PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Building A Nation of Globally Competitive Architects

INTRODUCTION

In this present time, the trend in the design and construction industry features innovative and environmentally sensitive designs. Architects need to continually update their knowledge in the different sectors of the industry to be able to adapt to the trends and innovations of today’s technologies. As building designs become more complex, the need for someone to spearhead a project arises to meet the upward demand for more effective cost control and faster project implementation consistent with high quality of work.

The degree of complexity and the magnitude of uncertainty are very high in construction projects; which is why architectural firms need strong Project Management. In the past, architects were solely engaged in the design process. But now, architects are expected to deal with real-estate market know-how, post-construction demands planning, coordination and control of diverse stakeholders and new construction technologies. These certainly highlights the need for strong Project Management skills.

Project Management deals with the coordination necessary “during the complex process of transforming a program into a building” (Pressman, p. 133). The Project Manager (PM) in small architectural offices is typically the Principal or sole Architect of the company. In large offices, which often include in-house engineering services, the PM is very likely to be someone with an architectural background, not necessarily an Architect, who answers to a company Director or Principal. In the large A/E firm, it is important for the Project Manager to have control for decision-making if he/she will be held accountable for those decisions.

CONCLUSION

Architectural projects are a combination of creation and order, the famous dialogue between form and function. The knowledge obtained in such a way is very important in managing a project as PM. An architectural project manager ensures projects are designed and built on time and to budget while protecting the integrity of the design and ensuring full compliance with regulations and sustainability standards and benchmarks.