The two crucial aspects of the AEC industry are Architecture and Project Management. While they bring in the successful completion of a project, each one plays a pivotal role individually. The architect looks at a structure in terms of its design, functionality, and aesthetics, while the plan, coordination, and execution of a project are looked at by the project manager.
Architecture is but a dynamic field. It requires efficiency and management within its organisation. Project management software has been introduced to ease the tracking of the many processes and steps involved in the building architecture. The software helps to smoothen processes, improves communication, and increases productivity to coordinate tasks and timelines within the resources.
Project management looks after and supervises the resources, budgets, risks, and schedules, which makes them a central point of communication between stakeholders. They are to ensure that everyone in the team is involved and aligned with the aim of the project.
Role of the architects vs project managers
An architect’s role encompasses :
- Design Development
- Documentation and Drawings
- Regulatory Compliance
- Coordination with Consultants
- Client Interaction and Satisfaction
- Innovation and Technical Support/Expertise
A project manager’s role encompasses :
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Project Planning
- Risk Management
- Quality Assurance
- Budgeting and Financial Management
Certifications required for a project manager for architectural projects
- PMP – Project Management Professional
- CCM – Certified Construction Manager
Additional certifications could include :
- LEED AP – LEED Accredited Professional
- CCCA – Certified Construction Contract Administrator
- Building Information Modeling Certification
- CCP – Certified Cost Professional
- RMP – Risk Management Professional
A dynamic duo
The inter-relationship between a project manager and an architect is crucial. Communication is the most important element for successful cooperation between the two. Areas that need to have clear-cut information are :
- Division of responsibilities
- A unified vision
- Expectations
- Required results
This allows for transparency within their communication and allows for each one to carry out their respective duties to bring in the results together. By defining the above, the project manager or the architect will not overstep the responsibilities of one other.
Difference in salaries between a project architect vs a project manager
The salaries between project managers and project architects depend on many factors like experience, skill set, etc. Statistics tend to show that project managers earn slightly more than project architects owing to their wider range of responsibilities and skills.
Ideal Software
The development of software for architectural project management helps to smoothen processes, improves communication, and increases productivity to coordinate tasks and timelines within the resources. While the type of software used largely depends on the task/firm specification, some examples would be :
- Autodesk BIM 360
Autodesk BIM 360 is a widely used construction management software that is a part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud. It is a cloud-based collaborative that features :
- Design Collaboration
- Clash Detection
- Safety Management Tools
- Document and Project Management
- BIM Collaboration
- Monograph
Monograph is a modern management tool for small to medium-sized architectural firms. It helps the principal architect to approach task management and collaboration. Monograph is the software that is best for improved client experience. It focuses on planning the project, allotment of resources, and budgeting. The software homepage statistics show us a +43% time saved on admin tasks, +141% of a faster billing process, and +50% less budget overage. The features of Monograph are :
- Assign/allot resources/staff
- Build budgets
- Track project progress
- Forecast performance
- Leverage Reports
- Simple payroll
- Builds project through phases
- Deltek Ajera
Is mainly developed for accounting solutions for architects and engineers. Suitable for small to medium-sized firms, it is used to manage projects and have efficiency in finance. Integrated with ERP, it provides for :
- Time tracking
- Resource Management
- Accounting for projects
- Financial reports
- Wrike
Wrike is a task management-based software. It is a cloud-based solution that provides real-time collaboration, time and task tracking, and custom workflows. The main features of Wrike are :
- Dashboards – which help to visualise the outcome and systems
- Proofing
- Cross-tagging – visibility across multiple streams
- Customised workflow – specific tasks/ work items to fit specific workspaces
- Gantt Charts
- Kanban Boards
- Asana
This is yet another task management-based software. A cloud-based solution that is used by architects and businesses. It is said to be the best for customised workflow. Asana focuses on :
- Streamlining task management – creation, assigning, and tracking
- Collaboration and communication
- Visual project progress tracking
These software help the AEC industry to track project progress and effectively monitor deadlines. The software enhances transparency and accountability among the team and offers better communication and collaboration through a centralised platform.
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REFERENCES:
- Bogomolnaya,O. Medium. softserve-pm. The path to great relationships part #3. architect and project manager. 19/07/2022. https://medium.com/softserve-pm/the-path-to-great-relationships-part-3-architect-and-project-manager-ebf3fc43c342#:~:text=The%20Project%20Manager%20has%20to,and%20who’s%20going%20to%20assist.
- GeeksforGeeks. Project Architect vs. project manager. 20/03/2024. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/project-architect-vs-project-manager/
- Brown,L. Invensis Learning Blog. What is an architectural project manager? job description & roadmap. 13/12/2023. https://www.invensislearning.com/blog/architectural-project-manager/
- IMAGE REFERENCES
- https://www.bcsprosoft.com/project-management-for-architects/
- https www.geeksforgeeks.org project-architect-vs-project-manager
- httpswww.novatr.comblogbim-360
- httpsmonograph.comwho-weare
- httpswww.youtube.comwatchv=at4CCKG4fYM
- https://www.virtualprojectconsulting.com/wrike-project-management-software-that-makes-a-difference/
- https://cloudfresh.com/en/blog/what-is-asana-project-management-how-to-improve-your-work-process/
