What is an MMC advisor, and when should you appoint one?

More developers, operators and housing providers are asking whether modern methods of construction could make their next scheme faster, more predictable or easier to build. The options can be confusing, though. Choose the wrong system, or choose too late, and the promised savings can turn into redesign and delay. That is where an MMC advisor comes in.

First, what is MMC?

Modern methods of construction (MMC) means making more of a building off site, in factory conditions, rather than on site. It ranges from fully volumetric modules, which are whole rooms built and fitted out in a factory, to panelised walls and floors, pre-assembled components such as bathroom pods, and digital design for manufacture. Many schemes use a hybrid, mixing methods to suit the site and the building.

what an MMC advisor does

What does an MMC advisor do?

An MMC advisor helps the client make the big construction decisions early, and then makes sure they hold through design and procurement. In practice, that usually means:

• Deciding whether MMC suits the scheme at all. Not every site or building type benefits, and an honest answer early saves money.
• Comparing systems. Volumetric, panelised, hybrid or traditional, weighed on programme, cost, quality, risk and the supply chain available.
• Designing for manufacture. Setting grids, module sizes and floor-to-floor heights that a factory can produce efficiently, following the RIBA DfMA Overlay.
• Running manufacturer selection. Writing the brief, inviting the right suppliers and comparing their offers like for like.
• Managing compliance and risk. Fire, structure, warranties, transport and craneage, and Building Safety Regulator requirements on higher-risk buildings.
• Coordinating the team. Keeping client, architect, engineer, manufacturer and contractor working to the same plan.

A good MMC advisor is on the client’s side. Their job is to find the right answer for the project, not to sell a particular product.

When to appoint and what to look for

When should you appoint an MMC advisor?

The earlier the better, ideally at feasibility (RIBA Stages 0–2) and before you submit for planning. Once a planning consent fixes the building’s heights, grids and layouts, adapting it to a factory system often means compromise or a fresh application. Appointing an advisor early keeps your options open while they are still cheap to change.

It is still worth bringing one in later. Typical cases are when a manufacturer’s proposal needs an independent check, when a scheme is running over budget, or when you are converting a traditional design to MMC.

What to look for in an MMC advisor

• Delivered projects. Ask which MMC buildings they have taken from design to completion, and in which systems.
• Design and manufacturing knowledge. The best advice comes from people who understand both the architecture and the factory.
• Breadth across systems. An advisor who has worked with several manufacturers can compare options fairly.
• Knowledge of regulation. Fire safety, warranties and the Building Safety Regulator now shape what is possible, especially on taller residential buildings.

At Studio Anyo, our MMC work includes around 400 volumetric bedrooms at CitizenM Tower of London, Marriott hotels at Edinburgh and Luton, and Berkeley’s Building 11 at Royal Arsenal. We also developed our own patented MMC system, Strukturea.

MMC advisor or MMC adviser?

Both spellings are correct and mean the same role. “Adviser” is more usual in British English, and “advisor” in American English and many job titles, so you’ll see both across the industry.

Talk to an MMC advisor

If you’re weighing up MMC for a hotel, residential, student or build-to-rent scheme, we can tell you quickly whether it suits your site, and which approach is likely to work best. Find out more about our MMC adviser service, or call us on 020 4526 8965.