Esquire Philippines profiles Hive Modular founder John Avrett's journey from aerospace engineer and US diplomat to building the country's leading modular housing startup.

‍

Manila, Philippines, February 2026. Esquire Philippines featured Hive Modular founder and CEO John Avrett in a deep-dive on his unusual path from US aerospace engineering and diplomatic service to building one of the country's most ambitious modular housing startups. The piece traces how lessons from aerospace and automotive manufacturing shaped Hive Modular's factory-first approach to home construction.

‍

The article details Avrett's time at the US Embassy in Manila, his decision to leave a diplomatic career to start a Philippine-based modular housing company, and the design and manufacturing principles that guide Hive Modular today. Esquire profiles Hive Modular's growth from a 2023 launch into a full-scale prefab operation with permanent showrooms in Lipa, Batangas and a manufacturing base in Silang, Cavite.

‍

For readers interested in the founders shaping Philippine business in 2026, Esquire's profile offers a rare and detailed look at the person and the philosophy behind Hive Modular's product.

‍

Read the full feature on Esquire Philippines

Let's keep building. 🐝

‍

Originally featured in Esquire Magazine Philippines.
Recap by the Marketing and Communications Team, Hive Modular.