Autodesk Acquires ProEst, Will Integrate Estimation Tool Into Construction Cloud

Cloud-based tool adds to the firm's construction offerings

Autodesk is acquiring San Diego-based cloud-based construction estimation technology provider ProEst for an undisclosed sum. Illustration courtesy of Autodesk

On Dec. 15, Autodesk announced that it is acquiring ProEst, a cloud-based estimating tool that enables construction teams to create estimates, perform digital takeoffs, generate reports and proposals and manage bid-day processes. Autodesk said it plans to integrate ProEst into Autodesk Construction Cloud, a unified group of construction technologies it offers via its cloud-based platform.

ProEst's customers include Geisinger, O’Brien Construction, Vantis and Oswald, and most of those customers use it to translate project scope and turn drawings, specifications and 3D models directly into material, labor and equipment cost estimates. It's also used by large construction owners that create their own estimates in conjunction with their contractors.

Estimation's importance has increased recently as part of the preconstruction process, with global supply and logistics chains still experiencing mass disruption from the global COVID-19 pandemic and contractors not able to create the cost certainty they once counted on due to delays, cancellations, material product shortages and price spikes.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed but the deal is believed to have a closing date in fourth quarter of 2022. Autodesk Senior Vice President/Manager of Construction Solutions Jim Lynch said in a statement that ProEst "shares our vision for digital transformation in construction."

"Our acquisition of ProEst will allow construction teams to connect accurate estimates with the rest of their project data to minimize the risk of cost and schedule overruns and drive successful project outcomes," he added.

Founded in 1976 in San Diego, ProEst boasts on its website that it has delivered more than 400,000 bids to clients to date.

“Our goal has always been to reimagine the construction estimating process and offer the most advanced functionality possible,” said Jeff Gerardi, ProEst founder and CEO, in a statement. “We have enabled teams to move away from paper documents and spreadsheets and, thanks to our cloud-based platform, break down on-premise software silos with seamless integration. Autodesk’s vision of connecting construction from end to end is one we fully believe in."

In a blog post to customers, Gerardi said he will not only become an Autodesk executive and keep his responsibilities at ProEst, but will also take on a role managing several preconstruction technologies for the San Rafael, Calif.-based software and cloud services giant. He also said ProEst will, "hold onto all of the things that make us unique and valuable to our customers... we will continue to work out of our headquarters in San Diego."

ENR Midwest Editor and Associate Technology Editor Jeff Yoders has been writing about design and construction innovations for 16 years. He is a two-time Jesse H. Neal award winner and multiple ASBPE winner for his tech coverage. Jeff previously launched Building Design + Construction's building information modeling blog and wrote a geographic information systems column at CE News. He also wrote about materials prices, construction procurement and estimation for MetalMiner.com. He lives in Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper, where the pace of innovation never leaves him without a story to chase.

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