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Modular Arts manufactures sculptural wall panels and tiles that transform flat surfaces into eye-catching, three-dimensional statements. The company offers a portfolio of plaster-based designs with unique interlocking edges that avoid visible seams. Anyone craving an artistic look for their home, office or commercial space will find many reasons to seriously consider this brand.

History of the Brand

David Edrington founded Modular Arts in 2002 because he was bored with traditional drywall installations. He wanted a scalable way to mould plaster into artistic panels that would fit together like jigsaw pieces. Around 2003, he commissioned industrial designers and material scientists to develop a gypsum-based composite material strong enough to withstand everyday stresses. He also tested various interlocking joints to ensure that installers could achieve tight, almost invisible seams. By 2004, the team had solved most of the problems and Edrington filed his first utility patent for the InterlockingRock® technology.

The brand gained traction in the mid-2000s when it began appearing in boutique hotels in Seattle. Interior designers appreciated the creative freedom of modular wall systems without the weight or cost of natural stone. Builders appreciated the panels because they could be installed on standard frames without special masonry skills. By 2010, Modular Arts’ products were being used in upscale homes, corporate offices and hospitality venues across North America. The company remained relatively small throughout its journey, but it never stopped pushing boundaries. In 2015, it introduced new sculptural blocks that stack like bricks and expanded its offering to include acoustic panels for projects where noise control is important. Today, this sense of constant experimentation characterises the brand’s reputation among architects and designers.

Products and Services

InterlockingRock® Panels

The centrepiece of the product line is the InterlockingRock® wall panels. Each panel is made of a glass fibre reinforced gypsum composite that provides a good balance between strength and light weight. The panels measure 32″ x 32″ (approximately 81 cm square), with different sizes available for certain collections. Each panel has an interlocking edge profile that allows installers to assemble the system with minimal visible seams.

Modular Arts claims an average weight of about 1.4 pounds per square foot, which simplifies transport and installation. Contractors don’t need an entire crew of heavy-duty haulers, and there’s less risk of structural stress in older buildings. Many of these panels meet or exceed ASTM E84 Class A requirements, so architects can trust them for commercial projects. The brand offers over 40 patterns, including geometric shapes, organic waves and rippled textures. Customers can prime and paint the surfaces to match specific colour schemes. Installers only need basic carpentry skills: The lines will stay tight if they follow standard guidelines for installation, adhesive and fastener placement.

Sculptural Blocks

The Sculptural Blocks extend the concept of panels to a thicker, independent unit. Each block is approximately 8″ thick and can be snapped into place on all sides. Designers can stack them to create curved partitions, freestanding walls or other dimensional accents. Sometimes the blocks also contain cable channels for LED lighting or audiovisual elements. This approach is similar to traditional brickwork, but replaces the heavy bricks or concrete with a lighter plaster-based composite material.

Many builders are turning to these blocks because they enable for advanced design concepts without the need to employ specialised stonemasons. They are also used in the hotel and catering industry to create lounge areas, bar backdrops or even unusual art installations. A single system covers both structural practicality and aesthetic appeal in a single package.

Acoustic Tiles

Sound insulation is important in hotels, offices and open-plan living spaces. Modular Arts has responded to this with a range of acoustic tiles that reduce echo and reverberation. These tiles consist of layers of plaster with a porous core or micro-perforated surface in between that interrupts sound waves. Installers apply the tiles in a similar way to normal acoustic ceiling tiles or wall panels, but the designs look more artistic.

Modular Arts provides an impressive range of tile shapes, from honeycomb hexagonal patterns to flowing waveforms. Each design targets mid-range frequencies to reduce background noise. Tests by independent laboratories often show noise reduction coefficient (NRC) values of 0.50 to 0.70, although results vary depending on the tile and backing material. Some interior designers combine acoustic tiles with the brand’s wall panels to achieve a uniform appearance in different functional areas.

Custom Pattern Services

Customers who want a special piece can request customised samples. ModularArts offers a design service where architects or owners submit concept sketches or digital models. The in-house engineering team translates these models into CNC milling instructions for mould production. The brand insists on a minimum order quantity to justify custom mould making, so establishments with smaller budgets can opt for the pre-made offerings. However, many large corporate lobbies or restaurants commission unique patterns to stand out from the crowd. These commissions involve more lead time and cost, but the end result often justifies the extra planning.

Quality and Reputation

Modular Arts advertises with the label “Made in the USA” and invests in special manufacturing processes. The gypsum composite fulfils strict standards for fire protection, indoor air quality (many products are GREENGUARD-certified) and dimensional stability. The brand claims that the tolerances on each panel edge are very tight, so installers don’t have to waste time sanding or trimming. In practise, small irregularities can occur when the product is transported over long distances, bounced during transport or stored in humid environments. Installers usually minimise these problems by storing the boards in a dry place and handling them carefully.

