The biggest thing you want to avoid are changes during construction or delays. Both will impact the income projections and possibly project viability.

• Be conservative in your conceptual estimate models.
• Track all changes clearly on a log including value-engineering.
• Work closely with the Architect so they know the impact of design changes; both good and bad
• Focus on creative solutions that will provide a clear path to success including quality, cost and schedule.  The project owner and architect may not like some of the proposed solutions but let them be the ones to decide whether to take the path or not.  
• Be forthright and proactive in your communication. 
  • Don't let decisions early in the design phase require cuts to finishes down the road detracting from customer satisfaction. 
  • Don't let changes to cost or schedule creep up during construction which may impact the viability of the project for the project owner.  
• Leverage the communication capabilities of Senior Leadership who can translate the technical details from the Conceptual Estimator and Project Manager for the Project Owner and Architect.  
• Meet weekly at a minimum.  

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