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Construction Management

Project delivery tailored to your needs.

At CSM Group, our construction project management services are designed with you, the client, at the forefront. We prioritize your vision and needs throughout every phase of the construction process. Our tailored approach ensures that we fully understand and align with your goals, budgets, and timelines, delivering results that serve your best interests.

Recognizing that every project is unique, we emphasize the importance of customization in our project management. Our experienced team works closely with you to adapt our strategies and methods specifically to your requirements, ensuring that the outcomes reflect your distinct vision and expectations. Your success is our priority, and we are committed to delivering the best possible results for you.

  • Construction Management At-Risk
  • Construction Manager as Agent
  • Design-Build

Construction Management At-Risk

Construction Management At-Risk (CMAR) is a project delivery method where the Construction Manager (CM) commits to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) based on the construction documents and specifications. In addition to acting in the owner's interest, the CM manages and controls construction costs so that they do not exceed the GMP.
 
 
Key Elements of Construction Management At-Risk:
  • Early Involvement: The CM is engaged early in the process, allowing them to provide input on constructability, cost estimation, and schedule development.
  • Cost Model Flexibility: The CM commits to a maximum price for the project, assuming the risk of any cost overruns beyond the GMP.
  • Collaborative Approach: The CM works closely with the owner and the design team, fostering a partnership to achieve the best project outcomes.
 
 
Advantages of Construction Management At-Risk:

Cost Control and Price Certainty:

  • The GMP provides the owner with a predictable budget, reducing the risk of unexpected cost increases.
  • Early cost estimation and value engineering during pre-construction help align the project scope with the owner’s budget.

Reduced Project Risk:
  • The CM assumes responsibility for construction costs, schedule adherence, and subcontractor performance, reducing the owner's exposure to financial and operational risks.
  • A single point of accountability streamlines communication and decision-making.

Enhanced Schedule Management:
  • Early involvement of the CM allows for proactive scheduling, helping identify and mitigate potential delays.
  • Overlapping design and construction phases (fast-tracking) can expedite project delivery, reducing project time.

Improved Project Quality:
  • With the CM providing input during the design phase, potential issues can be addressed before construction begins, resulting in a more efficient and higher-quality build.
  • The collaborative environment facilitates better coordination among trades and suppliers.

Greater Flexibility and Value:
  • The CMAR model allows for flexibility in design changes while maintaining budget and schedule constraints.
  • The CM’s expertise in construction and procurement leads to innovative solutions and value-added opportunities.
 
 
Why Choose CMAR?
Construction Management At-Risk offers a balanced approach to project delivery, combining the benefits of a collaborative process with the financial protection of a GMP. This delivery model is well-suited for complex projects or tight budgets and schedules, providing owners with confidence and peace of mind throughout the project lifecycle.
 
 

Construction Manager as Agent

Construction Manager as Agent (CMA) is a project delivery method where the Construction Manager acts as an advocate for the owner throughout the entire project lifecycle. The CM provides advisory and management services to guide the owner, ensuring that all project activities align with the owner’s goals.

 
Key Elements of Construction Management as Agent:
  • Advisory Role: The CM is an extension of the owner’s team, providing expert guidance in planning, procurement, and construction.
  • No Contractual Risk: The CM does not hold contracts with subcontractors or suppliers, maintaining a purely advisory and managerial role without financial liability.
  • Owner Control: The owner retains contractual relationships with all trade contractors and suppliers, allowing for greater control over project decisions.
 

 

Advantages of Construction Management as Agent:
Increased Owner Representation and Advocacy:
  • The CM, acting solely as an agent, prioritizes the owner’s interests without conflicts related to holding trade contracts.
  • The CM’s independent advisory role ensures that decisions are made based on what is best for the project and the owner.

Greater Transparency:
  • With direct contracts between the owner and trade contractors, the owner has full visibility into project costs and contractor performance.
  • Open-book accounting allows for detailed cost tracking and a higher level of financial transparency.

Enhanced Flexibility and Owner Control:
  • The owner maintains direct control over procurement, allowing for tailored selection of trade contractors based on project needs.
  • This model provides flexibility in adjusting project scope, design, and schedule, as the owner can make informed decisions with the CM’s guidance.

Reduced Risk of Conflicts of Interest:
  • The CM does not have a vested interest in the construction phase profits, eliminating potential conflicts of interest when making decisions related to cost, schedule, or quality.
  • The CM focuses solely on the management and coordination aspects, providing unbiased recommendations.

Expert Project Management:
  • The CM brings specialized expertise in managing the complexities of construction, offering valuable insights on constructibility, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
  • The owner benefits from a dedicated project management team without the financial risks associated with CMAR.
 
 
Why Choose CMA?
Construction Management as Agent is ideal for owners who want maximum control, transparency, and independent advice throughout the project. This delivery model works best for clients who prefer direct involvement in procurement and decision-making while leveraging the expertise of a construction manager to oversee project execution.

 

Design-Build

Design-Build (DB) is an integrated project delivery method where a single entity, known as the Design-Builder, is responsible for the project's design and construction phases. This approach consolidates design and construction services under one contract, creating a unified team that works together from project inception to completion. The result is a streamlined process that fosters collaboration, reduces risks, and accelerates project delivery.

 

Key Elements of Design-Build:
  • Single Point of Responsibility: The Design-Builder manages both design and construction, simplifying project management for the owner.
  • Early Collaboration: Designers and builders work together from the project's inception, improving coordination and constructability.
  • Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP): Contracts often include a fixed price or GMP, providing financial predictability.

 

Advantages of Design-Build:
  1. Accelerated Project Delivery:

    • Design and construction phases can overlap (fast-tracking), reducing the overall project timeline.
    • Early involvement of the construction team allows for more efficient scheduling and quicker decision-making.
  2. Cost Savings and Budget Control:

    • The integrated team can identify cost-saving opportunities during the design phase, optimizing materials and construction methods.
    • A fixed price or GMP gives the owner price certainty, reducing the risk of cost overruns.
  3. Improved Communication and Fewer Change Orders:

    • With design and construction under one contract, there is less room for miscommunication or disputes between the architect and contractor.
    • Design-Build reduces the likelihood of change orders since collaborative planning identifies potential issues early.
  4. Streamlined Project Management:

    • The owner deals with a single point of contact, simplifying project administration and decision-making.
    • The Design-Builder manages design, procurement, and construction, allowing the owner to focus on project outcomes.
  5. Enhanced Quality and Innovation:

    • The collaborative approach encourages innovative solutions and value engineering, resulting in a better-designed, more efficient project.
    • Early input from builders improves constructability and helps avoid potential design flaws.

 

Why Choose Design-Build?

Design-Build is ideal for owners seeking a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective project delivery method. It offers a streamlined approach that minimizes risk, enhances collaboration, and delivers projects faster and more quickly. This model is particularly well-suited for projects where time and cost are critical factors.

 

Site walk at CD12

At CSM Group, we prioritize transparency and objectivity by not self-performing any work. This deliberate approach enables us to act solely as the owner's advocate throughout the entire project lifecycle. By hiring specialized trade contractors for all scopes of work, we eliminate any potential conflict of interest that could arise from self-performing services. This ensures that our recommendations and decisions are always aligned with the owner's best interests, as we remain free to select the most qualified and cost-effective contractors for each phase of the project.

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