---

News

March 28, 2025 | By Matthew DiCintio

Selecting the right project delivery method is one of the most crucial decisions in any construction project. It defines how risks, costs, and responsibilities are managed, ultimately shaping the project’s success. At MARANT, we specialize in all delivery methods and guide clients in selecting the best fit for their needs.

Whether it’s Construction Management, General Tender, or Progressive Design-Build, understanding these approaches helps organizations make informed decisions that align with their company culture and project goals. Let’s explore the three primary methods and their advantages.

Construction Management: Maximum Flexibility, Collaboration & Risk Mitigation

For projects that demand agility, collaboration, and proactive risk management, Construction Management (CM) is the best choice. At MARANT, about 80% of our projects are delivered using this model, reflecting its effectiveness in balancing efficiency, cost control, and adaptability.

With CM, the Construction Manager is involved early in the process, providing expert guidance on cost estimates, scheduling, and constructability before construction even begins. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks, optimize budgets, and fast-track schedules.

Two common contract types used within the CM delivery method are CM-as-Agent, a fee-based model where the owner retains financial control, and CM-at-Risk, which includes a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), providing cost certainty while shifting financial responsibility to the Construction Manager to stay within budget.

Why Choose Construction Management?

How We Deliver Project Success

MARANT recently completed a high-end corporate headquarters with a fast-tracked interior build-out, ensuring that strict cost control measures were maintained throughout the process. The project required a quick turnaround without sacrificing quality or exceeding the budget.

To achieve this, we leveraged the CM method, which allowed us to procure materials ahead of time, optimizing the project schedule. By carefully planning each phase and working closely with designers on the project, we were able to streamline workflows and minimize delays.

As a result, we successfully reduced the project timeline by 20% while keeping the project within budget, demonstrating our ability to deliver high-quality work on time and on target. If your project demands flexibility, collaboration, and speed, CM could be the ideal approach.

General Tender: Cost Certainty & Predictability

Also known as a Stipulated Price or Lump Sum contract, this method sets a fixed total cost for the project before construction begins. This is best suited for projects with a clear and well-defined scope where cost certainty is the top priority.

Under this model, the project owner provides a complete set of design documents before tendering, ensuring a structured execution plan. Competitive bidding secures the best price, while clearly defined roles streamline project management.

Why Choose General Tender?

One trade-off with this method is that contractor input isn’t available during design. Changes after construction starts can be costly and may impact the timeline.

How We Deliver Project Success

MARANT participated in the General Tender model for a recent corporate project to maintain strict budget controls and ensure a smooth process from start to finish.

By securing a complete design package upfront, we were able to establish a clear and efficient execution right from the beginning of the project. This allowed us to streamline the entire project, maintaining focus on delivering high-quality results within the set budget. This method is ideal for projects with minimal expected changes and a well-developed scope.

Progressive Design-Build: Speed, Cost Certainty & Single Point of Contact

Progressive Design-Build (PDB) integrates design and construction into a single contract, offering early cost and schedule certainty. With the Construction Manager overseeing both phases, this approach fosters seamless coordination from concept to completion, ensuring the project stays on track and aligns with the client’s goals every step of the way.

Why Choose Progressive Design-Build?

By working closely with the design team and client, PDB ensures that the scope aligns with budget and timeline goals, minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.

How We Deliver Project Success

A recent client looking to fast-track their tenant improvement project turned to MARANT for expert guidance. We engaged a design team early, aligning the scope and budget within weeks.

This strategic planning allowed construction to begin on critical elements while final design details were still being finalized. By having MARANT as the single point of contact for this project, we accelerated delivery by 15-20% and maintained strict cost control.

As a result, the client met their move-in deadline without delays. PDB works best for projects with tight timelines, evolving scopes, and clients who want continuous involvement throughout the process.

When Should You Engage a Contractor?

The short answer: The earlier, the better.

Projects often run into unnecessary risks or costly missteps when expert insights aren’t considered early. Bringing in a construction partner from the outset helps teams choose the right delivery method, preventing compromises to schedule, budget, or design intent.

Early collaboration sets the foundation for success, ensuring alignment on strategy, risk mitigation, and optimal outcomes.

At MARANT, we’ve guided countless clients through this decision-making process, helping them choose the best approach for their goals. Whether your priority is collaboration, cost certainty, or speed, we’re here to help ensure the best possible outcome.

Choosing the right project delivery method isn’t just about breaking ground – it’s about setting the stage for efficiency, cost control, and quality from day one. Let’s build something great together!

Photography by JVL Photography