Reflecting on my experiences as an owner’s representative over the years, I’ve encountered projects where delivering hard truths was unavoidable—particularly when it came to aligning a client’s financial goals with construction demands. As a construction client, you’re making a significant investment to bring your vision to life. However, at the end of the day, your facility must not only meet the demands of your pro forma but also operate sustainably as a business.
With a commitment to honesty, I’d like to share a story that taught me invaluable lessons. Several years ago, I was tasked with developing a client’s capital improvement plan and overseeing a significant expansion. After evaluating how the CIP impacted their operating budget, I realized the client’s desired expansion program would push their operating expenses into an untenable situation. It was a challenging moment—I knew I had to express my concerns and have difficult conversations. I explained, “This new program isn’t feasible with your current revenue,” and proposed alternative solutions. Unfortunately, this honest feedback led to my removal from the project.
While being removed was disappointing, I was confident I had acted in the client’s best interest. As owner’s representatives, we are sometimes placed in positions where we must deliver uncomfortable truths. Whether working with large corporations or nonprofit organizations, it’s our responsibility to provide thorough, honest feedback to safeguard their bottom line. In this case, I was willing to forgo a potential fee because doing the right thing outweighed the financial benefit.
My unique perspective, shaped by my background as an owner and in architecture and construction, allows me to evaluate projects with a focus on real affordability. For owners embarking on a project, I encourage you to trust your partners when they present hard truths—they are there for a reason. And if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to speak up. Open, honest communication is the foundation of a successful partnership.
For those who are curious…the client, after spending more time and money designing that expansion, eventually realized it wasn’t going to work. They stopped the project and sold that piece of real estate. They moved into a new facility that better fit their needs and operating budget.