The role of the Project Manager

Rob Ewen

24th February 2009

Overview

• So who or what is a Project Manager?• The background and emergence of the role• So what’s expected of the Architect• And when it works…..!• Summary

Who or what is a Project Manager?

Chief Nagger Fixer

Minute TakerCatalyst

Employer’s Representative

Jack Of All TradesSpecialist Manager

Contract AdministratorConductor

CONFUSED?

Who or what is a Project Manager

The Project Manager is a Construction Professional

who can be given executive authority and

responsibility to assist the client to identify

the project objectives and subsequently

supply the technical expertise to assess,

procure, monitor and control the external

resources to achieve those objectives,

defined in terms of time, cost, quality

and function.

RIBA Definition

Who or what is a Project Manager

• Does that help?

• Does it define the function of a Project Manager?

• Does it identify a discipline?

• Does it lead to an understanding of defined duties?

NO!

The background and emergence of the role

• Process management

• Manufacturing origins

• Emergence in construction

– An adjunct to ……….

• A necessary role?

BUT WHAT ROLE, WHAT DUTIES?

The background and emergence of the role

Broadly two types of Project Manager:

• Those who represent the employer and act as its technical arm

And

• Those who not only represent but administer the contract

So what’s expected of the Architect?

• Inspirational design leadership

– Creative interpretation of a brief

– Responsible incorporation of what’s needed

– Considered coordination of priorities

• A defined project

• A deliverable project

So what’s expected of the Architect?

• When to start and when to stop

• Procurement Routing

– Traditional

– Design & Build

– Construction Management

• Supply Chain Management

and when it works well!!

Heathrow Terminal 5, London

Summary

• The PM – Process Management

• The Architect – Creative Process

• Decorating Buildings – not Building Decorations

Questions