Architects and engineers are no strangers to the intense demands of a construction project — ensuring designs match the plans, coordinating with different teams, and juggling shifting priorities. Yet, despite these efforts, only 31% of construction projects come within 10% of budget, and just 25% finish on time. 

In this high-stakes environment, it’s all too easy to mix up roles and functions, especially when it comes to construction administration and construction management.

Although both revolve around the success of your project, each function brings a different focus, authority, and responsibilities. In this article, we’ll explore these overlapping yet distinct roles to help you better execute your construction projects.

What is construction administration?

Construction administration (CA) is a service provided by architects and engineers once construction begins, continuing until the project closeout phase. CA involves overseeing the project to make sure the design is built as planned and that the project stays in compliance with the contract.

What is the role of a construction administrator?

The role of a construction administrator revolves around design oversight and verifying that the construction work matches the approved plans. This includes reviewing submittals and requests for information (RFIs), conducting site visits and inspections, certifying payment applications from general contractors, and reviewing change orders.

To learn more about CA and what the role entails, check out "What Is Construction Administration?" 

What is construction management?

Construction management (CM) is the role dedicated to strategic planning, coordination, and oversight of a construction project’s day-to-day operations. Unlike CA, which is typically performed by architects or engineers to protect design intent, CM is often led by a dedicated construction manager or a general contractor acting in a CM capacity. 

In some delivery models like CM-at-Risk or CM-as-Agent (more on this later), the construction manager gets involved before the construction starts to shape project scope, optimize the budget, and create a realistic schedule.

What is the role of a construction manager?

A construction manager serves as the operational backbone of a project, making sure all the moving parts of construction come together smoothly to turn approved plans into tangible results. 

Below are the key responsibilities a construction manager typically handles:

• Managing schedules, budgets, and subcontractors: One of the CM’s primary tasks is to create and maintain a realistic project schedule, detailing when each trade and activity should occur. By coordinating various subcontractors, the CM ensures tasks proceed in a logical sequence without bottlenecks. Construction managers also monitor budgets, approving or adjusting expenditures to keep finances on track.

• Performing cost estimating and value engineering: Before and during construction, the CM provides cost estimates and proposes cost-saving measures that don’t compromise on quality or design goals. This process, known as value engineering, involves evaluating materials, methods, or design elements to find economical alternatives. By striking the right balance between cost and function, the CM helps owners and project stakeholders make the most of available resources.

• Reviewing construction progress: Beyond setting the schedule, the CM makes sure all trades work according to the approved plans, specifications, and any regulatory requirements. By regularly reviewing progress, identifying potential roadblocks early, and making adjustments as needed, the construction manager keeps the project moving smoothly and aligns construction efforts with the established scope.

A construction manager can take a hands-on execution approach or a more consultative role — whichever best suits the project’s delivery model:

• In the CM-at-Risk model, the CM often contracts directly with subcontractors and carries the financial risk for delivering the project within an agreed price. 

• In the CM-as-Agent model, the CM serves more as an advisor, acting on the owner’s behalf without holding the direct contracts. 

  
  

Is construction management always a separate firm?

No, construction management isn't always a separate firm. CM can be executed in the following three forms, depending on the project and delivery model:

1. Dedicated CM firm: Owners can hire a specialized firm to handle the planning, coordination, and oversight of the construction process.

2. General contractor acting as CM: In CM-at-Risk delivery model, the general contractor may take on the CM role, accepting responsibility for managing the project’s budget, schedule, and subcontractors while bearing financial risk for staying within the agreed price.

3. Owner’s representative: Especially in public or institutional projects, an owner’s representative or an internal project management team can fulfill the CM role, overseeing construction while working on behalf of the owner to ensure the project’s success.

It’s important to note that construction management is more about the function — planning, coordinating, and executing — rather than a specific job title. The CM role can be carried out by different individuals or organizations, depending on the needs and structure of the project.

What's the difference between construction management and construction project management?

The key difference between construction management vs project management is that CM is focused on executing the construction process, while PM is about overseeing and coordinating the whole project, from the initial idea to the finished build. 

The construction project manager is involved long before the first brick is laid and remains a key figure throughout the entire lifecycle of the project. They coordinate between the design team, construction team and client, manage the overall resources, and schedule permits. It's a more strategic role, focused on keeping every aspect of the project on track, not just the construction phase—like the CM.

Construction administration vs construction management 

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between construction administration and construction management across five key aspects:

1. Who leads it?

• Construction administration: Led by the architect or engineer responsible for maintaining design integrity.

• Construction management: Led by a dedicated construction manager (CM firm or general contractor) who oversees the entire construction process.

2. What phase(s) are they involved in?

• Construction administration: CA begins once the construction phase starts and continues through to project closeout, ensuring that the design and contract compliance are maintained.

• Construction management: CM is primarily involved during construction, but can also begin earlier in the process, especially in models like CM-at-Risk or CM-as-Agent, to help with planning and pre-construction.

3. What is their main focus?

• Construction administration: Protects design intent and ensures contract compliance, making sure the construction aligns with the architect's original vision.

• Construction management: Focuses on executing the construction process, managing logistics like schedule and budget to ensure the project stays on track.

4. What tasks do they perform?

• Construction administration: Conducts site visits, manages RFIs and submittals, builds field reports, and ensures change orders are properly documented.

• Construction management: Manages scheduling and budgeting, coordinates trade contractors, and oversees day-to-day construction activities to keep the project moving efficiently.

5. Do they have authority over subcontractors?

• Construction administration: No, CA has no direct authority over subcontractors, as their role is to ensure design and contract compliance.

• Construction management: Yes, in CM-at-Risk, the construction manager has direct authority over subcontractors, managing contracts and performance. In CM-as-Agent, authority is indirect, focusing on advising and coordinating.

How do construction admin and construction management work together?

Construction administration and construction management work towards the same goal of delivering a completed, high-quality project, but from different perspectives. CM manages the "how" of the construction process — overseeing the logistics and construction work. CA looks after the "what" — making sure the project stays true to the original design and meets contractual requirements. 

Despite their differences, there are areas where the roles overlap. Both CA and CM are actively involved during the construction phase, and their tasks often intersect in areas like communication, issue resolution, and project tracking.

Bridge the CM-CA gap and cut project delays with Part3

To ensure both teams stay aligned without duplicating efforts, construction admin software tools like Part3 bridge the gap between the CA and CM teams. 

Part3's centralized platform helps streamline workflows by offering:

• Streamlined review workflows: Cut submittal review time with Part3's AI-powered submittal assistant, turning hours of work into minutes.

• Control over field reports: Part3 allows teams to manage and distribute field reports to the right stakeholders in real-time, ensuring everyone stays informed about the latest on-site developments.

• Transparent tracking and logs: Part3 offers real-time project analytics that allows teams to track progress and monitor team performance, cycle times, and financials.

• Centralized documentation: All project documents, RFIs, submittals, change orders and field reports, are stored in one location for easy access and sharing.

• Improved collaboration without scope overlap: Teams can easily access information from the centralized environment and stay aligned, reducing the chances of duplication of efforts.

Transform your CA-CM collaboration today with Part3. Eliminate redundant work, cut communication delays, and deliver projects on time and on budget. Get a demo to learn more!