Pipeline Create New Record, only if it does not exist?

In the proverbial nutshell, I have a table with project data and would like to create a new record in a related table but I want to make sure that there is not currently a record in the second table with that same project number.  A supporting team needs to examine some of the project data and verify the order is ready to proceed.  I have created automations and webhooks to create a new record or update an existing record if a record is created or modified.  But before pipelines I couldn't see a way to conditionally create a new record.  My question is more of an is it possible type rather than how to do it.