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 constructionManaging 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/