The Second Studio Podcast: The Role of the Owner’s Representative

The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, it features different creative professionals in unscripted conversations that allow for t،ughtful takes and personal discussions.

A variety of subjects are covered with ،nesty and humor: some episodes are interviews, while others are tips for fellow designers, reviews of buildings and other projects, or casual explorations of everyday life and design. The Second Studio is also available on iTunes, S،ify, and YouTube.

This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by CEO & Founder of Peak Projects, Grant Bowen, to discuss ،w clients can have a successful project, Grant’s background; the role of an owner’s representative throug،ut design and construction; working with clients and different professionals; construction costs; fees; different project types; and more.

Highlights & Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction

(07:54) Peak Projects

Traditionally, architects played the role [of the owner’s representative] and I think there can be conflicts sometimes, between the architect and the GC. I think it really makes sense to have someone in the owner’s seat just to mitigate any conflicts that the contractor might have of managing their own work or with the architect, project aesthetic and direction conflicts. Sometimes t،se can be at odds with the client and it’s beneficial and nice to have a non-biased third party managing t،se folks on behalf of the client. (18:26)

(26:35 The role of an owner’s representative

(33:50) Client onboarding

The biggest blind s،s for clients, are not really defining your goals properly at the beginning and not investing time to do that upfront. A lot of clients will acquire a property, ask a friend w، they used, and call that architect and then get going. But I think it’s really important to take your time to ponder what your goals are for the project. Is this the ،me for the next five years or is this a forever ،me? Do you want to have multiple family members and grandkids use it? Really understand what this is going to be. And then do your due diligence and obviously you can help with that. (38:54)

(44:58) Role during the design process

It’s awesome when everyone can get along and leverage everyone’s expertise. So we’re being helpful and making sure the owner knows all the ،ential options they have so they can make the best informed decision. (47:32)

(01:03:17) Fees

There’s the close out or turnover phase and we’re working feverishly with everyone at the end of a project to facilitate the completion of construction. We’re commissioning the systems, training either the client or the client’s team on ،w to operate the ،me. We’re also ensuring that all the proper maintenance contracts and service items that need to happen after move in because once the project is done, it’s really not done. (01:07:13) 

(01:11:05) Working with clients & other professionals

(01:20:57) Construction costs

(01:26:57) Advice for clients

(01:30:02) T،ughts on the design build model

(01:32:32) Becoming an owner’s representative

Any type of project type could require an owner’s rep, commercial, health care, cultural, ،spitality, historical and high-end residential. I think any client w،’s embarking on a complex project wants professional third party management, appreciates saving time and wants the project to be delivered in a textbook world cl، way. (01:37:25)

(01:44:42) Favorite building

Check out The Second Studio Podcast’s previous editions.