Construction Project Management
— Process, People & Planning
Successful construction isn’t an accident — it’s the result of disciplined project management built on three equal pillars: process, people, and planning. Our approach brings those pillars together so your project moves smoothly from an initial idea to a finished, functioning building. Below is a clear walkthrough of the traditional design process and how we manage each phase so you can feel confident every step of the way.
The three pillars: process, people, planning
- Process: A predictable sequence of phases and deliverables that turns a concept into a built asset. We adhere to a proven design process, so everything goes according to plan.
- People: The right team — owners, architects, engineers, contractors and specialists — working with shared goals and clear communication. We organize and coordinate expertise to deliver results.
- Planning: Strategic decisions about scope, schedule, budget and procurement that reduce risk and keep the project on track. Good planning answers the hard “what ifs” before construction begins. How we get started: your consultation.
Getting started
The very first step is simple: schedule a consulting appointment. We meet with you and an architect, listen to your vision, review your budget and timeline, and define the project’s high-level objectives. That meeting launches the design process — a straight, predictable progression of activities that turns ideas into drawings, then into reality, whether the project is residential or commercial.
The traditional architectural design process (overview)
A typical iterative-but-linear design and delivery sequence looks like this:
1. Pre-Schematic Design
2. Schematic Design
3. Design Development
4. Construction Documents
5. Building Construction
6. Building Operation & Maintenance
Below is what each phase means and what you can expect.
1 — Pre-Schematic Design: set goals and expectations
This is the discovery and programming phase. We gather site and user information, establish project goals, set a realistic budget, and define programmatic requirements and preferences. Master planning and a conceptual design idea emerge here. The outcome is a basis of design and a set of criteria that guide every later decision.
What happens:
• Information gathering and site analysis
• Budget conversations and feasibility checks
• Programming: requirements, preferences, must-haves
• Initial master plan and conceptual sketches
2 — Schematic Design: explore options and create a rough plan
Here we test design schemes that respond to the program created in pre-schematic design. Multiple layout and massing ideas are considered; when a direction is chosen we prepare preliminary drawings and a basic cost estimate.
What happens:
• Multiple schematic concepts are explored
• A preferred schematic (basic plan and layout) is selected
• Preliminary cost estimates and outline specifications are created
• For very large projects, the schematic stage may be phased or staged
3 — Design Development: finalize details & systems
In design development we resolve major design decisions and coordinate engineering systems. Materials are selected and architects and engineers work closely to avoid conflicts. Cost estimates become more accurate and the project’s technical approach is finalized.
What happens:
• Selection of materials, finishes and major systems
• Coordination with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers
• More detailed and reliable cost estimates
• Preparation to move into construction documents
4 — Construction Documents: drawings contractors will build from
Construction documents are the working drawings and detailed specifications contractors need to price and build the project. They show all spaces, systems, materials, egress, utilities and other technical details. We then submit the construction documents for permitting and is the baseline for contractor bidding.
What happens:
• Complete sets of drawings and technical specs produced
• Documents submitted for permit review if required
• Invitation for contractor bids and selection process
5 — Construction Phase: build, manage, inspect
Construction begins once a contractor is selected and permits are in place. During construction we focus on administration, quality control, schedule management, procurement, subcontractor coordination and budget monitoring. Site visits and construction administration ensure the design intent is faithfully executed.
Key milestones:
• Material procurement and subcontractor coordination
• On-site supervision and regular progress reviews
• Substantial completion milestone — the project is useable by the owner
• Final completion and Certificate of Occupancy issued by local authorities
6 — Building Operation & Maintenance: handover and longevity
After construction and receipt of the certificate of occupancy, the building is ready for occupancy. We provide handover documents and support the transition to facilities personnel so the new building can be operated and maintained effectively.
What happens:
• Delivery of as-built drawings and maintenance manuals
• Final inspections and commissioning reports (where applicable)
• Facility staff training and warranty coordination The project core team & communication
Traditional architectural project teams communicate in a linear progression: Owner → Architect → Engineers → Contractors.
Construction project team members include:
1. Owner / Developer
2. Architect
3. Civil Engineer
4. Structural Engineer
5. Mechanical Engineer
6. Electrical Engineer
7. Plumbing Engineer
8. Landscape Architect
9. General Contractor
10. Interior Designer
We communicate with all the team members so that they can have the necessary information to finish their job at the exact time when the job needs to be done. Early coordination between architects and engineering consultants is essential to prevent costly design conflicts later.
Why this process works
• Predictability: A defined sequence (program → schematic → development → documents → build → operate) reduces surprises.
• Cost control: Estimates evolve from conceptual to detailed, improving budget accuracy as the project progresses.
• Risk reduction: Early planning and engineer/architect coordination reduce scope gaps and costly rework during construction.
• Quality & compliance: Construction documents and permitting ensure the building meets code and safety standards.
• Clear accountability: Defined roles and linear communication clarify responsibilities and speed decision-making.
How we deliver for you
From the first consultation to handing over the keys, we manage the details so you can focus on the outcome. We build realistic schedules, align costs with your budget, coordinate consultants and contractors, and administer construction with an eye for craftsmanship and compliance. For large or phased projects, we adapt the workflow so each stage transitions cleanly into the next without losing control of budget or quality.
If you’re ready to turn an idea into a well-planned, expertly built facility, let’s start with a consultation. We’ll listen to your goals, work within your budget and timeline, and map out a clear process to deliver the building you imagined.
Our clients
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