The Preconstruction Podcast - Commercial Construction. E153: From Precon World 2025 - Brent Pilgrim, National Director of Preconstruction at The Beck Group
Oct 27, 2025
Brent Pilgrim, National Director of Preconstruction at The Beck Group, shares his extensive expertise in integrated estimating workflows. He discusses the shift from concept to real-world application and highlights collaborations with Texas A&M and Colorado State for academic validation. Brent reveals the launch of a new funded case study involving top firms and emphasizes the importance of transparency in client relations. His innovative ROI formula shows significant value gains, proving that design freedom can coexist with efficient project management.
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Model-Based Estimating Is Now Practical
- Integrated estimating workflow is a model-based estimating process that overcomes past BIM adoption barriers.
- Brent says it has moved beyond proof-of-concept into reliable, repeatable real-world use.
Use Academic Rigor To Validate Claims
- Engage academia to add research rigor: do literature reviews and publish results for critique.
- Brent recommends independent validation rather than internal claims to prove industry value.
Pilot With Third-Party Firms Proved Viability
- Brent ran a pilot with Sundt Construction and Page Southerland Page to test third-party adoption.
- Both firms participated willingly and reported strong, practical results from the pilot.