Owner Representatives
Cullina Management LLC acts as the owner's representative, focusing specifically on representing property owners during the pre-construction and active construction phases of a project. Our primary role is to oversee and manage the design & construction process on behalf of the owner, ensuring the project stays on track, remains within budget, and aligns with the owner’s goals. We serve as the owner’s advocate, handling the complexities of the design & construction while safeguarding the owner’s investment.
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning and Design
Our project managers ensure that the architectural design process progresses smoothly, stays aligned with the project’s goals, and establishes a strong foundation for successful construction execution. Cullina Management approaches the design process as follows:
Defining Objectives: Collaborating with stakeholders to clearly define project goals, scope, and design intent.
Establishing a Timeline: Developing a detailed schedule for the design phase, including key milestones such as concept approval, design development, and construction document completion.
Budget Development: Ensuring the design aligns with the established budget and managing cost considerations from the outset.
Facilitating Communication: Acting as the main point of contact between the owner, architects, engineers, and other consultants.
Managing Expectations: Ensuring that all stakeholders' expectations, priorities, and concerns are understood and addressed.
Organizing Meetings: Leading design coordination meetings to review progress, resolve issues, and ensure alignment among all parties.
Construction Oversight
Monitoring daily construction activities to ensure alignment with project plans, schedules, and quality standards.
Conducting regular site visits to observe progress, address issues, and verify compliance with design specifications.
Ensuring contractors adhere to safety protocols and local regulations.
Project Coordination
Acting as the main point of contact between the owner and construction teams, including general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.
Facilitating communication to resolve issues promptly and maintain project momentum.
Coordinating with other stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, and inspectors.
Budget and Cost Control
Reviewing and approving contractor invoices, change orders, and other construction-related expenses.
Identifying potential cost overruns and proposing solutions to minimize financial impact.
Ensuring the project remains financially viable during construction.
Schedule Management
Monitoring construction timelines and milestones to ensure deadlines are met.
Identifying delays and implementing corrective actions to maintain the project schedule.
Quality Assurance
Conducting inspections to confirm that work meets agreed-upon quality and performance standards.
Addressing deficiencies or errors by coordinating with contractors and ensuring corrections are made.
Verifying that all materials and equipment meet project specifications.
Change Management
Managing and evaluating change orders to determine their necessity and impact on the project.
Advising the owner on how changes may affect costs, scope, or timelines.
Risk Management
Identifying and mitigating construction-related risks, such as delays, safety concerns, or quality issues.
Ensuring insurance requirements and other protections are in place.
Close-Out and Handover
Overseeing final inspections, addressing punch list items, and ensuring all deliverables meet the owner’s satisfaction.
Ensuring proper documentation, warranties, and as-built drawings are provided to the owner.
Coordinating the transition to property management or operational teams.
Skills and Expertise
In-depth knowledge of construction practices, materials, and methods.
Strong project management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with construction contracts, such as AIA (American Institute of Architects) documents.
Understanding of local building codes, permitting processes, and compliance requirements.
By acting as the owner’s advocate, Cullina Management, as the design and construction owner’s representative, ensures the project’s success while minimizing stress and technical challenges for the owner. They bridge the gaps between the architect and the construction team and the owner, offering technical expertise and maintaining a consistent focus on the owner’s interests.