Built Environment Industry Ecosystem

Developed by Egis Middle East Talent Acquisition, this comprehensive guide explores the key players, roles, and responsibilities within the built environment sector.

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Introduction

The Built Environment Industry Ecosystem

The built environment industry is a complex network of specialized roles and organizations. Successful project delivery hinges on effective collaboration and well-defined responsibilities among these key players. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various entities involved in the built environment project lifecycle.

Key Players in the Built Environment Industry

Understanding the specialized roles and responsibilities of industry participants

Project Management Office (PMO)

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Design Consultants

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Project Management Consultant (PMC)

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Project Management Construction Manager (PMCM)

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Construction Supervision Consultant

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Contractors

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Architectural Design Studio

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Section 3

Roles and Responsibilities Matrix

A comprehensive overview of specific roles across various functions

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Function PMO PMC PMCM Design Consultancy Construction Supervision Architect
Commercial Portfolio-level cost analysis, commercial standards Contract administration, cost control, procurement Contract administration, cost control, procurement, subcontractor payments, change orders Preliminary cost estimates, Bills of Quantities (BOQ) Verifies quantities, reviews payment applications Conceptual cost estimates
Project Controls Standardizes processes, implements PMIS, reporting Overall planning, scheduling, risk management, reporting Detailed construction planning, risk management, progress monitoring, change management, reporting Limited project management within design scope Monitors progress, reports findings Limited project management of design process
Construction No direct involvement Oversight and coordination Direct supervision, subcontractor management, site operations, safety No direct involvement On-site inspections, material testing, quality control, documentation, progress verification No direct involvement
Design Develop design guidelines Design reviews, coordination, value engineering Reviews designs, constructability, value engineering Responsible for all design aspects Ensures construction complies with design Leads architectural design process
QA/QC Establishes standards and processes Sets and monitors standards Implements QA/QC on site, monitors subcontractors, manages inspections Implements QA/QC within design scope Inspections, material testing, compliance, NCRs Oversees QA/QC for design deliverables
HSE Establishes standards and processes Sets and monitors standards Implements HSE on site, ensures safe environment, manages inspections Integrates HSE into design Monitors compliance, reports incidents, verifies records Incorporates safety features into design

Section 4

Stages of Design Development

The design development process typically follows a structured sequence of stages

1. Pre-Design / Programming / Briefing

Activities:

Client meetings, site analysis, feasibility studies, preliminary budgets and schedules, regulatory requirements, detailed project brief.

Deliverables:

Project brief, preliminary budget and schedule, feasibility report.

2. Conceptual Design

Activities:

Explore design options, initial sketches and models, present concepts to the client, refine the design.

Deliverables:

Concept sketches, diagrams, massing models, preliminary space plans, design narrative.

3. Schematic Design

Activities:

Refine approved concept, preliminary floor plans and elevations, building layout and appearance, initial materials and systems, coordinate with engineering consultants.

Deliverables:

Schematic floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan, preliminary material selections, outline specifications, updated budget and schedule.

4. Design Development

Activities:

Fully develop design details, detailed drawings and specifications, finalize material selections, coordinate engineering disciplines, detailed cost estimates, code compliance.

Deliverables:

Detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, specifications, engineering drawings, detailed cost estimate.

5. Construction Documents

Activities:

Prepare final drawings and specifications for construction, incorporate final design decisions and revisions, secure permits and approvals.

Deliverables:

Complete set of construction drawings, specifications, any addenda, bidding documents.

6. Bidding and Negotiation

Activities:

Distribute construction documents to potential contractors, respond to contractor queries, evaluate bids, negotiate contract terms.

Deliverables:

Signed contract with the selected contractor.

7. Construction Administration

Activities:

Respond to contractor RFIs, review shop drawings and submittals, conduct site visits, address design issues, process change orders, review payment applications.

Deliverables:

RFI responses, shop drawing reviews, site observation reports, change orders, payment certifications.

Case Studies

Real-World Project Examples

Learn from actual implementations of various roles in major projects

Project Management Office (PMO)

Example: Egis as PMO for Green Riyadh

Egis serves as the Program Management Office (PMO) for the Green Riyadh initiative, one of the largest urban greening projects in the world. The PMO is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of the Green Riyadh Implementation Plan, aligning it with strategic objectives, and overseeing all related projects to meet time, quality, and cost targets.

