Construction Project Management: from Architecture to City Planning

Construction project management is the process of managing construction projects. However, when we are talking about managing a construction project in comparison to other types of projects, the distinction is mostly that construction is mission-based. That means that the project’s organization ends with the end of the project build.

While generally, project management is defined as managing resources over the life cycle of a project through various tools and methodologies to control scope, cost, time, quality, etc., when working in the construction industry, our outlook must be broader. It usually includes a wider variety of constraints to consider, specific to design, build and construction projects, and can interact with a variety of different disciplines in the lifetime of a project, from architecture and engineering to public works to city planning.

There is a variety of different types of construction projects, depending on the different construction sectors. There are two sectors in construction: residential and commercial. Depending on the sector, there can be up to four different types of projects:

• Residential home building and renovation

• Heavy industrial construction

• Commercial and institutional construction

• Engineering construction

That means there is a wide variety of types of construction projects that require construction management in order to be successful. Construction management might be required for a simple home to a large bridge, from engineering a dam build to an airport seismic retrofit project. Our construction project managers then, manage the beginning and end of a project build, often managing on-site to ensure the safe, successful construction.

Key Principles

Construction project management requires a broad variety of skills and the ability to interface with a diverse range of agencies and people in order to lead the project from concept to build. During the management of a construction job, there are certain objectives that should be considered. Just like in any project, it is accomplished by breaking it down in stages. It is important that construction project managers follow the principles of project management during every phase of the project.

Conceiving and Initiating the Project

We cannot start a project unless we know we will be able to finish it. First comes the due diligence to determine if the project is even feasible. In which we look at the goals, cost and timeline to see if we have resources to reach a successful project end within those constraints. We also want to define the reasoning behind the project and make sure its sounds logical. If so, then we create our project charter to help initiate the project. Even at this stage, we will be identifying potential issues and risks.

Define and Plan the Project

We outline the tasks within the timeline, noting project milestones, and the resources needed to do those tasks within the budget allotted. Being transparent is in our plan, so everyone is on the same page and understands what needs to be done over the life cycle of the project. That includes detailing the cost, scope, duration, quality and communications used in the project.

During this phase, the design of the construction project is formulated, which consists of four parts. It is the responsibility of the project manager to make sure that the design meets with building codes and other regulations. The first step is the concept. Decisions will be based on the size of the project, the site allocated for the build and the actual design of what is going to be built. This is comprised of a list for each room or space under consideration, including all critical data. Next comes the schematic design, which is a sketch that identifies all the various parts, materials, sizes, colors, textures, etc. It includes the floorplan, elevations, etc., even a site plan. Following step is to make a research on the specific materials and equipment to be used.

The final stage for design is to get the contract documents together, which are the final drawing and construction specs. These will be used by outside contractors to bid on the job.

Preconstruction

Before ground is broken, we will have these four steps to work on. The first being the assignment of a project manager, if it has not already been determined. Sometimes a project manager is on board early and participates in the first stages of a project, while other times they are not hired until the design is complete.

Next, we need to determine who the contract administrator will be. This is the person who will help the project manager. A superintendent is needed now, as well, who keeps everything on schedule in terms of the materials, deliveries and equipment. They are also on site to deal with construction activities. Finally, we want to have a field engineer, which is more an entry-level position to deal with paperwork.

Besides these personnel appointments, there is also the need to investigate the site to see if anything needed. The site must be ready for the construction, which might mean dealing with environmental issues, such as the suitability of the soil for construction

Launch the Project

Now we are executing the project, taking the plan and implementing it, along with all the changes and issues that can arise during such a process. Whatever deliverables we promised must come through in the timeframe we noted. Now we must deal with stakeholders, customers, and teams. Later tasks must be completed, which means workload management and resource allocation. We will be setting up meetings and reporting frequently throughout this stage. This is where your project management tool will really be tested, but more on that later.

This is the stage we will be working with purchase orders, which are used as an agreement between the buyer and the seller.

Construction

Finally, we are ready for the build. But first, we have a preconstruction meeting to deal with work hours, the storage of materials, quality control and site access. Then get everyone on site and set up. We will need to create a schedule of payment and a process to deliver them on whatever schedule you determine is necessary. This information needs to be transparent, not only to meet financial obligations, but also to maintain a happy and productive workforce and environment. The last part of the project starts after the construction completion and the occupants settle or take ownership of the site. We must make sure all their requirements have been met, and usually provide a warranty period to make that arrangement official and binding.

Track Project Performance

We cannot know the progress of our project if we do not have a way to monitor it. We will be doing this during every stage of the project, but it is important enough to demand its own separate stage in our management. We will want to have a way to note the progress, which is why we need to set up key performance indicators for cost, time and quality and see how they measure up in real-time as compared to what we had planned for. If we can stay on top of these figures, it is less likely you will manage a failing project.

By Bizhan Heshmatiazar, Project Manager