A Design-Build Expo 2024 Panel Discusses the Hidden Advantages of True Owner’s Representative Integration

November, 2024

During the 2024 Design-Build Conference and Expo, a panel took place to outline the role of an owner’s representative on design-build projects and how seamless integration with the broader project team maximizes its benefit. Featuring a diverse mix of perspectives, including Henry Alaman (Rocky Mountain Regional Manager, Otak) and Patricia Strange (Client Service Manager, Otak) alongside Jo Wells (City of Bend) and Steve Ponce (Department of Administrative Services Oregon), the discussion highlighted real-world examples to emphasize hidden aspects of a successful owner’s representative relationship.

Advancing Design-Build Projects, ‘Beyond the Five Senses’

While it’s generally understood that humans possess five senses, there are deeper perceptions people possess that have a persistent – though not always immediately visible – impact. A similar dynamic is felt on projects where hidden challenges or difficult to attain goals slow progress, and this is where the extensive background and deep industry knowledge of an owner’s representative comes into play. With an emphasis on creating a cohesive team, this can be especially valuable for new owners and on design-build or progressive-build projects in streamlining processes.

These often-overlooked factors of collaboration and their impact on project management were the focus of the DBIA panel titled, Beyond the Five Senses: Unveiling the Advantages of Owner’s Representative in Design-Build Projects.

“When teams are already strapped as it is we become an extension of the owner, adding the expertise needed to see hidden opportunities and efficiencies throughout the project process to attain hard to accomplish goals.”

– Patricia Strange, Client Service Manager

Drawing on their own experiences in the field, the panel detailed some of these instances where there’s more than meets the eye in having an owner’s rep truly absorbed into a project team. In defining the role of an owner’s rep and outlining what to look for during selection and interview, the presentation covered what an owner should expect across the project process from project planning and design to construction start-up through project close-out.

The panel discussed the Portland Building project which exceeded DEI requirements by achieving 33% MWESB participation and the Bend Public Works Campus that featured a diversity of services, emphasizing how a cohesive team also encourages engagement with small businesses. This included the perspectives of owner’s themselves with Jo Wells and Steve Ponce, touching on the place of mentoring emerging businesses to enhance capabilities and professional standing.

The deep dive demonstrated how a cohesive team helps balance organizational requirements and streamline the process of identifying and filling roles on that team. The presentation covered a range of benefits including cost-effectiveness, risk mitigation, and strategic decision making while catering to unique aspects of an organization’s structure.

The panel ultimately aimed to show that by leveraging what exists ‘beyond the five senses,’ a deeper understanding can be achieved, leading to a more collaborative team that successfully meets project goals.