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Owner’s representation

On your side when dealing with building professionals

You are leading a project without the time or the technical expertise to make day-to-day decisions. We fill that role: we represent you and defend your interests at every decision, in dealings with architects and engineers as well as contractors.

  • Two AKB Project team members on the roof of the vertically extended building in Chêne-Bourg, facing the city

Who it is for

Who our owner’s representation is for

What they have in common: a project too important to leave unsupervised, and not enough time in-house to supervise it.

  • Private owners

    You are building or renovating a large villa without being in the trade.

  • Investors and property managers

    You manage several projects without an in-house technical department.

  • Public authorities, cooperatives and institutions

    You have to account for the use of public or collective funds.

  • An existing team

    Already appointed your architect? We work alongside them, without taking over their remit.

For which types of project? Residential, Energy renovation, Retail & luxury, Industrial & commercial.

They have trusted us

Architects, developers, property managers, public institutions and private owners entrust us with the management of their projects in French-speaking Switzerland.

What you gain

You decide, and we give you what you need to make the call

What worries youWhat we do

  1. I am asked to make technical choices I do not understand.

    We review every technical choice with you and approve the options in the light of your budget. You decide knowing what they cost.

    Every option priced

  2. Between the fees and the works, I no longer know where the money is going.

    We maintain consolidated financial tracking of the project: you know where the money is going.

    Fees and works included

  3. I do not know who to entrust with my project’s design.

    We run a competitive selection of consultants, then negotiate their contracts with you.

  4. Dealing with the authorities takes time I do not have.

    We follow up permit applications and relations with the authorities.

    Throughout the project

  5. At handover, I will not know what to check.

    We represent you at handover: you do not face the contractors alone.

    Until all defects are cleared

Our role

What we take on

Owner’s representation has no stage of its own: it represents you at every stage, from defining your needs to clearing the defects.

  1. Before design

    We set down with you the brief and objectives of the project: they are the reference for every decision. Consultants are then chosen through a competitive selection, and their contracts negotiated.

    From the definition of the brief

  2. During design

    We check the work of the architects and engineers. With you, we decide technical choices in the light of the budget, and follow up permit applications.

    Through to the start of works

  3. During construction

    We take part in project meetings and give you a summary report. Fees and works are tracked together, in a single financial record.

    Through to handover

  4. At handover

    At handover, then when defects are cleared, we speak on your behalf to the contractors.

    Until all defects are cleared

Is your project still just an idea?

This is the right time to talk about it: the first conversation is without obligation.

How we work

A position of trust, and only one client: you

This role requires an understanding of your real priorities, which are not always the ones the project naturally puts forward.

Stone facade and ornate balconies of the renovated apartment building in Geneva
  • We do not carry out any works and have no commercial ties with the contractors.
  • You receive the information as it is, even when it is bad news.
  • A single point of contact, from the first meeting to the end of your project.
  • You know at all times where your project stands, without having to ask.

Two roles, often combined

Owner’s representation or construction management?

Construction management deals with the execution of the works. Owner’s representation starts much earlier and covers the whole project.

  • When it starts

    RepresentationFrom the definition of the brief, well before construction.

    Construction managementAt the start of works.

  • What it covers

    RepresentationThe whole project, until all defects are cleared.

    Construction managementThe execution of the works, until the end of the warranty period.

  • Who it oversees

    RepresentationThe architects and engineers appointed for the project.

    Construction managementThe contractors carrying out the works.

  • Where you find us

    RepresentationAt your side, in project meetings.

    Construction managementOn site, at the weekly meetings.

Your existing team

Already have an architect? We work with them, not against them.

Our role is to check that their work serves your brief and your budget, and to help you make decisions.

AKB Project hard hat resting on site drawings
  • The architect and engineers each keep their own role, as does any construction manager.
  • A disagreement? We put it on the table early, with its costed consequences.
  • We can be appointed solely to assist you, without construction management.

Your questions about owner’s representation

How does it differ from construction management?

Construction management deals with the execution of the works. Owner’s representation starts much earlier, from the definition of the brief, and covers the whole project, including the selection and oversight of consultants. The two roles are frequently combined.

Can you act solely as owner’s representative?

Yes. We can be appointed solely to assist and represent you, without a construction management role. The architect and engineers then each keep their own role, as does any construction manager; we check their work on your behalf.

Do you work in conflict with the architect?

No. We work with the architect, not against them: our role is to check that their work serves your brief and your budget, and to help you make decisions. When a disagreement arises, we put it on the table early, with its costed consequences, so that you can decide.

Do you offer administrative support?

Yes. We follow up permit applications and dealings with the authorities throughout the project.

Let us talk about your project

Describe your project in a few lines. We will get back to you within 48 working hours to arrange a first conversation, without obligation.

The building and the planned works, then where the project stands: design, permit, construction.

Do you have drawings or project documents? Attach them below.

Attachments (optional)

    Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

    Our other services

    • Cost management

      Knowing what a project will cost, and knowing it early, then keeping to that budget through to the final account.

      AKB Project hard hat resting on site drawings

    • Planning

      Schedules that are realistic and binding on the contractors, and used to manage the site.

      Facade drawings and schedules displayed on the wall of a site office

    • Tendering and contract award

      A well-prepared contract award means works that start with no grey areas.

      Site table with a binder, material samples and two hard hats

    • Construction management

      The discipline AKB Project was founded on: we take operational responsibility for construction.

      Two AKB Project team members checking a technical cabinet on a roof in Chêne-Bourg