The Owner’s Toolset: Cost and Process Management Systems with Ian Parr - CCS International

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

The Owner’s Toolset: Cost and Process Management Systems with Ian Parr - CCS International

E128 • Jul 15, 2025 • 54 mins

Ian Parr joins the conversation to share insights from his extensive background in construction and the founding of CCS International. He delves into growth strategies, emphasizing the distinction between cost management and estimating, and the integral role of the owner in successful construction projects. Ian discusses early project planning, cost savings, and risk management, illustrated through a senior facility project case study. The episode explores the development and application of Tenzing software, the evolution of construction technology, and the importance of cross-training and staffing. Ian reflects on his career, offering advice to his younger self, and shares final thoughts on business scaling.

Key Points

Effective early project definition and proactive risk management can save owners substantial amounts of money and prevent costly issues down the line.
CCS International's process management approach, refined over decades, integrates cost management, owner's representation, and technology to provide a comprehensive solution for complex construction projects.
The Tenzing software developed by CCS International automates proven processes, enabling owners to better manage their projects and allowing for seamless support from external experts when needed.

Connect with Ian Parr - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-parr-427a423/ CCS Website: https://www.ccsdifference.com/ Tenzing Website: https://tenzingone.com/ Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

Speakers

Ian Parr

Guest • 82%

Justin Neagle

Host • 13%

Will Foret

Host • 4%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and project success strategies
1:37	Guest introduction: Ian Parr
3:08	Ian Parr's background in construction
7:23	Founding of CCS International and growth strategies
9:36	Cost management vs. estimating
11:51	The role of the owner in construction projects
14:51	Early project planning and definition
19:02	Cost savings and risk management strategies
23:38	Case study: Senior facility project cost management
27:34	Process vs. project management
29:16	Collaboration with Northern Illinois University
32:07	Development of Tenzing software
36:11	Evolution of the construction software industry
42:02	Cross-training and staffing at CCS
45:18	Tenzing software use cases
47:07	Estimating and ensuring construction safety
50:55	Ian Parr's advice to his younger self
52:47	Contact information and final thoughts from Ian Parr
53:42	Closing remarks and business scaling pillars
54:04	Call to action for listeners

Transcript

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