Why Prefab is the Future: Insights from RNGD’s Innovation Leader Will Cotten

William Cotten , RNGD’s Innovation and Prefab Leader, will take the stage at BuiltWorlds Offsite Construction Conference to lead the conversation on prefabrication. Ahead of the event, we sat down with Will for a preview of his discussion on why prefab is the future of the construction industry. He shared insights into the flexibility of a “kit-of-parts" methodology, which allows RNGD to adapt to evolving project demands, and the precision logistics that streamline complex urban site projects. Will also addresses how RNGD’s prefab team tackles developer concerns around quality control, adaptability, and cost –combining meticulous planning. Dive deeper into Will’s insights below!

Q: When considering the long-term adaptability of prefab designs, how do you ensure that prefab models are flexible enough to accommodate future changes in building codes or tenant requirements without compromising on cost or timeline?

Cotten: Our approach to prefabrication is all about flexibility. We use a kit-of-parts methodology, which means breaking assemblies down into their most fundamental components. This gives us the best of both worlds—standardization where it makes sense and the freedom to adapt designs or finishes when needed. Unlike fully finished modular pods or assemblies, this approach ensures we can respond to changes, whether they’re tenant-driven or related to building codes, without sacrificing quality, cost, or efficiency. It’s about staying nimble while still delivering a high-quality, reliable product within accelerated timeframes.

Q: Developers often worry about the potential for delays during transportation and assembly of prefab components. What steps are you taking to mitigate the risks of delays, especially when working on complex urban sites with limited access?

Cotten: One of the biggest advantages of prefabricated construction is that it demands exceptional design and preconstruction coordination upfront. When done right, it ensures that everything fits together seamlessly with little to no need for field modifications. This is a game-changer, especially for tight, urban lots with tricky site logistics.

Take an exterior fa?ade, for example—normally, multiple trades partners would work close together to frame, sheath, waterproof, install windows, and apply finishes, all in challenging or even dangerous conditions. With prefabricated panels, we can hoist and install these elements in one move, directly from within the superstructure.

Beyond the shop floor, we stay ahead of potential delays by managing logistics with precision. Our team keeps a close eye on trucking and delivery sequencing, working hand-in-hand with installation crews to ensure smooth handoffs. This attention to detail makes all the difference when navigating the complexities of urban projects.

Q: How do you address concerns about the quality control of prefab components when they are manufactured off-site? What measures do you put in place to ensure that components meet the same standards as those built traditionally on-site?

Cotten: In prefabrication, you’d expect better quality control and labor productivity, given the offsite environment —but at RNGD, we don’t just assume quality control, we take it to the next level. Every single product we create is labeled with a QR code, and that QR code is much more than just a tracker. It’s a full-access pass to the product’s journey through design, fabrication, shipping, and installation.

We are also working to have it act as a living database for quality control inspections, product specs, and testing certifications. This ensures everything meets the highest standards at every stage, giving us (and our clients) confidence in every component that leaves our facility. Traceability and accountability are built into the process from the start.

Q: What key elements of organizational readiness are critical to successfully transitioning from traditional construction methods to prefab construction, and how do you prepare your teams to handle this shift?

Cotten: The most important part of making the jump to prefab is embracing what we at RNGD call a “True Builder Ethos.” As a prefab manufacturer, you must think like an engineer—focused on precision and efficiency—but you also need to see the significance of considerate and clear architectural details. It’s a balancing act between technical rigor and creative problem-solving.

For those in the trades, this may come naturally because they’ve lived the hands-on realities of construction. General contractors, on the other hand, sometimes struggle to embrace the level of responsibility that comes with prefab—because you are ultimately responsible for not just the components, but for the success of the entire build.

This shift requires cultural evolution. It’s about collaboration, accountability, and rigorously aligning design, engineering, and construction teams. When that happens, prefab isn’t just a new way of building; it becomes the standard way.

Q: Developers sometimes hesitate to adopt prefab construction for certain components, such as exterior walls. What do you believe are the main concerns they have, and how do you address these hesitations in terms of cost, quality control, and long-term value?

Cotten: If you want to get developers & clients on board with your prefabrication approach, you have to start by really understanding their concerns. The truth is, depending on the market, many still see prefab as new or experimental. Instead of viewing it as a way to reduce risks, they often see it as a potential risk creator.

However, with tighter budgets, aggressive schedules, labor shortages, and the constant push for more sustainable and resilient buildings, prefabrication isn’t just an alternative—it’s a necessity. It’s no longer an experiment; it’s becoming the standard.

By showing how prefab can tackle these challenges head-on—whether it’s cutting costs, managing supply chains, or boosting efficiency—we can flip the script. Prefab isn’t something to be hesitant about; it’s a proven way to deliver better, faster, and more reliable results.

RNGD is at the forefront of prefabrication, transforming how the construction industry approaches efficiency, quality, and adaptability. With a commitment to precision engineering, rigorous quality control, and innovative methodologies like our "kit-of-parts" approach, RNGD is redefining what’s possible in construction. Our focus ensures that every project meets the highest standards, while our advanced tracking systems and streamlined logistics provide developers with unmatched reliability and transparency. By addressing concerns head-on and consistently delivering value RNGD is not just leading the charge in prefab development; we’re setting the standard for the future of building.