As the founder and CEO of S.I. Container Builds, Rory Rubin is at the forefront of transforming shipping containers into innovative modular solutions that go far beyond single-family homes and Auxilliary Dwelling Units (ADU). Her company’s approach exemplifies creativity and sustainability, finding versatile applications for repurposed containers in industries such as education, healthcare, and commercial spaces. 

Rory Rubin, on the right talking with factory visitors

Rory Rubin’s passion for innovation and social impact is evident in the projects she leads at S.I. Container Builds. From creating safe spaces for young girls in need to developing commercial solutions for businesses, her company is changing the narrative around what can be achieved with single-use shipping containers. 

S.I. Container Builds is not just a company that repurposes shipping containers—it’s a brand driven by innovation, social responsibility, and a commitment to quality. Under Rory Rubin’s leadership, the company has pioneered new applications for container-based construction, addressing community needs while setting new standards in modular building.

Rory Rubin, founder of S.I.Containers (left) and Audree Grubesic, founder of Offsite Dirt

In this discussion with Gary Fleisher, Rory shares insights into her work, highlights groundbreaking projects, and offers a glimpse into what’s next for S.I. Container Builds as it continues to lead the way in sustainable construction.

Gary Fleisher, Offsite Innovators: S.I. Container Builds has expanded beyond single-family living solutions. Can you share some of the most innovative projects your team has completed that use shipping containers for purposes other than residential living?

Rory Rubin, Founder/CEO S.I. Container Builds: Yes, we are driven by our passion projects.  Projects such as our collaboration with Taraji Henson’s foundation Boris L. Henson and Kate Spade NY to place wellness and therapy pods on HBCU campuses. Supporting the mental wellness of young women of color. Our collaboration with Housing Opportunity Development Corporation and Shelter Inc. to build the very first safe home for girls who have been trafficked in IL and others in the works.

Gary: Your work often intersects with community impact, such as the project supporting young girls. What inspired you to focus on projects like these, and how do they align with the company’s goals?

Rory: My little-known trivia is that I started as a clinical social worker. To be able to align my “first life” in the building world is not so strange.  SI Container Builds is focused on recycling a structure that will outlive our wood frame structures for causes that are truly needed—housing, commercial spaces etc.

Gary: When transforming single-use shipping containers into finished modules, what challenges do you face, and how have you addressed them in unique ways? 

Rory: I spend 80% of my time around education.  There still is a misconception that the shipping container is a too cold or too hot –a rusty old box. We repurpose only one-tripped containers so we can guarantee their quality and what was transported in them and we strictly follow all building codes so when you enter our units you feel like you do when you enter any other home or room.  The advantage that we have is that we are working with steel.  This steel is the way we build, and engineered to far outlast other builds against things like fires, hurricanes etc. We are also licensed, certified and supervised by a third-party entity owned by the ICC.

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Gary: In terms of commercial and industrial applications, what are some of the most exciting innovations S.I. Container Builds is currently working on?   

Rory:   We are currently engaged in a couple of very cool local projects for Chicago, that we cannot talk about quite yet..but stay tuned!

Gary: Looking to the future, what trends or opportunities do you see for container-based builds? 

Rory:  Containers are made to stack 9+ high. We are looking at multifamily apartments because we are just so perfect in design.  It is another way for us to support the ever-growing housing crisis.

Gary: What’s next for S.I. Container Builds? Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or innovations that your team is excited about? 

Rory: We just launched our new P3 line. They are builds made to be transported for onsite worker housing.  Now developers can own units including bedrooms and bathhouses to support workers in more remote locations. They no longer must rent out motels several hours away or rent run-down RV’s. Our units are made to fit on a trailer and be used anywhere.

Gary: With sustainability being a core value in your work, how do you balance eco-friendly practices with the need to deliver cost-effective solutions? 

Rory: I am still amazed that eco-friendly isn’t always less expensive, but we know that this is not true yet.  We at least can say we start from a place of recycling something that would just go to waste—stacked in a “container graveyard”.  We hope as we scale, we will be able to provide things like standard solar etc.  It is coming!

Gary: For other innovators in the offsite construction space, what advice would you offer as they look to integrate new ideas into their business models? 

Rory:  Make sure not to jump too far ahead before you perfect what you can do now.  We are in such a desperate need for housing that there is room for many, many strong companies.  It is also nice to collaborate and work together so that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  

Gary: I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Rory Rubin for taking the time to share her insights and experiences with us. As the founder and CEO of S.I. Container Builds, Rory is truly at the forefront of transforming the way we think about modular construction. Her passion for innovation, coupled with her commitment to social impact, is not only inspiring but also setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Through projects that range from supporting the mental wellness of young women to pioneering worker housing solutions, Rory and her team at S.I. Container Builds are proving that sustainable, container-based construction can be both versatile and impactful. It’s been a pleasure to learn more about the incredible work her company is doing, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for S.I. Container Builds as they continue to lead the charge in sustainable construction. Thank you, Rory, for your dedication to innovation and for sharing your journey with us.

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