106. 3D Printing the Future: Innovation & Housing with Jim Ritter
In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, Dwayne sits down with Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms and the man behind the world’s largest 3D-printed building. Jim’s story is one of relentless innovation—pivoting industries later in life, solving real-world housing problems, and challenging outdated construction methods with cutting-edge robotics and 3D printing technology.
From the challenges of curing concrete in extreme heat to the economics of large-scale printing, Jim reveals what it really takes to make 3D-printed housing viable. He explains the logistical nightmares of early machines, why cement isn’t the perfect print material, and how his team has built a new system to solve industry problems.
This is more than a conversation about construction—it’s about innovation, adaptability, and the future of housing.
Timestamps
00:00 – The cost of bright ideas: what you don’t know can hurt you
01:00 – Meet Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms, and his late-career pivot into 3D printing
02:00 – Why curing time makes or breaks a 3D-printed wall
05:00 – The myths of “printing a house in a day” and the real economics
07:30 – Shell costs, square footage, and learning from first projects
10:00 – Logistical nightmares of early machines and moving heavy equipment
13:00 – Why robotics and 3D printing matter in solving global housing shortages
16:00 – A simple breakdown: how 3D printing a house actually works
20:00 – Pouring beams, columns, and integrating trades in one process
24:00 – Why stronger, smarter structures are critical for climate resilience
27:00 – Innovation always starts small—3D printing’s parallels to early tech adoption
32:00 – Safety, silos, and the hidden dangers of construction work
36:00 – Old machines vs. new mobility: why hoses and pumps kill efficiency
42:00 – Cutting material waste and rethinking the economics of building
47:00 – Reinventing mixers and achieving consistent quality
52:00 – Training the future workforce: print operators, not laborers
58:00 – Economics, labor shortages, and why machines are the future of building
01:02:00 – Permitting, insurance, and how 3D printing fits into existing systems
01:05:00 – Closing thoughts: innovation is not optional—it’s survival
Notable Quotes
- “It’s what you don’t know that hurts you the most. If you know something and you don’t mitigate for it, well then you’re just stupid.” – Jim Ritter
- “Innovation always starts small, and then it catches on. That’s how every industry evolves.” – Dwayne Kerrigan
- “We need structures that can withstand climate events. We can’t stop them, but we can build smarter.” – Jim Ritter
Key Takeaways
- 3D Printing is Not a Gimmick – It’s about solving real housing shortages with scalable, resilient solutions.
- Economics Matter More Than Hype – Printing walls in a day is possible, but the real costs lie in logistics, labor, and setup.
- Innovation Meets Necessity – Climate change, labor shortages, and housing demand are driving the adoption of robotics.
- Early-Stage Industry – With fewer than 500 printed houses worldwide, the sector is still young—but poised for explosive growth.
Resources & Mentions
- Printed Farms – Jim Ritter’s company pioneering 3D-printed concrete structures.
- Clay Street Project – One of the first fully permitted 3D-printed homes in Florida.
- Largest 3D-Printed Building – 11,000 sq. ft. structure in Wellington, Florida.
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Disclaimer
The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. The podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content.