Most construction projects must meet certain time, budget, and quality standards. An architect is a natural choice for the role of project manager because it is she that can see the overall objective and have the ability to bring together the people, materials and resources to complete the project that meets the owners' expectations. This task is not without liability since you are the owners professional representative and are approving the quality standard of the work performed. Get a construction lawyer to craft a Project Management Agreement that limits your exposure to delay of work claims, future defect lawsuits and over budget issues before performing any project management.

The architect will usually deal with projects that need the following actions:

Defining the Project Parameters - usually done with the owner

Drafting the Plan Set - the blueprints and specifications

Overseeing the construction - awarding the bid and administration

There are three basic measurements that define a project: cost, time to completion and acceptable quality standards. It is important to discuss these criteria explicitly with the owner because without specific parameters to design and manage with the satisfaction of the owner is at risk when the light switch goes on for the first time.

On substantial projects don't skip any of the suggested steps such as: Client Questionnaire, Walking the Site - Photo Documentation or walking them through the Ortho Lighting Book. All of these actions are an attempt to have the owner "buy into" what you are suggesting.

Depending on the complexity of the lighting project the work might never be critical path meaning that it will always be worked on concurrent with the other construction tasks. However, on large projects there needs to be coordination between the many different trades which could include: general contractor, electrician, mason, landscaper, and home automation specialist.

Meshing their schedules is an ongoing task that requires communication. Everyone should be kept current with frequent site meetings about the progress and needs of the lighting project. Take notes and send follow-ups to all parties present.

Simply put; the more detail the owner pays you to develop the more able you are to enforce a quality standard. Don't fall for the "just give me a concept drawing then you manage the project" it's not fair to the contractor to have a seemingly moving quality target since there is no written specifications and it opens you to mucho liability.

If the owner wants a tightly run project it starts with a well developed plan-set which includes defined parameters such as the ones mentioned on this page. See our Installation Notes for some ideas on lighting specifications. Understanding industry standards for low voltage lighting is important since 12v work is rarely covered by any codes or inspections.

Talk to quality contractors about installation details and work habits then develop your quality specifications from there. If you have any questions about how to specify FX components that aren't shown in our Installation Details give us a call . . . we're glad to help.