As the construction industry continues to grapple with skills shortages and data complexity, RIB Software spoke to Balfour Beatty’s Head of Estimating, Major Projects & Highways, Bill Mackie, about the evolution of the construction industry over the past fifty years. He shared some insights and tips for the next generation of construction professionals, and highlights from a career well spent.
It’s difficult to distil five decades into a handful of moments, but what has always stayed with me is the satisfaction of seeing a project through from concept to completion. There’s a unique pride in watching something move from lines on a page to a fully realized structure, knowing you played a part in shaping it.
Estimating, in particular, has always held a certain fascination for me. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about understanding the full life of a project, balancing cost, risk, and practicality. I’ve always said you need a certain kind of brain for it, and for me, it’s never felt like just a job. It’s been a genuinely fulfilling career – one I’ve been truly passionate about and loved every step of the way.
At its core, it comes down to integrity and critical thinking. You’re constantly making judgments that carry real financial consequences. So, honesty and accountability are non-negotiable.
Beyond that, it’s about balance. A good estimator knows how to weigh data against instinct and experience – there’s a place for both. The numbers will tell you a great deal, but experience gives you the context to interpret them properly. That “gut feel” is something that only develops over time, and it’s invaluable.
Without question, it’s a skills gap, exacerbated by the diminishing pool of experience. We’re seeing a significant number of seasoned estimators approaching retirement, and with that comes loss of institutional knowledge. That simply can’t be replaced overnight.
At the same time, the industry remains fragmented. Designers, engineers, estimators, and the supply chain often operate with different perspectives, sometimes even conflicting ones. There’s a disconnect between design intent, data, and practical experience, and that creates inefficiencies.
This is not something industry can solve in isolation, nor can government. It has to be a shared responsibility.
Equally important is how we approach skills. The loss of experience creates a costly upskilling challenge, and in a climate where cost control dominates, investment in people can be difficult to prioritize. But it must be.
We also need to think more creatively about retention. How do we keep experienced professionals engaged for longer? Flexible working, part-time roles, or consultancy positions can all play a part.
And critically, we must embed knowledge transfer into the way we work. The most effective teams will be those that combine experience with fresh thinking, bringing together seasoned professionals with Gen X and Gen Z talent to create a balanced, well-rounded approach.
First and foremost, never be afraid to ask questions. Nobody knows everything, and the sooner you accept that, the faster you’ll learn.
Secondly, don’t compartmentalize your thinking. Estimating doesn’t exist in isolation. You need to understand the broader context of planning, design, and delivery.
Third, respect the process. Core methodology exists for a reason, and skipping steps will almost always come back to bite you.
Fourth, keep it simple. Estimating can seem overwhelming at first, but when you break it down into its component parts, it becomes far more manageable.
And finally, don’t be intimidated by scale. Whether it’s a small job or a multi-million-pound project, the principles remain the same. Focus on getting those right.
Technology undoubtedly plays a significant role in the future of construction, and estimating is no exception. AI has the potential to enhance data analysis, improve efficiency, and support decision-making.
However, it’s important to be clear that it’s not a silver bullet. AI won’t solve the fundamental challenges we face, particularly around fragmentation and skills shortages. What it can do is support better collaboration, provided we have the right frameworks and data in place. But without a robust data foundation and supply chain collaboration, even the most advanced tools will fall short.
Interestingly, there’s no single defined qualification or accreditation that makes an estimator. Of course, relevant education helps, but this is very much a role that depends on aptitude and mindset.
It requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a genuine curiosity about how projects come together. In many ways, it’s a profession you grow into rather than one you simply qualify for.
I’m not quite ready to hang up my pencil completely! I’d like to think I will still contribute in some capacity, perhaps in a consultative role or supporting the next generation.
That said, I am looking forward to a slower pace. Spending more time with family, stepping back from the day-to-day pressures, and simply enjoying life a bit more.
It’s been a wonderful career – one I’ve been passionate about from the very beginning. And while I may be easing off, I don’t think that passion ever really leaves you.
Bill’s reflections highlight that while technology continues to evolve, the principles of good estimating remain constant: integrity, experience, and sound judgement. As the industry faces a growing skills gap and increasing complexity, connecting people, data, and knowledge is critical. At RIB, we believe the future lies in empowering estimators with the right tools to support better decisions while ensuring experience is captured, shared, and sustained for the next generation.
