McGough’s Project Executive of Minnesota Self Perform, John Upson, recently participated in the Minnesota Concrete Council’s In-Person Roundtable: Concrete for “E” by “A” and “C.” He was joined by fellow panelists Sean Kelly and Nick Thompson of Wold Architects and Engineers, along with Michael Johnson of Knutson Construction and Melissa Schultz of MnDOT. The event brought together architects, engineers, and contractors to share perspectives that often get overlooked in concrete construction, and to highlight the impact of collaboration and innovation across the AEC community.
At McGough, we believe that strong partnerships and thoughtful planning are essential to delivering exceptional results. John’s insights from the roundtable reflect that belief and reinforce the value of bringing diverse expertise to the table early in the process.
The Power of Versatility in Concrete
Concrete is known for its strength and durability, but John emphasized that its greatest advantage is its adaptability.
“What sets concrete apart is its versatility. If you can imagine the shape, you can build it,” John shared. “That design freedom allows us to support our partners in achieving ideas that other materials simply can’t accommodate.”
This flexibility continues to influence project outcomes, enabling more creative, efficient, and resilient solutions.
Technology Is Accelerating the Industry Forward
The conversation also explored how technology has reshaped the construction landscape. Tools such as BIM, drones, total-station layout systems, and advanced equipment have streamlined planning and execution in ways that were unimaginable a few decades ago. These advancements are strengthening collaboration and helping teams make faster, more informed decisions in the field.
John reflected on this shift:
Before email, a simple project change could take weeks to communicate. Today, information moves at lightning speed,” he said. “That pace creates new opportunities for coordination and precision.”
Looking Ahead: Prefabrication and AI
When discussing what excites him most about the future, John pointed to two areas of rapid growth: prefab construction and artificial intelligence.
Prefab solutions are improving safety, predictability, and overall project speed. AI, meanwhile, is poised to support everything from scheduling and quality control to design optimization and onboarding new talent. Together, these innovations are shaping an industry that is more connected, efficient, and adaptable.
Building What’s Next
We’re proud to have leaders like John contributing to industry-wide conversations that push construction forward. At McGough, we remain committed to continuous innovation, strong partnerships, and solutions that improve how we design and build.
