PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Our Project Management team is comprised of seasoned professionals with backgrounds in architecture, construction management, quantity surveying, and more, with extensive experience in the super-prime construction sector, working closely with private clients and/or their family offices.
We understand that every project is different, and every client has different aspirations of time, cost, and quality. Core principles of communication and regular bespoke client reporting, coupled with a vast array of expertise and knowledge across the team, allow us to break projects down, condensing large volumes of data into readily actionable insights and advice in a format that is easily and quickly understood by our often busy clients. We collaborate with high calibre professionals on behalf of our clients, understanding the challenges and pressures the consultant and contracting teams are under. This ensures that we get the best results for our clients through a relationship-based approach to construction.
The WebsterHart project team utilise the close-working relationship with our property management colleagues to ensure the development of proposed architectural details has suitably considered the client’s end-use of their home; this includes the assessment of operational details, access requirements, storage space, equipment specifications, and usability. Early engagement can also assist with the often-tricky transition of a project to a home where the management team are appointed to continue the relationship with the client post-construction.
The relationship we have with WebsterHart has become intrinsic to our performance in a corporate and private setting. They manage a large private residence solving everything from large building projects, listed planning applications down to smaller details such as equipment adjustments. There is nothing they can’t turn their hand to, always willing with valuable and wise advice, they really are a support we couldn’t do without. Their network of skilled contractors with the same ‘can do attitude’ is a huge asset.
- SINGLE FAMILY OFFICE (MULTIPLE, INTERNATIONAL PROPERTIES)
PROJECT SERVICES
All of our instructions are created to suit each individual client and project needs and we can provide a full suite of coordination services to suit the project, namely: Client Representative, Project Coordination, Project Management, Cost Consultancy, and Employers Representative roles; as well as the contractual positions of the Contract Administrator and Employers Agent.
We always advocate the project manager as the first appointment on a project to direct and manage the construction process ensuring value at every stage of the project. Below is a summary of the services to be expected of a project management role from start to finish although we look to tailor every instruction to suit project and client requirements.
PREPARATION AND BRIEF
Our first step is to establish the client brief, site conditions, statutory position (including listed status, conservation area requirements, planning strategy) and potential layout options and budgets.
PROJECT COST PLAN
The early preparation of an elemental cost plan for the construction works is critical to any project so the client is aware of the likely spend and can make informed decisions throughout the design process.
PROFESSIONAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS
We recommend and interview professional teams suitable for the scale and complexity of the project and provide advice on appointment strategy and fees. We then work with the clients’ legal teams to provide and negotiate a suite of appointments for the engagement of the professional team, which will generally include an architect, interior designer, principal designer structural engineer, services engineer, planning consultant, and landscape designer.
PROGRAMMING
We prepare a master programme for the whole project and report to the client regularly on progress. We manage the design team on the client’s behalf, targeting the key programme dates within the master programme.
CASHFLOW FORECASTING AND INVOICE MANAGEMENT
We provide a cashflow forecast for the project which is updated regularly as the project progresses. We gather monthly invoices from consultant and contracting teams, verify invoice amounts against previous agreements and pass them on to the client and/or their team for payment.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
We manage the design team through the completion of the design in line with the project budget, master programme and any necessary approvals, whether statutory or leasehold. We liaise between the client and the design team to ensure that project milestones are met and that the client’s brief is maintained. We review the design regularly with our property management team to critique the proposals from the point of view of an end user.
PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION
We advise on the most appropriate contractor and procurement route for the project working closely with the professional team and client in the selection of a main contractor, and subsequently with the client’s legal team on the preparation of the building contract.
POST CONTRACT
We represent our clients on site and design team meetings, visit the site regularly and prepare regular progress reports. Any changes to design are documented and the effect that they will have on cost and programme is reported to the client for approval prior to any work being carried out.
POST CONSTRUCTION HANDOVER
We manage the defect period of the building contract.
REPORTING
We report regularly on project progress in a bespoke manner agreed with our clients on all aspects of the project, so they are kept fully informed at all times.