Assembly OSM Takes Flight
Imagine a three-story apartment building rising in just 24 hours. Not magic, but cutting-edge modular construction by Assembly OSM, a startup tackling urban development. Founded in 2019 by brothers Bill and Chris Sharples, architects with deep roots in high-rise design, Assembly is rewriting the script on building big, fast, and smart.
all photos – AOSM
Their journey began at SHoP Architects, where the brothers witnessed the challenges of traditional construction firsthand – delays, cost overruns, and limited sustainability. Inspired by aerospace manufacturing’s precision and efficiency, they envisioned a future where skyscrapers could be built like airplanes, assembled from prefabricated modules.
“We weren’t satisfied with the status quo,” says Bill Sharples. “We knew there had to be a better way.”
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Enter Assembly OSM – “OSM” standing for “Off-Site Module.” Rather than a single factory, Assembly leverages a vast network of specialized suppliers across the globe. Bathroom modules arrive from South Dakota, floors from St. Louis, and windows from Poland, each meticulously crafted to exacting standards. This distributed network, akin to an aircraft assembly line, allows for increased speed and quality control.
Their first pilot project, a three-story modular apartment building in New Jersey, served as a crucial testbed. Erected in a single day, it showcased the potential of their “post-modular” approach. This isn’t simply slapping together prefabricated units; it’s a finely tuned orchestration of design, manufacturing, and on-site assembly.
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The success of the pilot attracted major investors, securing over $60 million in funding. Now, Assembly’s sights are set on bigger aspirations: a 15-story apartment building in Harlem and high-rise systems capable of reaching 30 stories. Their aim? To shave a full year off construction time, reduce costs, and deliver superior quality buildings.
But it’s not just about speed and efficiency. Sustainability is central to Assembly’s philosophy. Their off-site construction minimizes waste and pollution, and their modules are designed for energy efficiency.
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“We’re not just building faster,” says Chris Sharples. “We’re building smarter and more sustainably, creating better buildings for people and the planet.”
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Assembly OSM’s journey is just beginning. As they scale their operations and tackle larger projects, they could revolutionize the way we build cities. Their story is one of innovation, audacity, and a firm belief in a future where urban development is faster, greener, and more accessible than ever before. The sky, it seems, is no longer the limit.
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Gary Fleisher is a renowned blogger and commentator on construction and housing trends, known for his insightful analysis of the industry.
