Great construction starts long before the first crew arrives on site. Before drawings become schedules, before budgets become contracts, and before work begins in the field, there is a critical stage where the success of a project is often determined: preconstruction. At Blackrete Builders, that work is led by Ivan Zheng, our Director of Preconstruction.
Ivan helps ensure every project starts with a realistic budget, a clear scope, and a construction plan the team can confidently build from. His work brings together estimating, value optimization, constructability review, scheduling input, and early coordination so clients and project teams can make informed decisions before construction begins.
With 11 years of industry experience and a background in mathematics, Ivan brings both technical precision and practical construction insight to his role. He is Gold Seal Certified and a Value Optimization Specialist, which means his focus goes beyond simply pricing a project. Ivan looks closely at whether the budget, design, scope, and construction approach are aligned, helping identify risks and opportunities early.
“Good preconstruction gives the entire project team confidence before work begins. It turns uncertainty into a clear budget, a practical plan, and a path the construction team can actually build from.”
— Ivan Zheng, Director of Preconstruction, Blackrete Builders
Planning Complex Projects Before They Reach Site
Ivan has supported a wide range of projects, from seismic upgrades and school additions to high-rise towers, parkades, and urban infill residential construction. That variety gives him a strong understanding of how different project types need to be planned, priced, and coordinated.
The $10M University Heights seismic upgrade required work inside an existing underground parkade while the commercial spaces above and the parkade itself remained fully operational. Sequencing, budgeting, and coordination were critical, and Ivan’s early planning helped the team anticipate constraints and keep both the construction and the property running smoothly throughout.
The $22M Baydo Tower, a 22-storey mixed-use development in Greater Victoria, called for a high level of rigour across estimating, logistics, structure planning, and scope alignment. On a project of this scale, that early groundwork is what allows construction to move efficiently once it starts.
His experience also includes large-scale concrete superstructure work such as Baydo Plaza Parkade, where preconstruction planning around formwork, sequencing, site access, and cost control is essential to keeping a build of that complexity on track.
Why Early Planning Matters in Victoria, BC
reconstruction is not always the most visible part of a project, but its impact is felt throughout the build. When a project starts with a clear scope, a realistic budget, and a practical plan, the construction team is in a much stronger position to deliver. That is where Ivan adds real value. His ability to review details, identify risk, ask the right questions, and bring clarity to complex projects helps our clients make better decisions earlier. His calm approach and technical experience make him a trusted part of the Blackrete team and an important contributor to the work we deliver.