Technology as a Strategic Advantage in Preconstruction

Joan Walters, Director of Preconstruction & Estimating, Skyline Construction

As someone who’s spent most of their career in preconstruction and estimating, I’ve seen how technology has reshaped the way we build. What was once a very manual process has evolved into a dynamic, relationship- and data-driven mechanism that helps set the course for every successful project.

At Skyline Construction, I lead the Puget Sound preconstruction effort that utilizes technology with deep industry knowledge to deliver clarity where it matters most. We use estimating software and artificial intelligence to bring transparency, speed and greater predictability to estimating. This allows us to efficiently analyze design changes, model cost impacts, and share live updates with clients and designers. This immediate feedback helps our clients and partners make confident choices earlier, reducing surprises during construction.

Transforming Preconstruction through Technology

AI is revolutionizing how we operate during the preconstruction phase of construction. Digital tools allow us to turn information into insight by converting design data, historical metrics, and market trends into actionable guidance for our clients.

This has helped increase the proactive advising and insight gained during preconstruction. Our teams can collaborate with designers early, test multiple options, and identify cost and schedule impacts before they affect the bottom line. The outcome is a more predictable, transparent process that benefits everyone involved.

The Human Element behind the Data

Even with these advances, I believe the human side of preconstruction remains irreplaceable. Tools can measure quantities and generate cost models, but they can’t interpret vision, truly understand what a client values, or know how it can evolve over time.

That’s why relationships and experience continue to matter just as much as technology. My team works closely with clients to understand their programmatic needs, building constraints, and longterm goals. We look beyond the numbers to factors like lease language, jurisdictional requirements, permitting timelines, and details critical to a project’s success even before the design starts.

Adapting to a Changing Market

The commercial interiors landscape is evolving rapidly. We’re seeing growth from AI-driven companies, law firms, and tech organizations that are rethinking what their workplace should look like. Many are navigating return-to-of- fice strategies without a clear roadmap for future capacity or flexibility.

Preconstruction technology enables us to help clients visualize different scenarios quickly; how a space can adapt, expand, or evolve over time. That ability to test multiple paths early in design ensures we’re creating environments that meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s ambitions.

Skyline’s Own Innovation: STEM

At Skyline, we’ve invested in developing our own proprietary preconstruction platform and process called Skyline’s Transparent Estimating Model, or STEM. Designed to give every project a running head start. STEM centralizes cost history, design inputs, and live estimating data into one collaborative system.

This allows project teams and clients to explore real-time “what-if” scenarios and instantly compare materials, systems, and building approaches to understand their effect on both cost and schedule. It’s an example of how we use technology not just for efficiency, but to empower better, faster decision-making for all stakeholders.

Building Smarter, Together

Technology will continue to advance, but the foundation of great preconstruction will always be collaboration and trust. AI is proving to allow us to work faster with greater accuracy, but insight and communication are what make us effective.

By combining the precision of technology with the intuition and experience of our people, we’re redefining what preconstruction can achieve. It’s not just about building faster; it’s about building smarter, together.