IPD - assumes both GC *and* CMa?

Project Management
1

While taking the ARE practice exam for PjM, I came across a question that presumed that in an IPD delivery model, an owner would have contracts with both a GC and a CMa - as a matter of standard course. But this completely confuses me -because, if you have a GC in the mix from the start, he is the de facto CMa. (not to mention the constructor…)

Am I missing something?

1 Like
2

Great question @aidenjh and I definitely understand your confusion.

As a reminder: IPD involves the owner, architect, and constructor (GC) working together early under one agreement. The GC provides constructibility, cost, and schedule input (similarly to a CM).

While it may seem redundant, an owner may still hire a CMa as an advisor only for budget/schedule oversight, owner representation, etc. The CMa would not hold trade contracts.

The key takeaways from this scenario are role distinctions:

  • CMa: advisor, no contracts with trades
  • GC/constructor: builds and participates in IPD risk-sharing

Hope this helps!

Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator
Black Spectacles

3

Huh. Ok. I didn’t know that a client might separately contract with both a CMa and a GC in IPD.

Thanks!