When it comes to designing and constructing a building, there are a lot of different elements to coordinate—and a lot of people to manage. That’s where the role of the Project Manager comes into play.
Similar to a conductor of an orchestra, their job is to make sure every aspect of a project is being completed according to plan; no one is rushing ahead or falling behind, and important phases are done congruently. Suppose a design choice is made ahead of another important step. In that case, it may create a situation where it’s then necessary to go back and redo certain aspects of the project, effectively slowing down the schedule. In the Architectural/Engineering (A/E) industry, Project Managers are often the main point of contact for clients as well, and many times become the internal advocate for maintaining the client’s expectations to the rest of the design team.
One such example is of a client who approached the architects at CSHQA wanting to update the exterior of their banking business. They requested that the design team modernize the look of the building while keeping the costs low. The Project Manager worked hand in hand with the architects to ensure that the chosen materials were cost-effective and adhered to the client’s needs. Additionally, the Project Manager advised the client on more affordable finishes that were also functional; being a liaison between the client and the team while balancing the costs and utility of the overall project.
The A/E Project Manager Skillset
To be successful, a Project Manager must possess a unique skill set. This includes a broad knowledge of both architectural and engineering disciplines, an understanding of the common industry terms, and an ability to clearly communicate between team members and clientele, all while maintaining good relations with both. Usually, those skills come from years of experience. Although they are not necessarily the professionals actually producing the designs, Project Managers spend a lot of time reviewing the design features and often will weigh in on the different disciplines; this is why having an understanding of architecture and engineering is essential for the role. While a good portion of Project Managers are also architects, the role is not exclusive to the discipline; many engineers become Project Managers as well.
Across many different industries, Project Managers are now becoming dual-role technical professionals – commonly referred to as “seller/doers”. The change was made to streamline services and give clients a single point person to communicate with, rather than having multiple people playing communication tag. The benefits of this model include the Project Manager having a firm understanding of all aspects and phases of a project, allowing them to foresee challenges, which helps with cost estimations. Another additional task Project Managers have is pursuing new project opportunities and developing new relationships with potential clients; this is often where new work is sourced from. Firms are increasingly wanting Project Managers to be adept at speaking with new and current clients in addition to effectively managing project scope.
Time is Money
Project Managers wear many hats and are often supervising several projects at one time, which is why hiring the right person for the role can make all the difference for projects. Ultimately the goal for both clients and designers is to make a great project and save time and money—and the best way to do that is by making sure everything is done on schedule and done right the first time.
