Jauregui

When I started my design/build company, the construction department was comprised of one superintendent.  Period.  From time to time an architect would jump in and help with in-office tasks.  As the company matured, it became clear that having employees wear too many hats rendered more inefficiencies rather than fewer, and resulted in a lack of accountability. 

I realized the answer was not just throwing more superintendents into the equation. 

Influenced by a builder friend’s company in Colorado, I chose to add an office component to the construction team, dedicated primarily to customer service and to act as a liason between all the interdepartmental entities and external entities.  It’s at this point that I adopted the concept of a Project Manager as an integral part for each project team. 

I realized that the “Project Manager” title could be confusing since production builders and commercial contractors use this to describe the head of their construction departments.  But I thought it was descriptive of the position, and for lack of a better name, it stuck.  While it results in a vast submittal of resumes when we have a position open, I think it effectively conveys to our public and prospects the kind of service proffered.  All of our project managers either have an interior design degree or an architectural degree, patterning my Colorado friend’s approach, and bolstering our firm’s credentials. 

In high end residential particularly, clients expect extensive time and catering to their needs.  A superintendent does not have the time to provide this level of service, which would be an equation for trouble on top of everything he has to do.  The project manager caters to the client, and over the last eight years or so, this position has been refined to become a true co-manager along with the superintendent.  I couldn’t be happier with the results, and most importantly, our clients have a tremendous appreciation for the service we provide. 

As with any management position, getting the right person in place is key.  It’s not as easy as throwing any interior designer or architect into the construction mix and letting them run with it.  It takes a specialized individual who has a love for the construction part of the project and whose aptitudes prepare them to be in the hub of activity. 

There are so many people with design degrees for whom design is not their strength, but they possess a love of construction and strong management abilities.  If their goal is to be involved with design, however, any tenure in management will be short lived.  I could characterize project managers as left brainers; it’s the right brainers that will kill ya. 

Project managers (PMs) are charged with the management of just about anything that is client related on a project.  The position calls for a very high level of technical knowledge as well as strong client interaction.  It is optimum for the PM to not only be personable but a public relations wiz, catering to the client’s wishes while keeping it enjoyable amid processes and systems. Think luxury spa versus torture chamber. 

PMs are very much co-managers of construction along with the superintendent.  Responsibilities range from getting final client approvals and ordering of finishes; working with vendors to insure accurate specifications and timely delivery; managing line item budgets related to finishes; managing critical path timelines; and always, always communicating with the client. 

PMs coordinate Requests for Information (RFIs) among all departments including architecture, interior design and construction.  This support allows the superintendent to focus on his top job responsibilities and achieve impeccable quality control, scheduling and cost containment. 

Ultimately, it’s the good managers overseeing effective systems that effect successful projects.  If everyone is focused and doing his/her job well, then inherently the engine runs smoothly.  Investing time and money in a project manager will help the other managers work more efficiently.  Most importantly, raising the service bar by providing exemplary client care will foster a truly memorable experience and long term prosperous relationship with your homeowner.