Architect as Construction Manager- II

“You can design, create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Walt Disney

Conflict of interests
Being an in-charge of design as well as construction is like riding two horses together. These two horses are trust and transparency.


Client has trusted your ability to offer one point service and safeguard his interest. You have to maintain this trust during the entire project duration. But many misunderstanding and conflicts can appear while managing construction on site.


To minimize the conflicts your contract agreement should have following 5 important documents other than general conditions.

1. Set of working drawing including details and 3D snapshots
2. Detail specifications
3. Bills of quantities and mode of payments
4. Policy for managing addition and alterations in the design and specifications
5. Policy for third party supervision for contract management

Project by Author(Ar. Kiran Gandhi) carried out with design and construction management services.

Site management:

Establishment of site will require managing equipments, accommodation for labor and technical wing, infrastructure for constriction like water, electricity, road, safety, insurance etc.

Many architects who are involved in construction enjoy being fully part of each and every process of their design being executed. But many may need to leave the comfort of their office luxuries and start to enjoy working on the field.


It is your responsibility to maintain the quality control on the site. This is one of the main reasons why the client has chosen you as a design-build service provider. Your job is to make him smile at the end of the project. Thus, it is required to develop quality control framework at onset of the design process. Generally design build projects are fixed cost basis and no extra payment is expected from the client. So, the only choice you have is to do your best and fulfill all your commitments.

For more about construction management, keep reading and say ‘Yes 2 Architectural Management’!