Technology that Builds Trust: Supporting Owners and Communities from the Start
Construction technology at Harper General Contractors has evolved from a concept into a core driver of how the company builds. Today, it stands as a defining element of every project. The foundation for Harper’s Construction Technology Department (ConTech) was laid in 2015 during Harper’s first Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination effort at the Greenville Country Club. That experience introduced a principle that still guides the team: “We build it twice.” By virtually constructing projects first, the team identifies conflicts early and reduces rework. “The ConTech team adds tremendous value and helps us effectively execute our work, ensuring we get it right the first time, which saves time and money,” shares Harper President & CEO David Wise.
The ConTech team carefully selects the right technology to provide owners with a clearer understanding of their projects from the very beginning. Early modeling, scanning, and drone mapping help verify existing conditions, test design ideas, and identify challenges before construction begins. On the Greenville Technical College (GTC) Prisma Health Center for Health and Life Sciences project, the team used drone mapping and total station layout to confirm site conditions and accurately place more than 500 foundation piers, ensuring quality and preventing rework.
Building on this approach, using ConTech tools and processes during preconstruction on both commercial and environmental projects strengthens planning for everyone involved. Accurate data improves budgeting, scheduling, and logistics, helping design and construction teams coordinate more effectively. Owners gain a clearer picture of how their project will function within the community.
Another example is at Tri‑County Technical College’s Oconee Hall, where the ConTech team used modeling, scanning, and BIM tools early in planning to help the college and design team assess demolition needs, determine building placement, and understand how new additions would tie into the existing structure. By coordinating early, the team clarified key decisions and resolved issues before construction began, supporting a facility that will better serve students and faculty.
These examples reflect how early technology support strengthens every project. What began as a one-person initiative is now a 15-person team supporting more than 40 active projects, with field operations using these tools daily to verify layout, track progress, and ensure work is installed accurately the first time. This includes tools such as robotic total stations, GPS receivers, laser scanners, drone mapping, and digital dig boards to verify layout, track progress, and ensure work is installed properly.
As ConTech celebrates its 10th anniversary, its focus remains unchanged: building trust, supporting project teams, and delivering work that communities can depend on. Guided by a commitment to builder excellence, adaptable problem solving, strong relationships, and unwavering integrity, the team continues to deliver dependable results for clients and communities across the Southeast. The ConTech team remains a critical part of how Harper builds today and will continue to build in the future.
