Miles-McClellan Construction Senior Project Manager Dillon Overman Discusses Why CMR Project Delivery Is a Good Fit for Non-Profit Construction
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.