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NSW-based modular builder says design outcomes are driving client decisions, with a senior architectural appointment reinforcing its integrated approach.
As modular construction continues to mature in Australia, Singleton-based Marathon believes the next phase of industry growth will be shaped by design-led thinking, alongside advanced manufacturing capability. (main image: Architectural render of Marathon’s proposed Siena Christian College development, highlighting the building’s distinctive façade and integrated modular design approach.)
The company’s appointment of former NBRS Architecture Principal Architect James Kim as Senior Design Associate reflects that direction, but according to Lauren Armstrong, Marathon’s Head of Marketing and Growth, the appointment is part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone recruitment.
Marathon has spent recent years expanding its in-house design capability, positioning itself as a design-and-build business that delivers projects using modular construction.
“From the outset we focus on achieving the best design outcome for our clients first,” Armstrong told Built Offsite. “We have an in-house design team who either designs the entire project or works through early contractor involvement.”
Architectural renders of Marathon’s proposed Siena Christian College development, showing the building’s primary façade and rooftop play area.
Competing on design, not just delivery
Rather than competing directly with other modular providers, Marathon sees its greatest opportunity in demonstrating that modular construction can deliver the same architectural ambition as conventional building methods.
Armstrong said the market has evolved beyond viewing modular simply as a faster or lower-cost construction method.
“Our projects demonstrate that modular construction can deliver architectural quality without compromise,” she said. “We’re a design-and-build company. Modular is our delivery methodology.”
That philosophy is reflected in projects such as the new Siena Catholic College development in Sydney, where Marathon has undertaken the architectural design in-house while leveraging modular construction as the delivery method.
The company continues to focus on education projects while expanding into healthcare and community infrastructure, sectors where certainty, quality and reduced site disruption are becoming increasingly important. Armstrong said early collaboration allows Marathon to tailor projects to client requirements rather than asking clients to adapt to standard modular solutions.
“We’re not necessarily trying to compete against other modular builders,” she said. “We’re saying if you want this outcome, you can achieve that with modular more efficiently.”
Within that broader strategy, Kim’s appointment reinforces Marathon’s commitment to embedding architectural expertise throughout the delivery process. Bringing principal-level experience into the business strengthens an integrated design capability that Marathon believes is becoming increasingly important as clients seek buildings that combine architectural quality with the efficiencies of offsite manufacturing.
Operating across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, Marathon delivers modular buildings for the education, healthcare, commercial and community sectors, with design-led delivery forming the foundation of its growth strategy.
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