Virtual Lunch & Learn | The Preconstruction Advantage: Risk Reduction, Resilience, and Results
Cost: Free for All AIA Members; $10 Non-Members
Pending: 1.0 | HSW
Zoom
This program is sponsored by E.E. Reed East Coast, LLC
Description:
Preconstruction is one of the most critical phases of project delivery, where design intent, budget alignment, constructability, and scheduling converge to set the tone for a successful project. This seminar will explore how a collaborative preconstruction process enhances decision-making, reduces risk, and ultimately safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants and users. Through real-world examples and best practices, participants will learn how early integration of architects, owners, and contractors leads to smarter design solutions, cost certainty, and improved long-term performance of the built environment. Hear from experts about the essential considerations for project success from the General Contractor’s perspective.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
- Explain how early cost modeling and budgeting during preconstruction contribute to design decisions that ensure buildings remain safe, functional, and within the client’s means.
- Identify how constructability reviews and material analysis in preconstruction improve building performance, safety, and long-term durability.
- Describe how preconstruction scheduling and phasing strategies enhance site safety, reduce risks to occupants and workers, and support compliance with life-safety codes.
- Evaluate how collaborative preconstruction practices among owners, architects, and contractors promote more resilient spaces.
This is a 1 hour virtual event via Zoom. Registration is required.
Presenters’ Bios:
Cary Brown, LEED AP
Vice President – Preconstruction
Cary joined E.E. Reed East Coast in 2021 as Vice President of Preconstruction, bringing with her a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Establishing her department, she has set the standards and processes that facilitate over $1 billion of revenue annually. In this role, she manages procurement, subcontractor qualification, constructability, conceptual budgeting, hard bids, scheduling, value engineering, and all aspects of preconstruction across mission critical, base building, critical facilities, and corporate interiors. Her emphasis on early collaboration across project teams from owner to end user sets the foundation for project success and long-term client satisfaction. Understanding her clientele and their unique goals in the built environment is central to her approach and reflects her comprehensive knowledge as a leader in her field.
Cary is affiliated with Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC Virginia), 7×24 Exchange National Capital Region, and Women in Mission Critical (WiMCO). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Real Estate from Georgetown University. She lives in Nokesville, Virginia, with her husband Rob and three children and when not working, she enjoys watching her kids play sports, traveling, and a good glass of wine.
Andy Craighill, LEED AP, CDCM
Vice President
Andy joined E.E. Reed East Coast in 2006 and currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Interiors. He brings over 22 years of industry experience to this role. Starting his career as an assistant project manager at E. E. Reed East Coast, he gained experience in client relations, estimating, project document control, subcontractor procurement and cost management. As a project manager, he delivered a diverse mix of projects across market segments and including both base building and interiors. In his current role as Vice President, he is active in business development and oversees client relations in addition to facilitating preconstruction for our clients. He provides leadership and management for both our Corporate Interiors project teams as well as Special Projects that cross the Base Building and Interiors divisions.
He is affiliated with Association of Builders and Contractors and NAIOP. Andy has won three NAIOP awards and led project teams that received five awards of excellence from Fairfax County. He holds professional accreditations including LEED AP and Certified Data Center Manager (CDCM).
Andy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Union College in New York. He lives in South Riding, Virginia, with his wife Marta and three sons: Matthew, Jacob, and Alex. Outside of the office, he enjoys many outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, golf, and playing hockey with his friends and family.
About E.E. Reed East Coast, LLC
E.E. Reed’s approach to business is built on the same values that formed the foundation of our company more than four decades ago. From day one, our commitment to excellence and integrity has been the driving force behind our success.
