07/31/2026
Another engaging B/A/D Talk in the books!
Led by Kyle Hoepner, , the discussion featured insights from Payam Bakhshi, PhD, PE ,Catherine Truman, , and Jim Youngblood . Together with audience members, the we tackled the often-overlooked realities of developing cost estimates for competitive project bidding.
The conversation explored how architecture, design, and construction firms, along with their subcontractors, invest significant time and resources each year preparing estimates, often with limited project information and no guarantee of reimbursement. As panelists, we examined the origins of this long-standing business model, questioned why it remains the industry norm, and discussed potential alternatives that could create greater value for both professionals and clients.
A key theme throughout the evening was the importance of educating clients about the estimating process, helping them better understand the expertise, effort, and collaboration required long before construction begins.
Thank you to all the panelists and audience members for another thought-provoking conversation that challenged assumptions and sparked new ideas about the future of project pricing and procurement.
