08
May

What Does a Project Manager Do for a Construction Company?

Almost every industry utilizes the power and skills of project managers. They are essential for ensuring companies stay on target and achieve their goals. They coordinate teams, guide everyone to the same page, and troubleshoot problems that arise along the way. The same holds true in the design and construction world, too!

Project managers keep the ball rolling—or, much of the time, multiple balls rolling—during construction. In this article, we’ll discuss what a project manager does and what clients should know about their role. At Robertson Architecture, we work with construction project managers who facilitate a smooth building process by liaising with all teams and the client to achieve an exceptional final product. We work closely with them to ensure the entire process is as seamless as possible.

What is the role of a project manager in construction?

Think about all of the moving parts of a new development project. You have an architect, a civil engineer, general contractors, trades, and more. Each of these teams is like a literal building block so that the next team can do their job correctly. If everyone showed up to the property on day one when the job site is just a patch of grass, you’re not going to get much work done, plus you’re paying people to sit around and actually watch grass grow or paint dry. That’s not an effective way to run a project! This is where a construction project manager works their magic.

The project manager ensures the right teams are at the job site at the right time. They keep progress moving forward and tackle problems as they arise, too. Managing the timeline and budget is one of their key roles. That’s a tall order in a field with high costs and many steps and teams to balance—but for a good project manager, it’s their bread and butter.

How construction project managers work with architects

The project manager works closely with the architect and civil engineer as early as the plan creation stage of the architectural design process. They can help the architect file the proper permits and create a timeline for contractors’ bidding and building. The project manager sets up the development for success by reviewing the architect’s plan and creating a building timeline that supports it.

It’s also important for a project manager to join the development team in the mid-stages of design because one of their primary jobs is to monitor the budget. Throughout construction, they keep the budget on track, paying attention to any areas where the budget might increase due to unforeseen circumstances, so they can find another arena where costs could potentially be leveled out. This would then be communicated to the client to see what they think about the solution. The project manager is always looking out for the client’s best interests.

Along with the budget, a construction project manager handles any change orders that come in via the client or building team based on the development’s needs. If materials or the design change, the project manager submits the paperwork to the necessary party.

What it takes to be a successful construction project manager

This role requires excellent communication skills, problem-solving, time management, construction knowledge, and more. They are the glue that holds the construction process together and must be able to balance many moving parts at once. Similar to architects, project managers understand code laws so they can submit the necessary documents for approval from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Once construction commences, the construction project manager often has the most up-to-date information about the project. They can typically answer any questions the client may have about the timeline, design, materials, and more.

Reach out today to start your new development project!

Project managers are the people who keep all facets of the construction tapestry woven together. They are the ones who make sure progress is moving forward with the highest quality along the proper timeline and budget. Project managers are a crucial part of a development’s success. It’s often a thankless job with many moving parts. Every developer should celebrate National Project Manager Day, and if it doesn’t exist, we should start it.

Our team at Robertson Architecture knows that time and money are the most valuable resources when it comes to construction, and project managers are a huge part of that. Give us a call or email us today to set up a time to discuss your new development needs!

Author:  David Robertson is an Atlanta based architect and founder of Robertson Architecture.  Robertson Architecture on the premise of helping entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals exceed their goals.

In 2018, Robertson Architecture was formed with the single focus of helping homeowners and entrepreneurs exceed their goals. The firm works with custom residential homes, townhouses, restaurants, and hotels all across the Southeast. David has a passion for helping entrepreneurs and homeowners realize their dreams.

With over 10 years of experience, David spent the beginning part of his career working on small to medium sized commercial projects across the U.S., including hospitality projects, office buildings, multi-family, and custom homes.

 

David Robertson founder of Robertson Architecture