Modular Housing Product Designer — BIM & Manufacturing

We are developing a small family of modular homes, initially planned in three sizes. Our goal is to create a practical, attractive, and repeatable building system that can be adapted across these different sizes. We will begin with one model as a real-world pilot, using it to define and validate the structural system, materials, construction assemblies, manufacturing method, logistics, costs, and BIM workflow. Once the system has been tested, we intend to refine and apply it across the remaining models. This is a bootstrapped, self-funded project. We are looking for a capable, practical designer who can take ownership of defined deliverables without turning the initial engagement into a large consulting package. The Role You will work directly with the founder during live online screen-sharing sessions to develop the first modular-home model and the underlying building system. This is a hands-on product-design role with clear responsibilities and deliverables. You will help move the project from the current concept into a coordinated BIM design that is practical, manufacturable, transportable, and suitable for engineering and supplier review. We plan to use Fable 5 alongside Autodesk Revit, or another suitable BIM platform that can function effectively with Fable 5, to accelerate modelling, research, documentation, comparisons, and iteration. Much of the work will be completed collaboratively during live sessions. However, you will be responsible for the quality, coordination, and completeness of the agreed design deliverables. Experience with Fable 5 is not required, but you should be comfortable working with AI-assisted design tools and reviewing their outputs critically. Responsibilities You will help; Define the modular building system and design rules Develop the first pilot model in a coordinated BIM environment Create a system that can later support the planned three models Define structural concepts, dimensional grids, and standardized components Select appropriate materials and construction methods Develop wall, floor, roof, and façade assemblies Review insulation, moisture control, thermal bridging, ventilation, and weatherproofing Develop module, panel, and component connection concepts Consider manufacturing tolerances and assembly sequences Design around transportation, lifting, shipping, and installation constraints Evaluate factory-completed versus site-completed work Consider flat-pack or container-loading requirements where relevant Prepare information for suppliers, manufacturers, architects, and engineers Track technical decisions, unresolved issues, risks, and required approvals Support material efficiency, cost control, and design-for-manufacturing decisions Move the project consistently toward a buildable prototype Initial Deliverables; The initial deliverables for the first pilot are expected to include: Product and technical requirements document Recommended modular building and manufacturing system Structural and dimensional design basis Coordinated BIM model Defined wall, floor, roof, and façade assemblies Preliminary module and component connection strategy Plans, elevations, sections, and key construction details Material and component schedules Preliminary quantity takeoff and cost inputs Manufacturing, transportation, lifting, and installation considerations List of unresolved technical questions and engineering requirements Information package for supplier and manufacturer discussions Roadmap from design through engineering review, sourcing, prototype production, testing, transport, and installation The exact scope, milestones, and deliverables will be agreed before each stage begins. BIM and Software Workflow; The project should be developed in a BIM environment that becomes the coordinated source of truth for: Geometry and dimensions Materials and construction assemblies Plans, elevations, sections, and details Components, quantities, and schedules Specifications and revisions Information shared with engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers Autodesk Revit is currently preferred. Another BIM platform may be considered if it: Supports a proper BIM-based workflow Can manage materials, assemblies, quantities, schedules, and revisions Can function effectively with Fable 5 Allows reliable information exchange with engineers and manufacturers Is suitable for developing a repeatable modular housing product If you recommend an alternative to Revit, please explain how it would work with Fable 5 and what limitations the workflow may have. Relevant Experience; You may have a background in: Modular or prefabricated construction Architecture or building engineering Structural design coordination Timber-frame or light-gauge steel construction SIP or panelized construction Off-site manufacturing Tiny homes or transportable buildings Building-envelope design BIM coordination Physical-product or construction-product development Practical technical ability is more important than job titles or polished renders. We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked on buildings or systems that were: Manufactured off-site Transported as modules, panels, or components Lifted or craned into position Connected or assembled on location Designed around manufacturing, logistics, cost, and installation constraints Experience with BIM software is important. Revit experience is preferred, although another platform may be considered if it supports the required workflow. Professional Scope; You will not be expected to provide final structural certification or replace licensed professionals required for local approvals. You will, however, be expected to identify where specialist engineering or regulatory review is required, coordinate the relevant design information, and clearly document unresolved technical matters. Initial Engagement; We will begin with a paid live trial session. The first session will focus on: Reviewing the current concepts and planned product range Identifying missing technical information Discussing suitable structural and material systems Reviewing the proposed BIM and Fable 5 workflow Identifying major risks and constraints Recommending the most suitable model to develop first Defining the first development milestones Evaluating how effectively we work together live The engagement will initially be hourly and part-time. There may be ongoing work and increasing responsibility if the collaboration is effective and the pilot progresses. When Applying; Please include links or examples of one or two relevant modular, prefab, panelized, or off-site projects. Keep your application practical and concise. Relevant technical and construction experience is more important than polished renders or general architectural portfolios.