The Preconstruction Podcast - Commercial Construction.

Kyle Stewart, Senior Manager of Estimating at Exyte, joins our host Gareth McGlynn for a conversation on preconstruction and estimating within the semiconductor and advanced technology space.

An applied mathematics graduate with a stint teaching high school calculus before moving into project controls at Jacobs Engineering, Kyle now leads estimates on some of the most technically demanding construction projects being built today.

Key Topics Covered:

• Career Path: From applied mathematics and high school teaching to project controls at Jacobs Engineering, now leading estimates on semiconductor and advanced technology facilities at Exyte.
• Technology & AI: The evolution of estimating technology and where AI fits into preconstruction today.
• Communicating Escalation: Managing and presenting rising project costs and risk to clients and stakeholders.
• Compressed Design and Construction Timelines: The pressures driving accelerated schedules for semiconductor and data center builds amid the AI boom.
• Advanced Technology Facility Complexity: The unique estimating and delivery challenges of semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing construction.

Kyle delivers a technically sharp and honest look at the realities of estimating mega-scale advanced technology facilities at a time when speed, cost, and complexity are all pulling in different directions.

You can connect with Kyle via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleestewart/

We’re back with a new episode of The Preconstruction Podcast and it’s a strong one to kick things off.

Gareth McGlynn sits down with Elliot Christiansen, Sr. Vice President of Operations at Cleveland Construction, after a recent move that caught a lot of attention across the industry.

With so much noise around AI and new tech, this episode focuses on what’s actually working in practice, from real decisions to implementation and what teams are seeing on the ground today.

Discussion Highlights:

• Cleveland's major platform transition: The decision to move from Procore to Autodesk and what triggered the shift, early benefits, cost considerations, and key lessons.
• Autodesk Construction Cloud: How it's supporting project controls, forecasting, and data continuity.
• Using AI outside the core platform: Tools like Box AI to support day-to-day work.
• Elliot's passion for mentoring: The role of mentoring, LMS systems, and building the next generation of preconstruction professionals.

A timely conversation for anyone weighing up new technology, reviewing their current systems, or looking at how AI fits into their workflow.

Connect with Elliot via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-christiansen/

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Ted Rusch, Vice President of Preconstruction at Batson-Cook Construction, for a conversation shaped by more than 26 years in the industry.

Ted’s path from a decade in project management to leading preconstruction at one of Atlanta’s major healthcare builders gives him a perspective rooted in both field delivery and front-end planning.

Discussion Highlights:

• A decade in the field as a Project Manager before transitioning fully into preconstruction.

• His progression at Batson-Cook, now serving as VP of Preconstruction.

• Technology on the precon side. What he uses, what’s working, and tools he has tested over the years.

• The role of tech in design phase reviews, value engineering, estimating and takeoffs.

• Building a data strategy over the past two and a half years and how it now supports conceptual and schematic estimates within 2–3 percent accuracy.

• How this accuracy improves service for clients and strengthens early decision making.

You can connect with Ted Rusch on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-rusch/

If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations from across preconstruction.

This week's episode features Michelle Abii, Senior Data Center Construction Manager at Switch, for a look at her path into construction and the scale of work she now leads in the data center field in Las Vegas.

Discussion Highlights:

• Transitioning from a healthcare background into construction.

• Complexities involved in data center construction

• Managing a large Greenfield build covering 2,800 square feet across three campuses.
• Tools and processes Michelle uses at Switch for coordination, collaboration and scheduling.
• Why Michelle is committed to supporting women in construction, especially minority women, and encouraging more to enter the industry, particularly preconstruction.

You can connect and engage with Michelle via her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-c-abii/

Our host Gareth McGlynn sits down with Samuel Liesmer, Hyperscale Estimator at National Technologies (a Connex Company), to discuss the growing demand for low voltage expertise in hyperscale data center construction.

Discussion Highlights:

• The surge of AI and data center growth driving electrical and low voltage packages.
• Understanding Division 27 low voltage systems in large-scale builds.
• The complexities of structured cabling, fiber optics, and media systems.
• How CCTV, security, and access control systems are managed within hyperscale projects.
• Working with owners and general contractors to balance delivery, design, and management challenges.
• And much, much more.

