Preconstruction Innovation Summit

As the preconstruction function becomes i9ncreasingly more important and central to successful and timely project delivery, the importance of leadership, collaboration, and quality assurance grows. In this opening session, NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard will reflect on the evolving expectations for early project planning, risk identification, and cross-sector accountability. He’ll also share insights on how regulatory perspectives and industry collaboration can elevate outcomes from the earliest stages of construction.

James Sherrard, Commissioner, Building Commission NSW

This session will explore the latest trends in the Australian construction market and offer a forward-looking forecast for the sector. Attendees will gain insights into the strategic directions, emerging innovations, and key shifts in workforce and policy needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving environment. With global financial markets in flux and uncertainty dominating the outlook, we know that international construction supply chains will be impacted by events like Liberation Day. And while Trump’s policy positions continue to shift, this session will examine the likely implications for the sector — and how preconstruction teams can better prepare for what lies ahead.

• Assessing the outlook for the global and Australian economy and identifying the headwinds and tailwinds shaping the future of construction and infrastructure
• Examining the implications of Liberation Day Tariffs and its potential impact on global construction supply chains
• Reviewing the key drivers of demand for construction and the challenges and opportunities posed by rapid urbanisation
• Considering the impact of net zero and climate change on construction and infrastructure

Dr. Nicholas Fearnley, Head of Global Construction Forecasting, Oxford Economics

As preconstruction takes on a more strategic role in project delivery, success increasingly depends on how well diverse construction teams collaborate with each other and their clients. In this opening panel, preconstruction industry leaders explore how strong client relationships and cohesive teams lead to clearer feasibility, more flexible and informed commercial decisions, and better alignment across the whole lifecycle of a project. The discussion will set the tone for the day by focusing on the real-world impact of trust, clear roles, and aligned expectations.

• Building trust and transparency with clients to improve decision-making and project clarity
• Examining how the right team structures drive better outcomes, not just better processes
• Aligning design, estimating, and delivery teams early to avoid rework, reduce risk and cost escalations
• Creating space for flexible, commercially viable contract conversations to navigate feasibility, scope, and approvals more effectively
• Comparing delivery models and how they influence collaboration and improve commercial clarity

Panellists:

Loren Hickey, General Manager, New Business & Strategy, McConnell Dowell

Jack Robson, Head of Strategy and Conversion, Built

Adam Ashcroft, General Manager, Growthbuild

Daniel McLean, State Pre-Construction Manager, VIC, ADCO Constructions

In this session, Adham Fathy will share how Downer navigates the complex realities of early project planning—from aligning with clients on scope and funding, to fostering stronger internal coordination and long-term strategic thinking. Drawing from practical experience, Adham will outline his approach to address planning gaps, reduced friction in documentation and approval processes, all while ensuring the right team is aligned from day one to support confident and coordinated project delivery.

• Aligning budgets, scope, and stakeholder input early to avoid rushed tendering and costly downstream delays
• Enhancing documentation clarity and managing scope change by adopting structured review processes
• Strengthening collaboration across internal teams and external partners to eliminate silos
• Building strategic leadership frameworks to coordinate large, multi-project portfolios
• Balancing innovation with implementation—where tech can support planning without adding risk

Adham Fathy, Project Delivery Manager, Downer

In this session we bring together delegates for a series of 30 minute facilitated round table discussions with leading industry experts. Join the table that interests you most to discuss hot topics and share ideas for tackling some of the biggest challenges on the road to success in preconstruction. The session will close with a 2-minute summation by each of the Roundtable leads.

Round Table 1:           Improving documentation quality and scope clarity

Led by: Adham Fathy, Project Delivery Manager, Downer

Round Table 2:            Maintaining effective cost controls across the preconstruction and             estimation phase of projects

Led by: Guilain Chevreul, Senior Finance Manager, ACCIONA

Round Table 3:            ESG’s relationship to preconstruction, what it is, why it matters, and            how we best respond internally and to client requirements.

Led by: Leah Singer, Director, Entwine

Round Table 4:           Addressing workforce challenges in preconstruction

Round Table 5:            Managing risk through flexible contract structures

Round Table 6:           Navigating regulatory complexities in project approvals

Round Table 7: Balancing innovation with practical feasibility

Round Table 8:  Enhancing collaboration between stakeholders

Adham Fathy, Project Delivery Manager, Downer

Guilain Chevreul, Senior Finance Manager, ACCIONA

Leah Singer, Director, Entwine

Many project challenges begin with how and when consultants are engaged. Are we bringing the right voices in too late—or duplicating effort too early? This session explores how strategic consultant engagement during the earliest design phases can reduce cost, improve buildability, and strengthen design outcomes.

• Sequencing consultant involvement to match project needs and budget realities
• Avoiding rework by engaging cost planning and buildability input at concept stage

Why front-loading specialist advice saves money later

When early-stage design and preconstruction management are misaligned, it leads to rework, cost blowouts, and lost value. This panel explores how collaboration between design, cost, and delivery teams can improve buildability and reduce risk. We’ll also examine the digital divide – especially downstream – where many subcontractors still rely on analogue processes. From document control to consultant engagement, the session unpacks how stronger design-phase coordination drives better and more sustainable outcomes.

• Breaking down the disconnect between design ambition and construction realities
• Exploring how preconstruction teams can influence design outcomes without compromising intent
• Improving communication loops between consultants, clients, and contractors
• Reducing risk through early documentation review, design freeze protocols, and staged sign-offs
• Bridging the gap between analogue and digital tools across the supply chain
• Examining the role digital tools play in tracking changes, coordinating inputs, and ensuring up-to-date information reaches site teams on-time

Panellists:

Kurt Brissett, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Built

Alberto Sanchez, Head of Planning, Lendlease

Andrew McFarlane, Group Procurement & Plant Manager, McConnell Dowell

Moderated by:

Martin Fenn, Director, MMCi

Unfair contract terms can increase project risk for everyone—not just the contractor. This session will explore how smarter, more collaborative risk allocation during the preconstruction phase leads to better project outcomes.

• How extreme risk-shifting impacts project delivery
• Why fairer contracts support stronger collaboration and sustainability
• Practical strategies for balancing client and contractor needs
• Building an industry culture that rewards transparent, achievable contracts

From carbon tracking platforms to AI-driven design tools and cloud-based data ecosystems, technology is transforming how projects are scoped, priced, and coordinated long before construction begins. In this session, you’ll hear three rapid-fire 5-minute presentations from companies at the forefront of preconstruction innovation. The presenters will then join a 20-minute discussion on how these tools are reshaping the sector—accelerating delivery, improving accuracy, and helping teams meet ESG goals.

Talk 1: Carbon accounting tools for low-emissions project planning

Talk 2: Real-Time Workforce Monitoring & Site Safety Enhancements

Talk 3: Centralising data storage for better project visibility and stakeholder collaboration

Talk 4: Generative Design and AI-Assisted Concept Planning

Moderated by:

Rene Essomba, Co-Founder & Co-Host, What The Tech!? Podcast