Five weeks ago, I started my first job since earning my construction management degree. I work for an architectural firm doing construction administration tasks on commercial projects such as reviewing shop drawings and monitoring job progress to name a few. Right now, I have 2 jobs under construction with a third one to start in a couple of weeks.
The two owners who are under construction couldn’t be more different. One has some knowledge of the construction process and is willing to make decisions when we need them. The other does not, and isn’t what you would call understanding when things don’t go exactly as planned on site. Decision making isn’t the second owner’s strong suit either. He has consistently drug his feet on decisions and is constantly changing his mind about what is being built causing multiple change orders (that he doesn’t want to pay for). Everyone on all sides is frustrated. This owner has led me to think about the way that we work with our clients.
The main problem that I see is that we have owners with very little knowledge of the design and construction process building complicated commercial buildings. Some are more willing to listen and work with us than others obviously. All have high expectations, which is something I understand and even appreciate. It gives our firm a set of challenges to overcome. My goal is to put together some sort of package (booklet or portfolio possibly) that we could give to each client during one of the first meetings at the beginning of a project. Things I want to address are the design process, the bidding and negotiation phase, and the construction process. Another thing that needs to be included is the owner’s responsibilities to the contractor(s), architect, and the project itself.
I know I’ve probably missed one or two things that need to be included. Does anyone here know of a way to go about what I’m trying to do? Where can I find something like this that can be customized to fit my company’s needs?
Replies
While all that stuff will help..........experience dealing with the psychology of each individual is what makes or breaks most relationships...........in other words, know your enemy.........before he becomes one.
Sounds like you want "The Process" from Sonny Lycos.
SamT