Awards and certifications underpin the brand’s reputation. Various interior design magazines highlight Modular Arts in their annual “Best of Show” lists, particularly in the wall panelling and acoustic solutions categories. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has recognised the brand at design fairs for its unique 3D patterns. Trade magazines point to the excellent fire protection properties that go beyond standard drywall solutions and offer additional safety in commercial spaces.

Summaries of Reviews from Several Platforms

You can find enthusiastic reviews and a few criticisms on architecture forums, industry review sites, and e-commerce platforms.

  • Houzz discussion forums: Several remodellers praise the sculptural effect of InterlockingRock®. They emphasise the “instant wow factor” for impressive walls in living rooms and entrance areas. Some mention a learning curve during installation, especially for beginners. Electricians occasionally complain about laying pipes or cables behind the panels, as the cuts required can be tricky.
  • Architects’ social media: The brand is discussed favourably in LinkedIn groups. One architect raves about how the panels “enhance public lobbies beyond the typical drywall boxes” Another user points out that you still need a good painter because slight seam lines can become visible in strong grazing light if you forgo a thorough primer or sanding.
  • Contractor forums: Many professionals appreciate the design possibilities of the product, but grumble about the higher costs. An experienced drywall installer notes that customers often underestimate the complexity. He recommends allowing more time for training and for checking the alignment of each row. Another contractor appreciates the brand’s customer support, but criticises the high shipping costs for smaller orders.
  • Retail customer feedback: On some smaller e-commerce sites that only carry a limited inventory of Modular Arts, shoppers often share before-and-after pictures of accent walls. They are thrilled with the aesthetics and note that the panels arrive well packaged and intact. A few mention that cutting angles for corners or around furnishings requires precision and at least moderate DIY skills.

Critics and fans agree: the strong visual impact and reliable performance usually outweigh the higher costs. However, many critics emphasise the importance of a certified installation or at least someone who is familiar with gypsum-based materials.

General Impressions

Modular Arts products break with the ordinary. Flat walls and acoustic panels rarely create excitement, but the InterlockingRock® patterns create a vibrant and engaging feel in almost any room. The brand’s approach sometimes feels artisanal, although the technology behind the product relies on modern CNC milling and custom mould making. This balance between high-tech manufacturing and artistic design goes down well with people who want eye-catching interior design.

Price is still the biggest obstacle for budget-orientated projects. You can get a sturdy, standard-compliant wall for a lot less money if you stick with standard drywall. Still, many designers feel that the synergy of aesthetics and functionality justifies the extra cost. The brand also invests in sustainability and local production, which attracts customers who value eco-friendly materials and domestic supply chains.

I appreciate the brand’s clear product documentation, especially the notes on frame constructions, adhesive types and processing instructions. Although you won’t find the same wide distribution network as the big DIY groups, the brand feels more personal due to its smaller size. The customer service staff are described in many reviews as knowledgeable and friendly. This personal touch can make it easier for you to learn a new system.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. High aesthetic impact: Dramatic three-dimensional patterns create an eye-catching look.
  2. Fire resistance: Many products meet or exceed Class A fire ratings, making them ideal for commercial use.
  3. Sustainability: The company uses recycled materials and offers GREENGUARD-certified options.
  4. Relatively easy installation: The panels can be attached to a simple frame; no specialised masonry skills are required.
  5. Customised options: For larger orders, customers can request unique samples or designs.

Cons

  1. Higher costs: Expect a higher price compared to conventional drywall or acoustic solutions.
  2. Learning curve: Contractors or do-it-yourselfers must follow instructions precisely, especially at corners and seams.
  3. Lead times: Custom designs can require longer production cycles, and certain designs may have limited availability.
  4. Limited resale channels: There are fewer brick-and-mortar retailers, so shipping costs can increase.
  5. Care instructions: Certain patterns with deep grooves may accumulate dust or scratches over time, requiring occasional maintenance.

Final Verdict

Modular Arts was developed to fulfil the needs of architects, interior designers and homeowners who want artistic impact without sacrificing performance. The brand adds personality to spaces that would otherwise rely on flat drywall or traditional acoustic panels. Its emphasis on design and proven fire safety requirements make it a serious contender in commercial projects. Budget is still a major factor, so cost-conscious clients are more likely to opt for simpler designs or alternative materials. But for those who value style, fire safety and an environmentally conscious production process, Modular Arts is probably worth the investment. In my opinion, Modular Arts is suitable for commercial lobbies, upmarket hospitality venues, creative office environments and upmarket residential walls.

 

Nick Oscar