How Messer Construction Is Tackling Tariffs, Tech, and Risk: Interview with Alec Carnes
What does it take to maintain cost certainty when markets shift overnight? Alec Carnes of Messer Construction breaks down the strategies his team uses to manage volatility, accelerate estimating, and collaborate more effectively across design teams. Here’s a preview of what he’ll be bringing to the stage at Advancing Preconstruction 2026.
1. What impact has the introduction of new tariffs had on your firm’s preconstruction and estimating processes?
Alec: Most mfg are attempting to “pass thru” tariff costs, which has driven us to revise and update our PO terms and conditions to address the situation. Some owners have been open to compensating vendors for tariff surcharges but other have not. We have directed our vendors to incorporate tariff surcharges into their pricing and not to expect us to be able to pass them thru. As such, we have been seeing cost increases on a great deal of product.
2. How do you think increased adoption of technologies like AI and model-based estimating will change the role of estimators and preconstruction leaders?
Alec: The turnaround time on estimates will likely decrease as AI improves both the “Take off” and “filling the gap” process on estimates prior to 100% CDs are complete. Additionally, bench marking across national/international market pricing will be more easily available given the enhanced data assimilation that AI presents. The primary impact on preconstruction will allow design to continue moving forward with faster cost information.
3. What best practices have your team implemented to strengthen conceptual estimating and risk mitigation on complex projects?
Alec:
- Target value design estimating process.
- Early procurement of major equipment to mitigate lead time and cost volatility.
- Involve of our corporate MEP expertise to collaborate on design intent from the perspective of cost, lead time, and other market volatility.
4. What are you most looking forward to about Advancing Preconstruction 2026 and why?
Alec: Feedback from peer level organizations and owners in a “Plus/Delta” environment
5. What key takeaways are you hoping to share with the Preconstruction community as a speaker at the conference?
Alec: Managing market volatility to meet cost and schedule requirements and how to release equipment prior to design completion while mitigating rework.
Explore the Full Preconstruction Agenda
- 80+ speakers from leading GCs, Trades, Clients & Design Firms
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- 25% of speakers from Top 30 General & Trade Contractors (ENR)
- Network with 1000+ of the nation’s most dedicated preconstruction leaders
- Brand-new ‘Preconstruction Management’ track to foster strategic innovation across all projects
