Today we’d like to introduce you to Katalina Klein.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Kubed Living is a dynamic company established in 2017 with a bold mission: to democratize homeownership for the hardworking middle class, the backbone of our communities. As a seasoned real estate broker, I observed a troubling trend: essential workers such as teachers, firefighters, and civil servants were being priced out of the very neighborhoods they served. Determined to shift this paradigm, Kubed Living embarked on a quest to offer financially accessible housing solutions without compromising on quality or style. Our innovative approach? Transforming shipping containers into modern and innovative structures, redefining traditional housing norms.
Our vision transcended mere construction; it aimed to craft homes that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also healthy, efficient, and sustainable, reflecting our deep commitment to both the environment and the well-being of our residents. However, pioneering this new housing approach came with its share of challenges. We dedicated years to educating communities and officials on the myriad benefits of sustainable living, laying the groundwork for a future where everyone could thrive.
Fast forward to today, and Kubed Living has become synonymous with innovation and quality in the real estate realm. Over the past eight years, we’ve designed and built a diverse array of structures, ranging from cozy home gyms and offices to spacious detached homes. Our portfolio showcases everything from stylish kiosks to functional classrooms, each embodying our unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been fraught with obstacles. One of the initial hurdles I faced was effectively communicating to the general public that living in a shipping container was no different from residing in a smaller, conventional home. To overcome this, I embarked on creating a one-bedroom model that seamlessly blended efficiency with luxury. Visitors would step inside, explore the space, and eventually grasp that it offered the same comfort as a compact apartment in a bustling city like New York.
Another significant challenge lay in gaining approval from public officials. Convincing them that our structures adhered to all building codes just like traditional stick-built homes required considerable effort. Yet, even more challenges arose with lenders and insurance companies, who often failed to recognize the equivalence between our homes and conventionally constructed ones. Despite sitting on permanent foundations and adhering to identical building standards, our homes were sometimes misconstrued as manufactured, mobile, or tiny homes. It was crucial to emphasize that they were, unequivocally, houses.
Despite these challenges, we persevered, driven by our belief in the quality and viability of our homes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Kubed Living is a pioneering full-service modular company specializing in innovative shipping container and modular structures. Offering a range of framing options, including steel, shipping container, and lumber, we tailor our solutions to suit project requirements and location.
Our core mission is to champion sustainable and healthy living. We achieve this through exceptional design, meticulously crafted interiors, expert project management, and personalized service.
Operating on a Design-Build model, our comprehensive Modular Services encompass Design, Engineering, Permitting, Factory Construction, Site Development, and Construction Management. Additionally, we provide Consulting Services to guide real estate developers and investors through the intricacies of factory-built housing.
Born from the aspiration to democratize sustainable custom home living, Kubed Living disrupts the notion that such luxury is exclusive to the wealthy. Through efficient design, reduced pre-construction costs, value engineering, and cost-saving manufacturing techniques, we extend this opportunity to a wider audience.
Setting ourselves apart, we offer a unique business model: a fully customizable turnkey experience. As your sole point of contact, we oversee your construction project from inception to completion, ensuring a seamless journey.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We partner closely with our clients to translate their design vision onto paper. We collaborate with engineers to ensure structural integrity and compliance with all codes. Throughout the permitting process, we engage with public officials. In the factory setting, we work hand-in-hand with our fabricators to bring homes to life. We coordinate with general contractors to prepare the land and build foundations for the units. Additionally, we liaise with lenders and insurance agencies. Managing the entire process, we rely not only on collaboration but also on the support of all these trades.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kubedliving.com
- Instagram: @kubed_living
- Facebook: kubed Living
