SERVICES
As the previous Director of Design for a full-service modular design company in the DFW area of Texas, Bobby has experience in all aspects of designing and delivering prefabricated components. Engaging the Vance Design Company at the beginning of your project allows for modular components to be designed as an integrated part of the project rather than a product to specify at the end. Every project begins with a feasibility study where all stakeholders buy into the modular direction. The project then works through the standard Schematic Design, Design Development and Fabrication Documentation required for the component production. The Vance Design Company works alongside the GC and component manufacturer of your choice to deliver the best quality product.
The Vance Design Company is continuously testing design problems through rapid and full-scale prototyping techniques. By utilizing emerging technologies, we work to combine resources and ideas from seemingly dissimilar industries into new products and ventures. Bobby served as the Program Manager for the Center for Design Research at Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies. After completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Architecture from Virginia Tech, Bobby joined the faculty in the School of Architecture + Design. Vance has co-led the creation of over 10 prototypes including the international award winning FutureHAUS Dubai. During his tenure at Virginia Tech, he and Joseph Wheeler patented the FUNCTIONAL MODULAR BUILDING CARTRIDGES AND METHODS based on the research and findings from the cartridge concept implemented in the FutureHAUS prototype. Additional research and prototypes included a Kitchen Renovation in a Weekend project, an affordable and deployable disaster relief module, a Kitchen of the Future cartridge on display for the Wood-Mode New Product Showcase, 3D printed sink in partnership with Kohler, an affordable and rapidly deployable COVIDShield and many more.
Bobby is currently serving as the Competition Manager for the Gateway Decathlon taking place in October 2025 in St. Louis, MO, This iteration of the Decathlon will focus on off-site construction innovation as a part of the Gateway South Construction & Innovation District.
Bobby served as the director of logistics, marketing manager, fundraising co-lead and leader of the FutureHAUS team. He coordinated all events pertaining to FutureHAUS including transporting the house from Blacksburg, VA to Dubai, UAE, Times Square, NYC and Alexandria, VA. Partnerships with HUD, FEMA, Kohler, Veterans Administration, Dominion, DOW, DuPont, Wood-Mode and Dubai Energy and Water Authority (DEWA) for ongoing research initiatives.