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Aidan McComb Shares 6 Ways to Keep Construction Projects on Track

Aidan McComb is a Toronto-based construction professional with nearly eight years of hands-on experience. Aidan McComb has contributed to major developments such as 81 Bay Street with EllisDon, 1555 Queen Street East with Context Developments, and 667 Talbot in London. Managing a large construction project can be stressful. With deadlines, safety rules, budget limits, and crew coordination all in play, there’s a lot that can go wrong if the details are missed. 

For Aidan McComb, staying on track means doing the basics well day after day. From coordinating crews to solving site challenges, his work is focused on results that last. Based on what he’s learned from the field, here are six ways he keeps projects moving forward.

1. Start Strong with a Clear Plan

Every successful build begins with a solid plan. That means understanding the project’s full scope, timelines, permits, and site needs before the work begins. He always takes time at the start to review drawings, coordinate with engineers, and walk the site. This early groundwork helps avoid confusion later and sets the tone for the team.

“Everyone needs to know what success looks like,” he says. “When that’s clear, it’s easier to hit the goal.”

2. Keep Communication Simple and Direct

He believes that clear communication is one of the most overlooked parts of running a project. Whether it's the trades, suppliers, or clients, keeping everyone informed helps prevent delays. He checks in daily with his crew and keeps an open line with vendors to make sure materials arrive when needed.

“Small issues grow fast if people don’t talk. A quick chat can save a week’s worth of problems,” he explains.

3. Stay on Top of Scheduling

Deadlines matter in construction. Aidan McComb uses a simple approach to stay ahead; he breaks big schedules into weekly goals, then daily tasks. This helps the crew stay focused, and it makes it easier to adjust when things shift.

At 81 Bay Street, a high-rise downtown building with EllisDon, he managed crews across several floors. “You can’t wait for the perfect day. You work with what you’ve got and keep moving,” he says.

4. Solve Problems as They Come

In every job, something unexpected happens. Weather delays, site changes, or supply chain issues can throw off the pace. He doesn’t let setbacks pile up. He addresses issues quickly, meets with the right people, and moves on.

5. Build Respect with the Crew

Leading a team on-site means more than just giving orders. He focuses on trust and respect. He listens to his crew, learns from their input, and makes sure they’re treated fairly.

“When people feel respected, they do better work,” he says. “You need their eyes and their hands. They’ll give you more if they know you’ve got their back.”

6. Keep Learning Every Day

For Aidan McComb, every project brings new lessons. From his early days studying Construction Engineering at Fanshawe College and George Brown College to today’s work in the field, he’s always learning something new whether it's from engineers, inspectors, or crew members.

“Nothing stays the same. The rules, the tools, the materials they change. You learn by being there, watching, listening, and doing,” he says.

Final Thoughts

Aidan McComb’s approach is simple: show up, plan well, speak clearly, and fix problems before they grow. Whether it's a downtown tower or a mid-rise in a smaller city, his way of working stays the same steady, focused, and honest. These tips don’t come from a textbook. They come from early mornings, tight deadlines, and a lot of boots-on-the-ground experience.

If you're looking to run a smoother project, start with these seven habits. As Aidan McComb would say: “Keep it simple, and don’t stop moving.”

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Aidan McComb Shares 5 Tips for Managing Large-Scale Building Projects

Managing large construction projects can be challenging. It takes good planning, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm when things change. These are skills that Aidan McComb, a Toronto-based construction professional, has developed through years of work in the field. 

With nearly eight years of experience, he has contributed to several major projects, including 81 Bay Street with EllisDon, 1555 Queen Street East with Context Developments, and 667 Talbot in London. He is known for his practical knowledge, attention to detail, and steady approach to project coordination, finishes, and building systems.

Drawing from his work on busy job sites, Aidan shares 5 tips that help keep large-scale projects moving smoothly and on schedule.

1. Understand the Project Before the Work Starts

Aidan McComb believes that good planning is the foundation of every successful project. Before construction begins, it's important to fully understand the drawings, schedule, and scope of work. Walking through the plans and asking questions early helps prevent delays later.

“Take the time to review everything with your team and your trades,” says Aidan. “When everyone is clear on what’s expected, the job runs better.”

He also makes sure to double-check long-lead items and coordinate delivery timelines early. Getting ahead of material orders can prevent unexpected downtime on-site.

2. Communicate Clearly with Everyone Involved

Large projects involve many different groups of contractors, engineers, suppliers, and site staff. He says the best way to keep everyone working toward the same goal is by communicating clearly and often.

“You don’t need long meetings or fancy reports,” Aidan McComb explains. “Just make sure people know what’s happening, what’s coming next, and what’s expected of them.”

On his sites, He holds short daily check-ins and uses simple updates to share progress, issues, and upcoming work. This keeps everyone in the loop and helps catch problems early.

3. Stay on Top of the Details

From structural work to finishes, small details can have a big impact. Aidan McComb keeps track of each step closely, making sure nothing gets missed. On the 667 Talbot project in London, he managed everything from interior finishes across 17 floors to life safety systems and elevator coordination.

“You can’t just focus on the big picture,” Aidan McComb says. “You have to know what’s happening day by day.”

He recommends keeping a checklist, walking the site often, and being present during key tasks like concrete pours, window installation, or mechanical tie-ins. This hands-on approach helps catch small issues before they become big problems.

4. Be Ready to Adapt When Plans Change

No matter how well a project is planned, changes will happen. Weather delays, design revisions, or scheduling conflicts are common. He says the key is to stay calm and find a way to keep the project moving.

“When something changes, take a step back, talk to the team, and figure out the best way forward,” he says.

His approach is to stay flexible but keep the end goal in mind. Whether it's adjusting the order of trades or reworking a detail, being open to change without losing momentum is what keeps things on track.

5. Build with Purpose and Care

It’s about creating spaces that serve people for years to come. Whether it’s an office building downtown or a residential tower in London, he takes pride in doing quality work.

“These buildings are going to be part of the community,” he says. “You want to build something that lasts.”

He encourages others in the industry to care about their work, pay attention to the finishing touches, and always keep safety and quality at the center of what they do.

Final Words

Large-scale projects don’t succeed by luck. They succeed when teams work with care, stay organized, and respond well to the everyday challenges that come with construction. Aidan McComb brings this mindset to every project he works on, and his advice comes from real, on-the-ground experience.

Whether you're new to construction or leading your own projects, these tips can help keep things running smoothly and make sure the final result is something you can be proud of.