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What a project manager does
Whether you are planning a refurbishment, an extension, a commercial fit-out or a new development, the outcome depends on planning, coordination and delivery. We provide independent project management and development consultancy, running projects from inception through to completion while protecting your interests, controlling risk and keeping the scheme on time and within budget.
What it covers
Project management
The delivery of a construction project from planning through to completion. We coordinate the design team, the contractors and the programme so the project is delivered successfully.
Development consultancy
Strategic advice earlier in the process. Assessing whether an opportunity works, managing risk, procuring the right professional team and helping you make informed decisions across the project lifecycle.
Contract administration
Administering the building contract itself: certifying payments, issuing instructions, managing variations and certifying practical completion. We can act as contract administrator and employer's agent alongside the project management role, under one appointment.
When you might need a project manager
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You are planning a scheme and do not yet know whether it stacks up
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You have an architect and a contractor but nobody holding the whole thing together
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You do not have the time or experience to coordinate consultants, contracts and programme
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You need someone accountable for budget and programme, not just design
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Your project is already underway and going wrong
What we do
Structured around the RIBA Plan of Work. We take project risk, administration, team coordination and delivery momentum off your plate.
Strategic advice and project inception
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Assess project objectives, risk and feasibility
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Assemble the professional team: architects, engineers and specialist consultants
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Advise on procurement strategy and project budgets
Design and tender
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Coordinate the design team through the RIBA stages
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Prepare tender documentation and manage the tender process
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Analyse tender returns and make a recommendation before contract award
Construction
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Act as project manager and contract administrator
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Chair progress meetings and coordinate the professional team
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Administer the building contract, certify payments and manage instructions, variations and practical completion
Completion and handover
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Coordinate practical completion
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Manage defects through the rectification period
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Oversee final account negotiation and project close-out
How it works
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We can join at any stage, although the greatest value comes from being appointed during planning and design.
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If your project is already underway we will review where it stands, identify the risks and give you independent advice on bringing it back on track.
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After an initial consultation we agree the scope of our appointment, the objectives, the programme and how you want to be kept informed.
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We are your single point of contact throughout, coordinating consultants, contractors and stakeholders.
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Progress is monitored through regular site inspections, meetings and reporting, so you can make decisions in time.
Why Acton & Co
Direct access to the people doing the work. Modern, proactive and responsive, with no layers between you and the person accountable.
We take ownership. Risks identified early, problems solved rather than escalated, projects kept moving.
Clear reporting throughout, so you stay informed and in control.
Flexible fee options. Every scheme is different. Depending on the scope of our appointment we offer fixed fees, day rates, monthly retainers or percentage fees linked to construction value.
We agree the right approach at the initial consultation and give you a clear fee proposal before any work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. An architect is responsible for the design. A project manager oversees the wider project, coordinating consultants, contractors, budget and programme, and holding the whole thing to account.
Yes. We can step into live projects, review where things stand, identify the key risks and help bring the project back on track.
Yes. We act as your primary point of contact and deal with contractors, consultants and other stakeholders on your behalf throughout.
Yes. We give strategic advice at the earliest stages, helping you assess the opportunity, assemble the right professional team and choose the most effective route forward.
We identify delays early, work with the team to understand the cause and put practical measures in place to recover the programme where it can be recovered.
Fees depend on the scope, programme and level of involvement required. We may use a fixed fee, day rate, monthly retainer or percentage-based fee, and we confirm the basis in writing before work begins.
