Task
Management and Architecture have often clashed with each other in the history
of Spain. It was believed that a Project Manager (PM) has to do more with the
aspects of property and often sounds out “no” to the architect’s ideologies. On
the other side, the architect was believed to be more concerned with the look
of the building, the design, the functionality and with the possibility of
having the work published (especially in architectural magazines), rather than
focusing on the cost, quality and timely issues of the project.
For
many years, architects in Spain considered the PM as their enemy – someone who
was there to damage the architectural work and is only concerned about money
and time. Of course, none of the “real” architects were ready to take over the
role of a Project Manager as it might have been a betrayal of the ‘sacred’
principles of their profession.
Fortunately,
the situation has changed now.
Crisis
sometimes brings opportunities. Spain’s deep economic crisis, especially in the
construction industry, many young architects have begun to prepare themselves
as Project Managers. Numerous classes and Master degrees have proliferated on
the subject across the rural area.
For
25 years during my practice as an architect, I was completely ignorant about
Project Management. But then, I had a chance to consider this necessary
evolution about 12 old age ago. Since then, I have worked for the
implementation of PM techniques in Spain, as I firmly think that our country
needs to improve in this direction. On the other hand, I do believe that
architects have the fundamental abilities from their education to become
Project Managers. Thus, they should embrace this new field not only in Spain,
but also in the rest of this global world.
Below I will analyse briefly the role of a Project
Manager in the construction industry and why architects in my opinion are best
prepared to be PM:
The
building process is a complex and an intricate jungle. In the start, it is hard
for somebody who does not have sufficient preparation to face that process with
guarantees of success. The client wants to make a profitable business and
perhaps he also has the commercial abilities to put the product in the market.
But normally, he lacks the know-how to construct the building itself and will
need help to analyse the possibilities of a specific operation.
For
that purpose, the Project Manager’s experience will come into play to lead the
customer along the building operation. The PM will be the technical eyes and
mind of the client and will produce the correct product with the cost, quality
and time needed to reach success and desired financial gains. Hither, the
delegation by the client to PM is extremely important as without a good
co-ordination, it is impossible to produce an efficient implementation plan
required for the project success.
Proceeding from this fundamental principle, we will talk about what the PM
role consists of, in out next upcoming blog.
- Miguel Angel Alvarez (Guest Blogger)
" There are distinct advantages to having in-house project managers", says David Allsop Read his full article: ONE FIRM FITS ALL
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