Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 58
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Stage 0 > Strategic Definition: Supplementary Material: 0/SM3
The employment of an independent project manager who is not the architect
is common on larger projects. In these cases it is important that the delineation
of responsibilities between the architect and the project manager is very clear,
both as it is documented in their respective contracts of appointment and as it
is understood and practiced in day-to-day working relationships.
Appointment of architect as construction manager
The construction manager is the individual or organisation employed primarily
to manage the construction stages of the project in collaboration with the
consultant team, including the cost consultant. The appointee will be a specialist
with contracting experience, paid by fee, and should preferably be appointed
early (at the same time as the consultant team) so they can participate in initial
discussions. However, in practice the construction manager is often not brought
in until the pre-construction stages are well advanced. Construction of the
project is carried out by trades contractors, each having a direct contract with
the employer but working under the direction of the construction manager.
Alternatively, the construction manager may enter into a management contract
with the employer, and each trade contractor will then enter into a separate
‘Works’ contract with the construction manager. If the architect is to undertake
this role, they would usually set up a company specifically for this purpose.
Services that can be provided by a construction manager are held by some people
to include helping to establish the client’s requirements at pre-construction
stages. A construction manager may certainly make a positive contribution at
project design stage, but duties will vary considerably according to the nature
of the project, the timing of the appointment and the wording of the Building
Contract.
Typical duties
Typical duties of a construction manager might include:
•• arranging for meetings at design stages between client, consultant team and
proposed trades contractors who will have a design responsibility
•• recommending the most economical materials and methods to meet the
requirements of specification and sound construction practice
•• commenting on project drawings and project specification as appropriate,
and advising on Technical Design for issue by trades contractors
•• advising the design team on the division of the project into trades contracts
•• advising on the need for works at pre-construction stages, e.g. exploratory,
mock-ups, tests of particular components, etc.
•• arranging as appropriate for checks of the outline cost plan, the preparation
of a project cost plan and cash flow forecasts
