Architects / Designers

At the start of a building process, there are two relationships we need to build. Both are equally important for a successful project. One is with the owner and the other with the project architect. The construction manager and the architect are both trusted advisors of the owner. At CSM Group we appreciate the architect’s vision for a project and follow these guidelines to work collaboratively with architects:

• Respect the architect’s vision for the project.
• Work with the architect to identify opportunities to save time or money without compromising the architect’s vision.
• Review and discuss all proposed changes with the architect first, so recommendations to the owner carry, where possible, the support of both constituencies.
• Work with architects as early as possible and as often as necessary to provide a seamless process.
• Review plans thoroughly; never let a problem get to the field.
• Respond promptly to architects’ inquiries.
• Refer business to the architect at every opportunity.
• If you make a mistake, acknowledge it right away and bring a solution.
• Deliver what you promise; never make a promise you can’t deliver.
• Never make assumptions based on the architect’s drawings or details.
• Never speak poorly of the architect—either internally or with third parties.
• Never let an architect feel “out of the loop”.
• Never put the architect in a compromising situation.
• Never attempt to enhance your own position with an owner at the expense of the architect.
• Never do anything that would in any way diminish the trust the architect has in you and the company.