UNDERSTANDING THE OWNER-ARCHITECT- GC RELATIONSHIP

Building a team for any type of construction project is key to the project’s success. But understanding the collaboration among owner, GC, and architect can be elusive to those outside the business of architecture and construction, particularly residential clients whose exposure to construction may be limited. 

For many years I’ve been an admirer of Tom Kundig, a principal with the Seattle-based architecture firm Olson Kundig. The recently published Tom Kundig monograph Works includes a discussion between Kundig and his longtime collaborator Jim Dow, general contractor and co-founder of the contracting firm Schuchart/Dow. 

Their lively conversation explores perfectionism vs exploration and risk-taking. It also illuminates the mutual respect and admiration required between architect and GC in the design and construction of great buildings. I found their exchange inspiring and hope those in the early stages of project planning come away with a better sense of the ideal owner- architect-GC partnership. 

Download the article via this link.