Master DfMA methodologies to streamline the building process, minimize project waste, reduce costs, and scale the delivery of high-quality residential developments.
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is transforming the delivery of residential developments by shifting construction from traditional site-based processes towards manufacturing-led production. By integrating design, engineering, and fabrication from the earliest project stages, DfMA enables architects to improve quality, productivity, sustainability, and programme certainty while addressing many of the challenges facing the UK housing sector. Successful implementation, however, requires architects to rethink conventional design processes and embrace greater collaboration across the supply chain.
This session explores the practical application of DfMA principles to housing projects, examining how architects can design for offsite manufacture, optimise standardisation without compromising design quality, and coordinate effectively with manufacturers, contractors, and consultants. Participants will gain practical insights into delivering industrialised construction projects that balance commercial viability, environmental performance, and architectural ambition.
Key Topics Discussed:
Partner, Sustainable Futures | HTA Design LLP
Rory set up the HTA Sustainable Futures team, a specialist unit within HTA Design LLP that focusses on sustainable design, energy analysis and prefabrication. He has been delivering innovation in sustainable housing in the UK for over a decade, including leading the sustainability strategy for the competition-winning Hanham Hall project, one of the UK’s largest zero carbon housing schemes. His experience includes Designing for manufacture and Assembly(DfMA) which has a significant impact on sustainability, lowering embodied emissions and contributing to the circular economy. Rory co-authored the Modular Housing handbook and chairs a working group for the Construction Leadership Council on client adoption of MMC.
