A commercial construction project relies on various professional contributions from the initial concept to the final completion. Each person offers specific talents and insights to achieve a successful result. Here’s a rundown of the key players who help bring each commercial construction project to fruition.
Architects
Picture a blank canvas, waiting to be transformed into a masterpiece. That’s where architects come in. These professionals create the initial design concept for a building. This process takes functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability into consideration as well.
In the early phases of asset design, architects focus on the project owner’s needs. They also examine the location and footprint restrictions based on available land. Then, they translate those needs or preferences into architectural blueprints and renderings.
Once the client approves the final design, an architect will coordinate with the engineers and contractors to ensure this building maintains its core traits and elements during construction. Their drawings will help contractors establish the layout, dimensions, aesthetic features, and other structural components.
Engineers
A construction engineer has a direct impact on the entire building process. These skilled professionals generally take the lead on most commercial construction activities. They also coordinate with several other types of engineers, such as:
- Structural engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Electrical engineers
- Plumbing engineers
- Civil engineers
Engineers spearhead critical building functions like plumbing, electrical infrastructure, HVAC units, or drainage systems. If an architect is the creative brain that formulates a design, an engineer ensures that the final deliverable is functional, efficient, and safe. To achieve this goal, engineers must be proficient in mathematics, physics, and materials science.
Engineers are also often responsible for sustainability efforts, which has become a top-of-mind concern in modern construction projects. Today’s business owners care about environmental impacts and want to minimize their carbon footprint with sustainable designs.
Contractors
With the blueprints in hand, it’s time to start on the physical building. Enter contractors, the unsung heroes of commercial construction. These skilled professionals supervise daily job site operations, such as coordinating labor, equipment, and materials.
General contractors serve as project managers. They schedule subcontractors, order materials or supplies, and oversee the budget. They also work closely with the engineers and architects to integrate design concepts into the building process.
One of the main functions of a general contractor is managing subcontractors. Experienced contractors have an extensive network of industry partners they can trust to execute essential jobs and ensure the project remains on schedule. During a commercial construction project, general contractors partner with HVAC experts, electricians, and plumbers. They also hire subcontractors to install windows, floors, and light fixtures or perform other finishing touches.
Stakeholders
A stakeholder is anyone who has a vested interest in the construction project. These entities can include owners, investors, developers, tenants, municipal agencies, and even members of the local community. Each brings its own outlook, goals, and priorities to the table, which plays a crucial role in shaping the project’s direction.
Stakeholders offer input and feedback to ensure the result accommodates their long-term objectives or budgetary constraints. They also closely partner with contractors, engineers, architects, and other professionals to secure financing, obtain permits, or resolve any issues that might surface as this project unfolds.
Successfully Manage Your Commercial Construction Project
It’s vital to prioritize successful collaboration in a commercial construction project. Regardless of your role, part of the job is working closely with other professionals toward a common objective: finishing the project on time and within budget.
