INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION

MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ?

Construction Management is both an art and a science, and is something

that is usually quite hard to do. It is hard because one has to look at a
broad range of variables, and try and guess what effect each variable
will have on a construction project.
EXAMPLE:

• the weather
• the availability of construction workers who may be sick or may not feel like showing up for work
• the fact that some materials are out of stock just when they are needed
• the availability or non-availability of key equipment like cranes
• changes made to the existing design by architects and clients the previous evening
• juggling the work of 20 or more different trades at the same time
• surprise discoveries of electrical cables below the ground that no-one knew about
• inspections and permitting delays by government authorities
WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ?

Construction management is best done by people with a detailed

knowledge of building construction, such as civil engineers or architects.

The main aspects of construction management are:

• construction scheduling
• quality control
• contract management
• procurement management
• construction finance management
WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ?

Construction management is best done by people with a detailed

knowledge of building construction, such as civil engineers or architects.

The main aspects of construction management are:

• construction scheduling
• quality control
• contract management
• procurement management
• construction finance management
 THE ARCHITECT AS A
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
THE ARCHITECT AS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Architecture takes a long time to learn. Designing and organizing the construction of buildings is a
complex process.

As most architects will know even the smallest renovation can involve juggling a complex scenario
of client brief, planning and building regulations, site conditions, sustainability issues, construction
detailing and logistics, contractor and subcontractor capabilities and of course design itself. This is
a much wider range of design and construction knowledge than many project managers are
either trained in or know about.
THE ARCHITECT AS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Architectural Project Manager Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and Review Building Plans

An architectural project manager’s duties often begin with developing building plans, usually collaborating
with design and architect teams and reviewing plans for construction projects. In addition, architectural
project managers play an important role in site selection and development, using their expertise to identify
potential issues that may arise during construction.

• Estimate Costs and Provide Oversight

After selecting a site and developing a building plan, architectural project managers are responsible for
estimating project costs and developing a budget. Once the project is underway, architectural project
managers visit sites to monitor progress, oversee contractor activities, and work to eliminate delays and stay on
budget.
THE ARCHITECT AS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

• Consult with Clients

Architectural project managers spend a significant portion of their time interacting directly with clients, from
the initial site selection and development process through completion of the construction project.Excellent
communications skills are required to ensure that the project meets the client’s needs and that clients remain
informed of progress and developments.

• Manage Contractors

In addition to interfacing with clients, architectural project managers play an important role in managing
contractors. This can range from initially selecting contractors and receiving bids to answering questions during
the building process. This part of an architectural project manager’s day-to-day role often involves visiting the
job site to verify that contractors are adhering to building plans and regulations.
THE ARCHITECT AS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

• Oversee Scheduling and Timelines

Because many aspects of large-scale construction projects require coordination between multiple teams of
contractors as well as local inspectors and utilities, architectural project managers must actively manage
schedules and timelines to prevent delays and ensure that projects are on time and within budget.

• Conduct Site Planning and Compliance

Finally, architectural project managers are responsible for all aspects of site planning so that projects comply
with local zoning, environmental, and safety regulations. In some cases, this requires that an architectural
project manager is well-versed in local, state, and national regulations and building standards.
THE ARCHITECT AS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Architectural Project Manager Skills and Qualifications

Architectural project managers balance direct, day-to-day oversight of construction projects with big-picture
planning and communication with clients and contractors. Typically, architectural project managers will need
a bachelor of architecture degree and at least five years of experience, along with the following skills:

• Architectural experience – architectural project managers need extensive architectural experience

along with a state license, which requires the completion of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE)

• Drafting and engineering – experience with drafting building plans and blueprints is also essential to an
architectural project manager’s role, since they are responsible both for developing plans and reviewing
drafts developed by other architects

• Personnel management – because they direct and oversee contractor activities and often work with
teams of architects and designers, architectural project managers should also have a background in
personnel management
THE ARCHITECT AS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

• Project management – with so much of this role requiring high-level planning, schedule management,
and coordination, architectural project managers need extensive experience in project management best
practices

• Communication skills – an architectural project manager spends significant time corresponding both with
clients and contractors, so they need effective written and verbal communication skills

• Problem-solving skills – over the course of construction projects, circumstances can change and issues
can arise, so architectural project managers need to be agile problem-solvers to prevent delays and see
projects through to completion
AGREEMENT, POLICIES, AND
CONTRACTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

 The Services - The Construction Manager agrees to furnish the pre-construction and
construction services set forth herein and required for completion of the Project on a
Guaranteed Maximum Price (hereinafter defined) basis.
 Project Schedule / Time of the Essence - This preliminary schedule shall serve as the
framework for the subsequent development of all detailed construction schedules
described herein and in the General Terms and Conditions.
 Preparation/Sufficiency of Site -The Construction Manager shall, among other things
Construction Manager needs to do to perform its obligations under this Agreement, as
and when appropriate
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

 Project Team - Construction Manager will not remove or replace any members of the
Project Team except with the written approval of Owner based upon good cause shown
or as directed by Owner as provided hereunder.
 Contract for Construction - The “Contract for Construction,” which constitutes the entire
agreement between Owner and Construction Manager, consists of: this Agreement and
all exhibits hereto; the General Terms and Conditions; special conditions.
 OWNER’S DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS, AND
RESPONSIBILITIES

 Project Information -Construction Manager acknowledges that Owner has provided

Construction Manager with information regarding Owner’s requirements for the Project as
set forth in the Facilities Program.
 Owner’s Budget - The Owner shall establish and update a budget for the Project, including
the amount allocated for construction, the Owner's other costs, and reasonable
contingencies related to these costs as appropriate.
 Owner’s Representative - The Owner shall designate a representative authorized to act on
the Owner's behalf with respect to the Project.
 Time for Performance - The Owner shall review and approve or take other appropriate
action on all design submittals within the timeframes set forth in the project.
 OWNER’S DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS, AND
RESPONSIBILITIES

 Purpose of Owner’s Review. Owner’s review, inspection, or approval of any Work,

Applications for Payment, or other submittals shall be solely for the purpose of determining
whether the same are generally consistent with Owner’s Facilities Program and
requirements.
 Status of Owner. The Owner shall not have control or charge of construction means,
methods, techniques, sequences or procedures, or for safety precautions and programs in
connection with the Work, nor shall the Construction Manager, for any of the foregoing
purposes, be deemed the agent of the Owner.
 Owner’s Utilities. The Construction Manager shall be responsible to provide and pay for
consumption of, and connections to, utilities required for temporary service and
construction.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

 Is a mutual or legally binding agreement between two parties based on policies and
conditions recorded in document form. The two parties involved are one or more owners,
and one or more contractors. The owner has full authority to decide what type of contract
should be used for a specific development to be constructed and to set forth the legally-
binding terms and conditions in a contractual agreement.
The ten types of contracts are:

 Lump sum contract

 Commercial contract
 Domestic building contract
 Percentage rate contract
 Item rate contract or Unit price contract
 Lump sum and scheduled contract
 Cost plus fixed fee contract
 Cost plus percentage of cost contract
 Subcontract agreement
 Special contract