Greg Soros has spent over 15 years working in civil engineering and construction management. As the industry continues to evolve with new technologies and sustainability demands, he has developed a clear perspective on what truly drives successful project outcomes. “The most sophisticated engineering design is meaningless if it can’t be practically implemented on a construction site,” he says.
Understanding the Gap Between Design and Execution
One of the most persistent challenges in construction is the disconnect between engineering design teams and on-site execution crews. Greg observes that many project delays and budget overruns stem from this fundamental gap. “Engineering drawings can be technically perfect but practically problematic,” he explains. “The key is involving construction expertise early in the design phase, not after plans are already finalized.”
This approach requires a shift in traditional project workflows. Rather than viewing design and construction as sequential phases, successful projects treat them as collaborative processes. When field supervisors and experienced tradespeople contribute insights during the planning stage, potential construction challenges surface before they become costly problems. The result is more buildable designs that respect both engineering principles and construction realities.
The Role of Communication in Complex Projects
Effective project management in construction demands more than technical expertise—it requires translating complex concepts across diverse stakeholder groups. Greg emphasizes that construction managers must communicate fluently with architects, engineers, contractors, regulatory officials, and clients, each group speaking its own professional language.
“I’ve found that the most effective approach involves creating shared understanding rather than just transmitting information,” he notes. This means explaining structural engineering principles to contractors in terms of construction sequencing, or helping architects understand how their design choices impact construction costs and timelines. When all parties grasp not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ behind project decisions, coordination improves dramatically.
Navigating Sustainable Construction Challenges
The construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, yet implementation remains challenging for many firms. Greg Soro’s perspective is pragmatic: sustainability must make business sense, not just environmental sense. “Looking ahead, construction will need to demonstrate that sustainable practices can coexist with profitability and efficiency,” he says.
This requires moving beyond viewing sustainability as an add-on cost and recognizing it as a value proposition. Energy-efficient building systems reduce long-term operational costs. Waste reduction strategies lower disposal expenses. Sustainable materials sourcing can improve project timelines by reducing supply chain vulnerabilities. The real challenge lies in balancing upfront investments with long-term returns, a calculation that requires both engineering analysis and business acumen.
Greg Soros advocates for incremental adoption rather than wholesale transformation. “What distinguishes great construction management from good construction management is knowing which sustainable practices deliver the most impact for each specific project context,” he observes. Not every building needs cutting-edge green technology, but every project can incorporate some level of resource efficiency.
The Future of Construction Problem-Solving
As construction technology advances with digital tools and automation, Greg remains convinced that fundamental problem-solving skills remain paramount. Software can optimize scheduling and drones can survey sites, but complex construction challenges still require human judgment informed by experience.
The most valuable construction professionals combine technical knowledge with practical wisdom gained from years on job sites. They understand that successful project delivery depends on anticipating problems, coordinating diverse teams, and making sound decisions under pressure. “The best engineering solutions often come from listening to the experienced tradespeople on construction sites and bridging innovative design with practical implementation,” Greg concludes.
This balanced approach—respecting both engineering innovation and construction practicality—defines effective project management in an increasingly complex industry.