Integrated Project Delivery Method:

This method leverages Sustainable Design Principles and Building Information Modeling which are both considered “best practices”.  The team of Architect, Construction Manager and Owner’s representative is assembled and schematic design is done by the team to consider a balanced approach to form, mass, volume, construction systems, sustainable design parameters, etc. relative to the budget and  site limitations. This method would be used for projects that are both LEED and BIM.  The owner has prequalified the architect and construction manager prior to beginning the design effort for an inspired collaboration resulting in a ‘state of the art’ project. 

 

Construction Manager as Advisor:

A construction manager who acts as an advisor to the owner is added to the team, with the architect and contractor generally maintaining their conventional roles. The CM is added either at the outset or once design is complete. When hired in the initial phase, the CM-advisor will oversee design in terms of its implications for cost, schedule, and constructability. Construction documents are used for construction bidding and a contractor is selected with advice of the construction manager. The construction manager stays on as advisor through the completion of construction. Since this method adds a consultant and the associated fee, it is more appropriate to large, complex projects.

 

Construction Manager as Constructor:

The construction manager is hired to act as the project coordinator and the general contractor. This method is contractually similar to design-bid-build, has the advisory benefits of CM-advisor, and involves the early cost commitment characteristic of design/build. The CM-constructor may be hired to deliver the building for a guaranteed maximum price or to handle the process of multiple bid packages to manage costs. In either case, the construction manager assumes all the liability and responsibility of the general contractor which is why the method is also known as Construction Manager at Risk. Typically,  scope of work documents are prepared when the architect has the design about 65% complete, and the project is bid in order to select the CM-Constructor. When Construction Documents are complete, the CM-constructor will generally rebid all of the construction to other contractors. This method is common among owners for whom cost, schedule, or construction is expected to be complicated to manage, as when a project will be fast-tracked.