Connect with Sam Liesmer:

🔗Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-l-424b8a146/

🌐National Technologies: https://www.ntitech.com/

Recorded live at Precon World 2025 in Irvine, Texas, this episode features Nick Papadopoulos, Founder and CEO of Eos Group, as he shares practical takeaways from his session “Demystifying AI: Practical Predictive Analytics for Better Estimates.” Nick unpacks how preconstruction teams can apply AI with structure, governance, and purpose.

Discussion Highlights:

• Governance and structure around AI implementation

• Common pitfalls contractors face when adopting AI

• Understanding where teams stand in their AI journey

• Foundational steps for those starting to integrate AI into preconstruction

You can also revisit Nick’s first appearance on The Preconstruction Podcast from a few years ago to see how his perspective on innovation and data in preconstruction has developed since then.

LINK: https://www.nichessp.com/pre-construction-podcast/33-nick-papadopoulos

You can reach out to Nick via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjpapadopoulos/

That’s a wrap for our Precon World 2025 series.

Thank you for tuning in to this special lineup of conversations with industry leaders. Stay with us for more episodes of The Preconstruction Podcast featuring the people shaping the future of preconstruction.

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, catches up with Brent Pilgrim, National Director of Preconstruction at The Beck Group, recorded live at Precon World 2025 in Irving, Texas.

Brent returns to the podcast after two years to share major progress in his long-term work on integrated estimating workflow — a model-based estimating process he has been refining for over 15 years. Brent has now demonstrated—through real results with clients, architects, and contractors that integrated estimating workflow truly delivers.

Key Discussion Highlights:

• How integrated estimating workflow has moved beyond proof of concept into proven real-world application.
• Collaboration with Texas A&M University and Colorado State University to bring academic rigor to research and validation.
• Published papers and pilot projects with Sundt Construction and Page Southerland Page.
• A new funded case study involving leading architecture and construction firms.
• Development of a value stream–based ROI formula to measure the real impact of integrated estimating workflow.
• The goal of wider industry adoption and stronger collaboration between design and construction teams.

You can check out the research papers here:https://easychair.org/publications/paper/swJv/open https://easychair.org/publications/paper/2WQl/open

Have questions for Brent? Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpilgrim/

In this episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with Ale Macias of Ryan Companies during Precon World 2025 to discuss the growing influence of AI and technology in preconstruction and how teams are adapting to new ways of working.

Key Takeaways:

• AI and Preconstruction Technology: How innovation is shaping today’s estimating and planning workflows.

• Career Journey: From ballet to construction and becoming a key part of Ryan’s preconstruction group.

• Collaboration and Openness: Her interest in collaboration and perspective on the day-to-day challenges faced by preconstruction professionals.

• Precon Round Table: An initiative of like-minded companies working together to improve processes and reach solutions faster, which Ale is part of.

Connect with Ale Macias on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ale-m-a040071a4/

Tune in to this episode and stay tuned for more conversations and industry perspectives on The Preconstruction Podcast!

Recorded live at Precon World 2025, this week’s episode features Stewart Carroll, Chief Customer Officer at Beck Technology. Host Gareth McGlynn sits down with Stewart to talk about significant developments shaping the company and its vision for the full preconstruction lifecycle.

Discussion Highlights:

• Pamlico Investment: What the recent investment means for Beck Technology’s future direction and scalability.

• Workpack Acquisition: How the integration of Marty Cornish’s AI takeoff tool strengthens Beck Tech’s suite of solutions.

• Preconstruction Lifecycle: Beck Tech’s strategy to expand across every stage of preconstruction.

• Precon World 2025: Key takeaways from this year’s Beck Technology conference in Texas.

For further questions or inquiries, connect with Stewart Carroll directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartacarroll/

Gareth McGlynn sits down with Daniel Beatty, Founder of Constructive Leadership Solutions, to talk about leadership, management, and growth in construction. With 36 years in heavy civil infrastructure, Daniel brings a wealth of perspective on what it takes to strengthen organizations from the inside out.

• The critical role of middle management in construction and why it is often overlooked
• Defining great leadership and how it shapes recruitment, retention, and staff development
• Traits that set successful managers apart in today’s industry
• Why everyone is a salesperson, from internal teams to external stakeholders

You can connect with Dan via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbeattycls/