Project + Design Management Solutions for Real Estate Development in Middle East Region

As The Region continues to witness rapid urban growth and major infrastructure projects, the need for Project Management Solutions expands.

The increasing sophistication of new Developments, Complex Contractual requirements, Complex Stakeholder Approval & Engagement Process, Tight Milestones, Complex Scope, Specialist Consultants, Design to Budget Agreements, are becoming the norm for relatively Large Scale Projects.

The need for effective Project Management has never been more crucial for all Stakeholders.

Usually, Project Managers are hired as Client's Representative or as the Project Management Consultant on the project, with an overarching responsibility of managing the overall project by providing measurable benefit to cost, program, quality and safety.

The complexity of today's projects requires both the Client and the Creative Consultants to communicate effectively through appropriate, agreed and understood processes and procedures.

In Today's Mega/Giga Project's Landscape, Lead Design Consultants (LDC's) vary from an Architectural Firm to an Interior Design Firm or a Creative Design Firm.

While their specialty and focus is providing Design and Creative Solutions, they need professional support with the Project + Design Management Solutions.

Stages of Project Development

The Project Manager has a duty to search for gaps, conflicts, errors, omissions and problems that may exist in the rights, duties and responsibilities identified within and between the various design, procurement and construction contracts as well as managing all interfaces and construction activity between the various agreements and contracts that exist, or will exist, to procure all of the necessary elements of the Project without incurring unnecessary additional cost or time.

RIBA Stage 1: Preparation and Brief/ Feasibility

1. Market feasibility – Conduct market demand studies.
2. Financial feasibility – ROI?studies- financing options
3. Operator audit which includes looking into track record of success, competitive advantages, pluses /minuses of each, development requirements, etc.
4. Development of estimates, budgets, costs, cash flow, etc.

Project Manager provides critical support in refining the Project Brief, creating a Risk Management Plan, defining Procurement Strategies, and preparing Preliminary Budgets and Master Development Schedule timelines.

Procurement

1. Selection and negotiation with Facility Operator
2. Secure financing
3. Selection of Architect, Design team
4. Selection of Construction Contractor
5. Selection of Owner’s representative
6. Final contract negotiations with stakeholders

RIBA Stages 2,3,4: Design & Authority permits

1. RIBA Stage 2: Concept Design Stage (30%)
2. RIBA Stage 3: Spatial coordination (60%) / Schematic Design Stage
3. RIBA Stage 4: Technical Design (100%)

• Detailed Design Stage
• Tender Stage
• IFC drawings

Project Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that the project remains feasible, within budget, and on schedule, while minimizing risks and preparing for the construction phase.

RIBA Stages 5,6: Manufacturing, Construction & Handover

1. Site preparation / actual construction
2. Monitoring of budgets and schedules for on-time, on-budget assessments
3. Ongoing quality reviews
4. Completing contracts with vendors / documentation
5. Securing occupancy permits

Project Manager ensures that the construction process runs smoothly, quality is maintained, and the client receives a fully functional building with all necessary documentation and operational guidance.

At UN!Que Project Solutions (UN!Q) we provide Pre-Contract and Post Contract Project + Design + Cost Management solutions for Real Estate + Construction Projects.

** This Article does not cover outcome of Stage 0 and Stage 7 of RIBA Plan of Works and it does not cover Operation & Asset management or Exit Strategy.