Our Approach

Three Approaches, One Goal

We offer three construction approaches to fit the needs of our clients. Each one has unique advantages and disadvantages, but we specialize in CM@R because it is the best option for clients who want more accurate cost estimating and savings, increased efficiency, and decreased risk for their project. No matter the approach clients choose, it’s our goal to deliver the highest quality product through a collaborative, transparent building experience. Click the tabs below to learn more about each approach.

Construction Management at Risk

With CM@R, the owner engages with the architect or contractor first. The architect starts to develop the design and the contractor is hired as early into the design process as possible so the two firms can work collaboratively from beginning to end. The main benefit of CM@R is the guaranteed maximum price (GMP), which ensures the owner won’t pay above the established cost for the project scope. Also, any savings remaining after project completion are given to the owner.

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Separate Contracts

The owner has a separate contract with the architect and the contractor. This establishes a checks and balances system between the two firms because both are motivated to act in the owner’s best interest.

  • Multiple advocates

Key

O - Owner C - Contractor A - Architect

Pros & Cons

  • Increased financial security and savings with the guaranteed maximum price
  • Increased efficiency because no bidding process is required
  • More collaboration between the architect and contractor

Design-Build

With Design-Build, the owner engages with a construction management firm that offers a design-build team. Architects and contractors work together from the start of the design process until the end of construction, allowing for increased efficiency and project collaboration.

Key

O - Owner C - Contractor A - Architect

Pros & Cons

  • More collaboration between the architect and contractor
  • Increased efficiency because no bidding process is required
  • Increased risk because there’s no guaranteed maximum price like with CM@R

Design-Bid-Build

This is the traditional construction model where an owner engages with an architect first and the architect prepares the design and construction documents for a formal bidding process. Contractors use these detailed construction documents to prepare a bid that they present to the owner. Typically, the job is awarded to the lowest bidder and then construction can begin.

Key

O - Owner C - Contractor A - Architect

Pros & Cons

  • Best for public work projects that require a bidding process
  • Less collaboration between the contractor and architect
  • Contractors that are selected for the lowest price may not be the highest quality

Affiliations & References

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