Why should I hire an owner's representative or project manager, when I already have an architect?

The responsibilities of project manager and architect are quite different. A project manager oversees and coordinates all elements of project planning, design, and construction to achieve the owner's project objectives. The architect has creative and functional responsibilities to ensure that the completed building is aesthetically pleasing and meets functional requirements. The project manager and the architect work together with the contractors. While the project manager and the architect have very different roles, when brought together in a successful team environment, they collaboratively deliver a successful project.

How can an owner's project manager save money?

Some of the ways we save significant money for our clients include:

• Looking ahead to anticipate potential problems, and initiating timely action to avoid them.

• Change order review/negotiation.

• Expediting building permit issues.

• Negotiating favorable construction contracts.

• Steering general contractors to favorable subcontractors.

• Resolving project questions quickly and correctly to avoid costly delays in the work.

• Providing confident project leadership.

• Serving as an experienced "owner representative" at weekly construction meetings.

• Being an interested and knowledgeable observer during construction site visits.

• Instilling confidence in the financial lending institution through accurate and current cost accounting and budgetary tracking of loan funds.

• Knowing when to deny unacceptable claims for additional money from contractors and consultants.

• Knowing when to support fair claims from contractors and consultants.

• Maintaining an administrative framework that allows issues to be identified and resolved quickly and fairly, saving time and money.

When should a project manager be brought into a project?

There are several answers to this question. Basically, the project manager should become a part of your construction planning team when he or she can:

• assist in the selection of the architect and design consultants;
• assist in selection of the General Contractor;
• review the architectural plans with the contractor to
  • develop a budget
  • develop a schedule
  • examine cost savings ideas
  • plan construction site logistics

How do you charge for services?

We propose a fixed fee for a scope of services based on the duration and complexity of your project and your specific needs. The fee is billed against on a monthly basis. Our fee is not on an hourly basis, or a percentage of the cost of construction.