Category: Construction Insights

At Miles-McClellan Construction, we know that the work we do makes an IMMPact in the community. As a company that has integrated giving back as part of our culture, non-profit construction projects hold a special place in our hearts.

In this interview with Senior Project Manager Dillon Overman, he discusses his background, the most rewarding aspects of non-profit construction and why he believes that construction management at risk (CMR) is the ideal project delivery solution for non-profits.

Let’s Learn About Dillon’s Experience With Nonprofit Construction!

Q: What experience do you have working with non-profit organizations, and why do you love working with them?

I have had the pleasure of working with numerous non-profits in my 10 years in the industry. Everything from churches, hospitals and community improvement facilities. I like working with these entities because they seem to have a strong “what we do matters” mentality. They are not just focused on the bottom dollar, they truly care about the work being put into place.

Q: What was your favorite non-profit project and why?

My favorite non-profit to work with has been the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Most bigger non-profits have a team to oversee construction, but this client relied heavily on our expertise and trusted us to do what’s right for them. That’s an awesome feeling, knowing that someone trusts our team to have their best interest in mind. 

Q: What do you bring to the table – why would a client want to work with you?

Our approach at Miles-McClellan is different from any other. We call it the “Tee to Green” method, which means that the team involved with your project takes the project from design all the way through completion. That is much different than most other companies. This approach allows for the team to be a part of the project from start to finish which we believe is crucial.

Q: Why is Construction Management at Risk a viable option for non-profit projects?

Construction management at risk is quite arguably the best option for non-profits. Here are a few reasons why:

• It locks in a set percentage of fee long before any construction is put into place. This allows for owners to see up front the construction management fee. It allows for a great deal of transparency.
• The CMR delivery method brings a firm on early in the process, allowing for a few stages of budgeting before construction documents are issued. It allows for the owner to get a sense of where costs will land, and where costs can be cut to meet a desired budget.
• In a typical CMR delivery method, the construction manager normally picks the team of architects and engineers that they would like to work with on a project. When a team is well-oiled and has worked together before, it makes for a much smoother project.

Q: Can you name an example of “how you saved the day” for a client?

We were doing a multifamily project in Franklinton, Ohio, which had a phased turnover. This means that tenants were living on the 1st floor while we were still working on the upper floors. Late one night, a sanitary line was backed up with a bunch of rags that somehow made their way into the pipe. Water was backing up into the 1st floor common area which was just finished. My team got the call and quickly made our way down to the project to rectify the situation before it flooded the whole floor. At Miles-McClellan, the “do whatever it takes” mentality of our team, makes us stand out from others like us.

Q: Do you have any specific advice for those in the construction industry managing a construction management at risk project?

A good project using the CMR delivery method starts with clear scopes and open communication with the subcontractors on that job. Having that clear communication up front and laying out responsibilities for each task makes projects run much smoother.

Q: What is your project management philosophy?

It’s kind of a cheesy one, but the saying “you attract more bees with honey than you do with vinegar” holds true in almost everything. Being calm and collected as a leader will allow for solutions that both parties can benefit from. Set an example for those around you as to what a good leader does on a project.

Do you have a non-profit construction project on the horizon? Would you like to learn more about construction management at risk project delivery? Then contact us today, get the answers that you need and let’s start building excellence.

In construction, the first step in any project is determining a project delivery method that ensures the best outcome. Two popular methods that we offer at Miles-McClellan Construction are design-build and construction management at risk (CMR), which while similar in some respects, also have distinct differences that can be the defining factor in executing a project that is well-planned, goes smoothly and leaves all involved feeling satisfied with the results.

Keep reading to learn more about these delivery methods and when they are best utilized.

An Overview of CMR and Design-Build Project Delivery

First, it’s important to understand how these methods are different on a base level. With CMR, one of our skilled project managers commits to delivering a construction project within a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). That construction manager will be your consultant throughout the project, doing whatever it takes to ensure that all aspects of the projects are being handled properly and that there is a smooth transition from one phase of a project to the next.

With design-build project delivery, the design-build contractor teams with the chosen architect to complete construction based on your project needs and wants. Because of this partnership between contractor and architect, an established guaranteed cost is provided early in the process, allowing you to secure funding faster.

Advantages of CMR

Every strategy has its unique strengths. Let’s explore those in a CMR collaboration. 

• If you have an architect who has worked well for you throughout the years, CMR allows you to continue working with the architect who understands your business and vision, while the contractor keeps that vision within budget.
• Because the construction manager is involved early in the project, they can provide valuable input during the design phase, which can lead to more accurate cost estimates.
• When a GMP is established from the very beginning, overrunning the budget is less likely.
• CMR fosters a sense of collaboration with everyone involved in a project, including, owner, designer, architect, stakeholders, etc., which leads to better communication and problem-solving.
• With CMR, the owner sets and leads the design while being financially responsible, giving the owner more control.
• We recommend CMR as the form of project method delivery for more hands-on owners.

Advantages of Design-Build

Now let’s explore the benefits of design-build project delivery.

• If your construction project contains multiples of the same type of building (for example, maintenance complexes, a tradition K-12 school, banks, and public institutions such as fire stations, police station, post offices, etc.) design-build is a very effective choice.
• The design-build contractor holds all of the risk for the owner by contracting with both the architect and subcontractors.
• With design-build, the design-build contractor and architect are partners, creating a situation that requires less checks and balances.
• Design-build can significantly reduce the overall project timeline, as both the construction and design phases of a project take place at the same time.
• We recommend design-build for owners who want to focus on their business instead of taking on the responsibilities of the construction on a heavily funded project.

Still Have Questions? Let Us Put You on the Right Track!

Overall, there is a give and take to both delivery methods that should be taken into account when considering your next project. If you still have questions and would like insight from construction experts with decades of experience, contact us today and let’s build excellence while finding your ideal construction solution!