A Behind the Scenes Look at Our Journey

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We’re excited to share an iBuild behind the scenes look at how the company grew from humble beginnings in a suburban garage to become one of Australia’s most trusted and awarded kit home suppliers.

In a recent interview on a respected business podcast hosted by former Deloitte partner and business mentor John Downes, CEO Jackson Yin opens up about the strategies, systems, and values that have shaped iBuild’s journey – from delivering affordable homes across Australia to completing prestigious projects overseas.

From Garage Startup to Royal Palace

Ten years ago, iBuild started in a small garage with virtually no capital. Today, the company produces hundreds of premium kit homes annually for customers across Australia and around the world.

What makes this journey remarkable is the diversity of projects – from affordable housing in rural Australia, to delivering 11 houses for a German government foreign aid project in Senegal, to supplying for royal palaces overseas.

“From affordable housing to royal palaces, we have done it all,” Jackson reflects. 

It’s all because of the reputation and word of mouth, and also the digital reach that leads to enquiries from around the world.

The iBuild Difference - An IKEA-Inspired Model for Housing

Jackson explains iBuild’s unique approach – operating like IKEA for housing. The company designs, manufactures, and fabricates flat-pack homes that customers can assemble themselves as owner-builders or through their appointed builders.

This approach enables customers to save 30–40% compared to conventional building methods, while ensuring every home meets Australian building codes and standards.

Partnerships with trusted suppliers such as Bunnings Warehouse and James Hardie add further confidence. Bunnings delivers five of the typical nine shipments for each house build, providing warranty support and peace of mind.

Strategic Excellence - Customer-Focused Operations

One standout feature in this iBuild behind the scenes look is how customer service is embedded into the entire organisation.

Instead of a separate department, customer focus is part of the daily business rhythm. Each day of the week, different teams work on specific stages of the customer journey – from initial enquiry to project completion.

“Through this disciplined approach, every team member knows their role in delivering exceptional customer outcomes,” Jackson explains. 

Customer success is everyone’s responsibility, not just one person’s job.

Building Australia’s Most Comprehensive Internship Programme

Another insight from this iBuild behind the scenes look is the company’s extensive internship programme. Each year, over 60 students from nine universities – join iBuild to work on real-world projects in 3D design, Building Information Modelling, system automation, and digital marketing.

The results are impressive: 80% of iBuild’s permanent staff are former interns. “Students often tell us they learn more in three months with us than in three semesters at university,” Jackson says. 

It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow, with some joining our permanent team.”

Technology as an Enabler - Achieving Greater Efficiency

The discussion also highlights how iBuild leverages technology as a performance multiplier. iBuild uses technology to streamline processes, improve communication, and make complex technical information easier for customers to understand.

This includes predictive support tools that answer common questions before they arise, as well as advanced systems that improve project efficiency and delivery timelines.

By integrating technology in a practical, customer-focused way, iBuild delivers more value without compromising quality.

Stronger, Smarter, Faster, More Affordable

This iBuild behind the scenes look offers a clear picture of how the company continues to evolve – combining innovative business models, strategic operational frameworks, talent development, and practical technology adoption.

By focusing on delivering stronger, smarter, faster, and more affordable kit homes, iBuild has built a business that serves customers across Australia and internationally while maintaining its commitment to quality and service.

Listen to the Full Story

Listen to the full episode here:

The business podcast featuring Jackson Yin provides an honest, detailed account of iBuild’s growth - from a two-person garage startup to a multi-award-winning kit home supplier with global reach.

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