MMC Vs DfMA: What's the difference and why it matters?
- Architecture by Design
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Understanding the design logic behind modern construction
If you work in the built environment, chances are you’ve heard the terms MMC and DfMA used interchangeably.
Both sound technical. Both promise better outcomes.
But understanding the difference between them and how they work together can have a major impact on your project’s success.
So let’s strip away the jargon and get to the heart of what these approaches really mean for architecture.
First: MMC - the What
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is an umbrella term.
It describes a broad set of techniques and systems that aim to improve the way we build: faster, cleaner, more consistent, and more sustainable than traditional construction.
MMC includes:
Offsite manufacture and modular systems
Panelised and hybrid assemblies
Precast components
Timber and steel frame solutions
Digital tools and data-driven workflows
In other words, MMC is about what is being used to construct a building and how that differs from conventional approaches.
Now: DfMA – the How
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is a mindset.
It’s not a system or a product; it’s a design approach.
DfMA asks architects and engineers to think like manufacturers:
Reduce bespoke components
Design for repeatability
Make connections smarter
Prioritise ease of assembly on site
Eliminate unnecessary complexity
It’s an approach borrowed from aerospace and automotive, and when applied to architecture, it improves not just buildability but reliability, cost control, and carbon performance too.
So… What’s the Actual Difference?
Term | What it Stands For | What it Means | Role |
MMC | Modern Methods of Construction | Innovative construction systems | The materials, components, and methods |
DfMA | Design for Manufacture & Assembly | A design approach | The thinking that makes MMC effective |
Think of MMC as the kit and DfMA as the logic behind how that kit is used.
At Architecture by Design, we work with both.
We don’t just select modern systems; we design for them from day one.
That means tighter coordination, fewer late-stage surprises, and buildings that perform just as well in reality as they do on paper.
Why the Distinction Matters
Too often, MMC is introduced too late, after the concept design is locked, when it’s harder to adapt.
That leads to:
System/design mismatches
Redesigns that add cost and time
Frustrated contractors and disconnected supply chains
But when DfMA principles guide early-stage design, MMC becomes an enabler, not a complication.
Our Approach: Design for Delivery
At Architecture by Design, we apply DfMA not just as a technique, but as a principle.
We believe the best architectural outcomes happen when creativity meets precision.
That means:
Considering manufacturing constraints as part of design
Working with known, tested systems
Designing buildings that are beautiful, buildable, and purposeful
Because modern methods aren’t just about speed, they’re about designing smarter from the start.
Want a design approach that builds in clarity, not complexity?
Let’s talk about how DfMA and MMC can work together to support your next project, from first sketch to final handover.
