ABSTRACT
There are three primary organizations or companies involved in all construction projects: the project owner, the architect, and the general contractor. A commercial construction firm that reports to be a design-build general contractor actually operates more as a pure construction manager. They sell their services as being an agent for the owner. This firm will procure all design and construction services, originate the contractual agreements, charge a fee on all hard and soft costs, but have the second-tier firms execute their contracts with the project owner directly. Some project owners will seek alternative methods to contract for design and construction services, including employing design engineers and construction subcontractors directly. A client is ready to negotiate a contract with a construction firm for a 30 million shelled office building project. A client negotiated a design-build contract with a joint venture general contractor and architect for the design and construction of a 100 million chemical manufacturing facility.
