor are welcome to visit the factory and observe the progress of construction.
Time: 12-16 weeks
Site Work and Foundation
We do not perform site work, but during the factory fabrication, there are weekly calls with the entire project team to coordinate the schedule and scope of work.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Installation to Move-In
Delivery & Installation
Your client’s general contractor may self-perform the work or hire an installation company to manage the transportation and installation of the prefab components. We can also refer your client to installation companies, if needed. The transportation company secures any necessary permits and delivers the components from our factory to the job site.
Installation is when the modules and other prefabricated components are assembled on-site. A crane is used to lift the components off the truck and then lower them onto the prepared foundation, where they are structurally connected to the foundation and to each other, as required. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, the installation time varies from several hours to several days. Larger multi-family projects may take longer. This is coordinated before the units are shipped.
Time: 1 - 3 days
Finish Work
Once the building is assembled, your client’s general contractor connects the utilities, installs the appliances, and applies any finish materials as determined by the scope of work. Some of our projects ship up to 90% complete, with drywall, paint, millwork, tile, and appliances in place. In these projects, the on-site finish work is minimal. The level of finish completion in the factory determines the amount of finish work that occurs on-site.
Time: 6 - 12 weeks
Final Inspection
All prefabricated components are inspected in the factory and arrive on-site with a state insignia indicating to the LEA that all factory-built components have been reviewed and approved by a state-certified agency.
Fewer onsite inspections are required if more work has been completed in the factory. For example, if bathrooms and kitchens are finished in the factory, the plumbing and sprinklers will have already been tested.
The city performs all final inspections as required by the local permit, including structural and utility connections and inspections of any other work not completed in our factory.
Initial Design Review
You share the initial design concepts and site address, and we make initial recommendations on a potential Plant Building System™ strategy based on your site, design concept, and overall goals. The Plant Building System allows us to accommodate many different designs. Our engineering services team works with you to determine the most efficient prefab concept for your design based on site and project constraints.
If you haven’t yet reviewed the Plant Design Guidelines for architects, this is a great time to do so.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Site Feasibility
When necessary, we formally evaluate your client’s site and the route from our factory to the lot to make sure it’s feasible to deliver and install prefabricated components. Impediments like overhanging trees and power lines, low bridges, narrow roads, severe curves, and steep slopes along the route determine any constraints on the size of the prefabricated components that can be delivered to the site. We then give you a full report and discuss our recommendations. This is a paid service.
Time: 2 - 4 weeks
Initial Project Estimate
You share the design and finish assumptions, and we then prepare a rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate that specifies anticipated costs, inclusions, and exclusions. If the ROM and initial design review are acceptable, the next step is to move into preconstruction.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Design
If you’re still developing the design, we’ll work with you during the preconstruction phase on any changes that may be required to make it more efficient for prefabrication. Ideally, you will connect with us before your plans have been engineered, as the requirements for off-site construction vary from those for site-built projects.
If you’ve already completed the design, we’ll help you optimize it for prefabrication, which may result in reengineering and re-approvals.
Time: Varies by project
Preconstruction & Design Review
You and your client finalize the design and all specifications, and we work with you on behalf of your client to determine the scope of work between us and your client’s site general contractor, who we recommend hiring as early as possible. Based on the final CD package, we establish pricing for the fabrication. We also collate and submit the engineered drawings for the factory-built portion to state authorities for review and approval.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Estimating
As your design progresses from schematic designs to construction documents, we provide three estimates, as well as a spec and scope document, to assist in developing overall prefab component costs. The spec and scope document identifies what’s built and/or provided by Plant versus what’s built and/or provided by the general contractor.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Engineering & Approvals
As the Architect of Record, you are responsible for all zoning and code compliance for the project. You also coordinate with all consultants necessary to complete a full CD package. We can provide referrals for consultants or assist yours with the specifics of prefab engineering. We encourage you and your client to bring on a general contractor as early as possible to assist with the scope of work development for the site portion.
Our team works with you during the development of the design and detailing and the preparation of the state submittal package. All components built in the factory are reviewed, approved, and inspected by a 3rd party agency representing the state. Engineering and permitting for foundations and site work is governed by local authorities.
We review the package before submitting it to the state approval agency on behalf of the project. Once the state submittal is approved, it is added to your permit package for final submission to the local enforcement agency (LEA).
Time: Varies by jurisdiction
Plant Virtual Build
Before fabrication begins, our CAD engineers create a complete virtual model of your project, down to the SDS screws and hold downs. The digital modeling process includes coordinating and specifying the routing of mechanical, electrical, sprinkler, and plumbing systems through the structure. The entire project is constructed in CAD, and shop drawings are created prior to any lumber being cut. RFIs are also generated during this time, before construction begins, insuring a shorter more efficient build time.
The shop drawings produced include cut lists for factory equipment, all purchased materials, and detailed shipping instructions. An installation manual for assembling all the components on site is also included.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Fabrication
After the building permit is secured, the project is built according to the shop drawings in our indoor facilities by our highly-skilled, full-time tradespeople. Our rigorous quality control program ensures superior craftsmanship, and our environmental health and sustainability standards minimize waste. Our Plant Building System walls and panels are built to minimize air and ember infiltration, taking into consideration both energy efficiency and fire resiliency.
Production happens in parallel with the site work, and all required inspections are completed in our factory prior to shipping components to the site. All components have an insignia on them alerting the LEA of the state’s approval.
You and the general contractor are welcome to visit the factory and observe the progress of construction.
Time: 12-16 weeks
Site Work and Foundation
We do not perform site work, but during the factory fabrication, there are weekly calls with the entire project team to coordinate the schedule and scope of work.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Delivery & Installation
Your client’s general contractor may self-perform the work or hire an installation company to manage the transportation and installation of the prefab components. We can also refer your client to installation companies, if needed. The transportation company secures any necessary permits and delivers the components from our factory to the job site.
Installation is when the modules and other prefabricated components are assembled on-site. A crane is used to lift the components off the truck and then lower them onto the prepared foundation, where they are structurally connected to the foundation and to each other, as required. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, the installation time varies from several hours to several days. Larger multi-family projects may take longer. This is coordinated before the units are shipped.
Time: 1 - 3 days
Finish Work
Once the building is assembled, your client’s general contractor connects the utilities, installs the appliances, and applies any finish materials as determined by the scope of work. Some of our projects ship up to 90% complete, with drywall, paint, millwork, tile, and appliances in place. In these projects, the on-site finish work is minimal. The level of finish completion in the factory determines the amount of finish work that occurs on-site.
Time: 6 - 12 weeks
Final Inspection
All prefabricated components are inspected in the factory and arrive on-site with a state insignia indicating to the LEA that all factory-built components have been reviewed and approved by a state-certified agency.
Fewer onsite inspections are required if more work has been completed in the factory. For example, if bathrooms and kitchens are finished in the factory, the plumbing and sprinklers will have already been tested.
The city performs all final inspections as required by the local permit, including structural and utility connections and inspections of any other work not completed in our factory.
Inspired designs, efficiently built.
See the results.
Custom
Faster
Healthy
Designed for Living
Smart
Why choose Plant?
Your client’s project is efficiently constructed to your exact design specifications, in half the time of an on-site build. Rigorous quality control standards ensure superior craftsmanship and full-service project management ensures no surprises for you or your client.
Connect with us.
We offer lunch and learns as well as tours of our factory and show homes.
Have a project to discuss? Tell us about it and we can provide a detailed quote.
Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.”
Julia Morgan