Solving the Preconstruction Puzzle

Taeho Lee (MPM '01) starts work every day ready to assemble a new puzzle.

As director of preconstruction at Clayco, Lee's job is to develop accurate and detailed cost estimates that serve as the backbone of project proposals. Put another way, it's up to Lee to determine how to transform conceptual ideas into solid, financially sound plans.

"Every piece of data must fit perfectly to build a complete picture of the project's feasibility," Lee said. "Whether it's a cutting-edge data center or a major airport expansion, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that the estimates I create serve as the foundation for successful project delivery."

Lee specializes in large-scale aviation projects and is currently leading the infrastructure work estimate for Chicago's O'Hare Satellite 1 project. The work is part of the modernization project ongoing at Chicago O'Hare International Airport — the second busiest airport in the world — and also includes construction of a new concourse that will reduce passenger layover transfers and increase operational efficiency.

Lee is also contributing to several cutting-edge data center projects for confidential hyperscale data center clients.

"The fast-paced nature of these projects keeps me on my toes and constantly challenges me to find innovative solutions," he said. "To succeed as a director of preconstruction, it's crucial to have an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning."

That desire to learn is what drew Lee to Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Project Management (MPM) program. He was a senior engineer in South Korea and saw MPM as a gateway to acquire skills and knowledge that would help accelerate his career.

And, that's what happened.

After MPM, Lee spent seven years as a project engineer and lead estimator at Pacific Construction Services, followed by 14 years as a senior estimator at builder and developer Mortenson. He's been in his current role since 2022.

While it’s been more than 20 years since he was in MPM, Lee still relies on the two most important lessons he learned in the MPM program. The first was a deep appreciation for the power of teamwork.

"Collaborating with classmates from diverse backgrounds on challenging projects taught me the importance of open communication, active listening, and leveraging individual strengths to achieve a shared goal," he said. "These lessons have been invaluable in my professional life, where I constantly work with diverse teams to deliver complex projects."

The second equally important lesson was understanding how to be a good communicator — a skill he thinks can go overlooked in the construction field, particularly in his role.

"While technical skills are certainly essential, the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders – from clients and architects to subcontractors and internal teams – is what truly sets a successful preconstruction professional apart," Lee said. "It's about finding common ground, managing expectations, and fostering a collaborative spirit throughout the project lifecycle."

Lee is not shy about his pride for MPM. He credits the program with giving him the skills necessary to do what he does today. And he knows he's not alone.

He firmly believes there is a common trait that runs through MPM graduates that makes them innovators and leaders across the built environment.

"What truly sets MPM alumni apart is the unique blend of skills we gain through the program," he said. "The combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a strong emphasis on collaborative leadership is something I’ve found invaluable in my career. The program’s rigorous curriculum pushes you to not just learn the theory, but to apply it in real-world scenarios, which has given me the confidence to tackle the complexities of any project head-on."