How can Architects and Project Managers work harmoniously?

Historically, it has not been uncommon for architects to assume the role of project manager, leveraging their understanding of design completion, cost management, and project administration. Architects, known as the most qualified professionals in the construction industry, have traditionally played a pivotal role in fulfilling clients' needs. However, as construction projects grow in both complexity and quantity, clients increasingly appoint dedicated project managers to oversee project delivery and ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders.

While we, as specialists in project management at Mett.Build, acknowledge the significant value that a dedicated project manager brings to any project, we also recognize that challenges may arise when project managers fail to grasp the intricacies of complex projects. Architects have voiced frustrations in the past about working with project managers who prioritize coordination over design, leading to inefficiencies and strained relationships within the delivery team. From our experience, such frustrations can impede the successful delivery of projects and strain client relationships.

In this discussion, we will explore some of the common frustrations expressed by architects while emphasizing the profound impact an experienced and competent project manager can have on ensuring optimal design and construction outcomes for the client, external stakeholder and the overall impact this can have on the broader community.

Frustration 1 - Setting up a confusing environment

One significant issue that architects encounter is when project managers enter a project with an unclear scope of work. This ambiguity can create complications, particularly for architects, who are frequently held responsible for ensuing challenges. A major challenge arises when the project manager lacks a comprehensive understanding of design limitations. This can lead to unrealistic deadlines being imposed, setting the design team up for failure, while simultaneously assuring the client that everything is proceeding smoothly. Such situations can cause immense distress within the project team and disrupt management, resulting in escalated costs and project delays.

Frustration 2 - A cut in fees

Another concern raised by numerous architects we've engaged with is the potential impact of including a Project Manager on fees. Architects often find themselves facing fee constraints imposed by the project manager, which can be a source of frustration. This frustration is further exacerbated when the project manager not only reduces the professional team's fees but also demonstrates a lack of comprehension regarding project delivery and foresight in program management resulting in broken-down relationships.

Frustration 3 - Job justification and scapegoating

Architects can also quickly be frustrated when a PM consistently chases information, with no clear justification or increases the number of meetings for the Architect to attend, consistently making the architect the scapegoat when the client highlights a concern or there is miscoordination within the clients’ teams and construction GC. This understandably frustrates Architects and other members of the team and creates the wrong culture. The knock-on impact of this can also be very damaging to the client relationships, not just for the PM, but also the architect, and can result in a culture of “penny-pinching” and “blaming” due to the extra time required as well as the project going past deadlines, impacting its overall budget.

So, how can Project Managers and Architects work harmoniously?

There is no arguing that an Architect provides a critical benefit to a client in delivering the design. However, the impact a good PM can have can be transformational in delivering a successful project, not only within the immediate project but also in the relationship between the client and the rest of the team. The consequence of having a skilled PM can result in making everyone’s life considerably easier in delivery as well as giving them the chance to focus on their role and responsibility, keeping the whole team satisfied and motivated. Project management, if done well, requires a huge amount of time, coordination, and working closely with all the professional teams. Removing this responsibility from the Architect allows them and other team members to focus only on what has been agreed as part of their scope.

A skilled Project Manager understands the importance of establishing a clear process and construction strategy to ensure collaboration within the project team. This can include anything from procurement strategy to local city approvals or keeping realistic expectations with the client. Having a technically minded and experienced PM will ensure an Architect can focus on the design and allow the PM to take on the responsibility of managing on-site delivery alongside client-side internal politics and challenges.

The solution: Get the RIGHT project managers onboard

We don’t think we can overstate the importance of having a GOOD PM on a project. To us, it’s almost as important as the design responsibility itself. There is no doubt that a well-versed PM, who has the ability to communicate whilst understanding the complexity of construction, can be a huge ally to an Architect. Whilst there will always be challenges within construction between an Architect and a PM, harnessing the expertise of an Architect with a skilled PM can in turn significantly change the way a project is delivered and add a huge amount of value to not only what a client wants, but also how we as an industry can improve the way projects are delivered.

Why do I write about this?

At Mett.Build, we have worked with many architects across the industry and have listened to what is required to be successful in delivering some of the most complete retail projects. We pride ourselves on having the expertise to set the tone of a project from the very beginning. Our knowledge in construction and collaborative approach, ensures the project team remains keen to continue working with Mett.

To find out how Mett.Build can provide you with the RIGHT project management get in touch here.