In this episode of Behind the Barricade, Jim Christian sits down with Meri Gregg, Senior Project Manager at Avon Design Group, to explore what really drives performance in retail construction projects.

With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Meri shares how she found her way into retail design, why she thrives in fast-paced project environments, and what Avon Design Group brings to the table across both commercial and retail architecture.

The conversation dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of project performance from the importance of upfront planning and clear communication to the systems, forms, and processes that help projects stay on budget and on schedule. Meri also shares practical insight into site surveys, as-builts, MEP coordination, and where collaboration tends to break down when projects go off track.

They also explore what the industry should be paying attention to moving forward, including the pressure to move faster, the risks of sacrificing quality for speed, and why some parts of construction simply can’t be rushed without consequences.

This episode is packed with practical insight for project managers, architects, contractors, and anyone involved in delivering successful retail construction projects.

Key Themes Throughout the Episode

• Why strong processes and planning create better-performing projects
• How real estate, design, and permitting all impact project success
• The role of clear communication in preventing costly mistakes
• Why surveys and site documentation are game changers in modern construction
• How better MEP coordination improves field execution
• What causes projects to break down — and how to avoid it
• Why the push for faster timelines often creates bigger downstream problems