TEPM 034: Mastering Proactive Project Management for Predictable Engineering Outcomes

In this episode, I talk with Richard A. Brown, director of project management at Colliers Project Leaders USA, about his journey in construction management, focusing on the critical balance between design innovation and practical construction needs with proactive project management, as well as the vital aspects of effective schedule management that are paramount in the industry. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Richard: Can you elaborate on your role as the discipline leader of project management, specifically in overseeing the functioning of project management within the firm and detailing the responsibilities involved? Is your team in New Jersey primarily focused on project management? How did your firm transition from engineers managing projects to having a dedicated project management department, especially for mega projects? When choosing designers for a project, what criteria do you prioritize, and how do you ensure their vision aligns with the practical aspects of construction? How can you determine if a non-expert owner is choosing a competent designer with the necessary experience, and what challenges arise when working with a designer who may not be the right fit for the job? Can you guide us through the steps of a constructability review and discuss how these reviews significantly influence the overall project timeline and budget? What is your approach to planning site logistics and phasing in your construction projects? Can the designer create and have your team review the phasing plan, or is it something your team typically prepares? What common challenges arise in obtaining construction permits, and what strategies can be employed to navigate them effectively? How critical is proactive communication and early planning in avoiding costly mistakes in multimillion-dollar projects? What strategies do you employ to ensure effective schedule management on construction projects? How crucial is mastering scheduling for project managers, given its role as the core tool for monitoring project success, and what risks do project managers face if they lack proficiency in this area? How do you manage the financial aspects of construction projects, balancing budget constraints with the imperative for quality and efficiency? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Mastering Proactive Project Management for Predictable Engineering Outcomes: The project management discipline leader oversees a team across the nation. This role is centered on managing public projects and involves collaboration with internal CED teams and external design groups. A discipline leader must demonstrate expertise in steering multifaceted projects to success. The New Jersey team, consisting of architects, engineers, and construction managers, specializes in proactive project management without the need for licenses. They're actively managing portions of an $8 billion expansion project at Princeton University, demonstrating their adeptness in handling complex endeavors. Half of the projects Richard’s team manages involve larger CED projects, where their project management expertise complements design teams, while the other 50% includes responding to RFPs for construction and project management in various sectors. This dual approach, combining standalone and integrated projects, offers flexibility and streamlines collaboration between professionals from different disciplines, operating under one roof for enhanced efficiency. In the project's early stages, the focus is on selecting architects and teams with relevant experience, utilizing interviews to align expertise with project needs.