Construction Management

Construction management is a process where a qualified third party provides leadership throughout various phases of a project including planning, design, and construction.

The primary emphasis of the process is a team approach, which integrates the design and construction phases of a project for delivery within the optimum time, quality, and costs. The construction team is selected by the owner and consists of the owner, the construction manager, and the design professional. Most importantly, the team objective is centered on how to best serve our client's interests. Although there are various means and methods by which the Construction Manager may operate, there are generally two models that are used in today's market.

CM AT RISK (CMAR) — WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER IS ALSO THE CONSTRUCTOR

The CMAR provides advice and construction leadership during the planning and design phases of the project and construction leadership, contract management, direction, supervision, coordination, and control of the work during the construction phase. Generally, the client will contract directly with the design professional and separately with the CMAR. If the CMAR is selected as the general contractor as well, the CMAR will then work directly with the trade contractors. Similar to the traditional contractor, the CMAR has control over the means and methods of construction, the management of the safety of the workers, and the delivery of the completed project according to the time, cost, and quality requirements of the project owner. As a result, these means and methods conserve time and save money for the client.

WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER IS THE OWNER'S AGENT

In this scenario, the CM is an agent of the owner and does not design or construct the project. This method of project delivery provides the client with a CM who administers and oversees the planning, design, and construction by the general contractor and/or subcontractors. As the agent for the owner, the CM acts on behalf of the client regarding contract matters, as well as ensuring that the performance of a contractor is in accordance with its contractual obligations and industry standards of construction and safety.