The Tech Stack Behind Today’s Construction Companies—From Drones to Digital Twins

By Clinton Murphy, Director of Virtual Design & Construction | Holland Construction Services

Construction isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing.

At Holland, we’re proud to be part of a new era of construction companies in Missouri and Illinois that are harnessing cutting-edge technology to build smarter, faster, and more precisely than ever before. Whether it’s a healthcare campus, multifamily development, or K-12 school, our clients expect precision and accountability—and tech is how we deliver it.

For any forward-thinking St. Louis construction contractor, the tools of the trade have expanded far beyond hardhats and blueprints. Today’s tech stack includes drones, laser scanning, BIM coordination, digital twins, and more—and it’s transforming how we plan, build, and deliver complex projects.

Here’s a look at what modern construction companies in St. Louis are using to lead the way.

1. Drones: Eyes in the Sky for Real-Time Progress

Drones have become one of the most powerful tools for St. Louis contractors. They allow us to monitor progress, verify quantities, and provide visual updates for owners and stakeholders—all from a bird’s eye view.

At Holland, drone footage helps us plan site logistics, verify layout, verify earthwork grades,  document existing conditions, and improve communication with clients. It’s especially useful on tight urban sites or phased projects where real-time visibility is key.

2. Reality Capture & Laser Scanning

Spend days field measuring existing buildings or laser scan to provide precise 3D model?  Laser scanning and photogrammetry provide high precision, 3D snapshots of real-world conditions, which we can integrate directly into our virtual models.

As a general contractor in St. Louis, MO, we use this data to accurately, document existing buildings and conditions, verify construction matches coordination models, improve quality control, and maintain alignment between design and construction.

3. BIM Coordination & Clash Detection

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is at the heart of every major project we take on. It’s not just about 3D modeling and software—it’s about coordination and collaboration between project stakeholders.

Our VDC team uses BIM to detect clashes and provide virtual quality control review between structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems before they hit the field. This collaborative approach, often in partnership with design teams and trade partners, allows us to avoid costly surprises and schedule disruptions.

In a region with as many active projects as St. Louis, the experience of our VDC team, level of project integration, and precision is what separates the leaders from the rest.

4. 360 Panos Ground Captures

Google Street View for construction projects?  An exciting development in the construction world is the increased use of 360 cameras and images to document construction.  These 360 panos done through out construction provide the owner and project team valuable as-built information.  What’s behind the drywall?   Take it down or look at a 360 photos to see where the plumbing or electrical was placed months ago?

Forward-thinking construction companies in St. Louis are now handing over more than just a building—we’re delivering comprehensive digital documentation that support long-term facility management. From MEP systems in-walls to overhead and underslab utility documentation.

5. Procore & Integrated Project Management Platforms

Project management platforms like Procore help St. Louis construction contractors keep all the moving parts aligned—from RFIs and submittals to daily logs and financials. These tools not only streamline workflows—they improve accountability, track issues in real-time, and keep everyone on the same page, whether they’re in the office or out in the field.

Why It Matters

Clients today want certainty. They want data. They want clarity. And that’s exactly what technology provides.

At Holland, we’ve made a deliberate investment in tools and talent to lead the charge. Our VDC team doesn’t just support construction—we help shape it. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with operations teams, architects, and owners to make sure the job gets done right the first time.

Not all construction companies in Missouri are built the same. When you work with a tech-forward construction manager or general contractor in St. Louis, you’re getting more than a builder—you’re getting a partner that’s leveraging every advantage to deliver excellence.

Technology won’t replace experience and people. But the combination of both? That’s powerful. At Holland, we believe innovation and integrity go hand-in-hand—and we’re proud to be pushing the industry forward with both.