2024 Ones to Watch - Innovators in CRE: Jason Karp, Shawmut Design and Construction

Jason Karp has held the role of director of preconstruction for over 18 months now but really started focusing on Shawmut’s preconstruction efforts during the pandemic. That unique moment in time pushed the industry to lean into new technologies and improve the way we communicate, plan, and execute work. Today, Karp leads a team of five exceptionally talented individuals in their respective fields of scheduling, risk, permitting, 3D coordination, and visualizations. Preconstruction is a highly collaborative phase of the construction process, so every day Karp gets to work closely with a wide range of professionals, including estimators, superintendents, owners, design team members, and expert trade partners. Together, they preplan their most complex projects across the region, including St. John’s University’s $106 million St. Vincent Health Sciences Center.

Innovative Solution: Shawmut has always been at the forefront of technology innovation. Currently, we are integrating new technologies into the preconstruction phase, such as 3D reality capture, laser scanning, historical data-based estimating tools, and collaboration platforms. Laser scanning existing spaces allows the design team to develop plans more accurately, which is especially valuable in complex renovation projects. This results in less risk and greater certainty of outcome for our clients. Reality capture tools provide models similar to Google Street View, enabling us to compare scans taken during preconstruction with those captured at any point during construction, allowing us to communicate progress updates to our project partners worldwide.

Innovative Outlook: These cutting-edge technologies are new tools that we are adopting within the construction industry, but they are just tools. The real opportunities they provide lie in enhancing our pre-planning efforts and improving communication. Accurately illustrating to stakeholders what the project will look like throughout all phases of construction using 3D animations and renderings is a very powerful tool. Identifying and solving problems before they are encountered in the field makes us all more efficient. These innovations will continue to enable teams to make better, safer, and smarter decisions during the preconstruction phase.

“After dedicating nearly his entire career to field operations, Jason’s leadership in our preconstruction efforts is invaluable. His passion and creativity with new technologies—such as 3D reality capture and laser scanning—are driving innovation from start to finish. His collaborative approach fosters trust and strong relationships with team members and project partners. Jason’s contributions have advanced our capabilities, enabling us to successfully deliver some of the most complex projects across the region.” - Charlie Avolio, Head of Major Projects, New York Metro Region, Shawmut Design and Construction.