Scope of Services:
  • Strategic Alignment: Egis ensures that Green Riyadh projects align with Riyadh's Vision 2030 sustainability and environmental objectives.
  • Governance & Oversight: Establishes reporting structures, internal and external communication protocols, and oversight mechanisms to ensure project efficiency.
  • Project Planning & Execution: Develops and implements project management plans that address scheduling, risk mitigation, cost control, and stakeholder management.
  • Performance Monitoring: Implements KPIs for monitoring project progress and ensures compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Integration with Other PMCs: Coordinates with multiple project management consultancies (PMCs) handling different aspects, such as Water Management, Tree Management, Design, and Construction Management.
Responsibilities of Specific Teams:
Project Controls Team:
  • Develops and maintains the Master Program Schedule.
  • Ensures effective risk and change management.
  • Monitors progress through GIS-based dashboards and real-time tracking.
  • Establishes earned value reporting to measure performance.
Quality Team:
  • Establishes QA/QC standards for all Green Riyadh projects.
  • Conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance.
  • Implements document management and quality control procedures.
  • Monitors materials and construction processes to meet sustainability standards.
Design Team:
  • Coordinates with landscape architects and urban planners to ensure sustainable design solutions.
  • Ensures integration of water and tree management into the urban environment.
  • Conducts feasibility studies and preliminary assessments for design proposals.
  • Reviews and approves schematic and detailed designs for the greening projects.
Construction Team:
  • Oversees the execution of greening projects, ensuring adherence to design and environmental standards.
  • Manages contractors, ensuring timely and efficient construction.
  • Implements health and safety measures in compliance with regulations.
  • Monitors material usage and on-site quality control to ensure sustainable implementation.

Project Management Consultant (PMC)

Example: Egis as PMC for Diriyah Gate

Egis is the appointed Project Management Consultant (PMC) for the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), overseeing the delivery of the Diriyah South & Gardens Districts (Retail & Heritage Package). As PMC, Egis provides comprehensive management and cost consultancy services, ensuring successful execution in alignment with DGDA's vision for cultural heritage and retail transformation.

Scope of Services:
  • Project Planning & Scheduling: Establishes the project execution strategy, manages timelines, and integrates multiple workstreams.
  • Risk Management: Identifies project risks, develops mitigation strategies, and implements corrective actions.
  • Stakeholder Management: Acts as a key liaison between DGDA, contractors, designers, and other consultants to ensure seamless communication and project alignment.
  • Cost & Contract Management: Oversees financial planning, cost estimation, budget tracking, and contract administration.
  • Procurement & Tendering Support: Assists in prequalification, bid evaluations, and contract negotiations to ensure value-driven procurement decisions.
  • Quality & Compliance Oversight: Ensures construction aligns with specifications, heritage preservation guidelines, and quality control standards.
  • Construction Oversight & Coordination: Monitors site activities, supervises contractor performance, and ensures adherence to safety regulations.
  • Handover & Closeout: Manages project completion, documentation, and final acceptance processes to facilitate smooth operational handover.
Responsibilities of Specific Teams:
Commercial Team:
  • Oversees contract administration and cost control.
  • Ensures adherence to procurement and tendering policies.
  • Monitors commercial performance and financial reporting.
  • Reviews claims, variations, and payment applications.
Project Controls Team:
  • Develops and monitors detailed project schedules.
  • Establishes risk management frameworks and mitigation strategies.
  • Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms.
  • Provides project forecasting and progress analytics.
Quality Team:
  • Implements QA/QC standards throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Conducts audits and compliance checks for construction quality.
  • Ensures material specifications and workmanship meet DGDA's requirements.
  • Oversees corrective actions and continuous improvement measures.
Design Team:
  • Coordinates design reviews and approvals.
  • Ensures architectural heritage preservation requirements are met.
  • Facilitates value engineering to optimize project cost and design efficiency.
  • Aligns design intent with construction feasibility and operational requirements.
Construction Team:
  • Supervises contractor performance and site progress.
  • Ensures health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance.
  • Implements change management procedures for on-site modifications.
  • Manages coordination between multiple trades and project stakeholders.

As PMC for Diriyah Gate, Egis plays a central role in delivering the project efficiently while preserving the cultural integrity of the development. The team ensures that the project adheres to time, cost, and quality parameters, supporting DGDA in achieving its strategic goals.

Construction Supervision Consultant

Example: Egis as Construction Supervision Consultant for MODON

Egis has been appointed as the Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) for the MODON projects, ensuring the successful implementation of construction activities while maintaining quality, cost, and timeline requirements.

Scope of Services:
  • Construction Supervision: Oversees the execution of works, ensuring compliance with contract specifications and project guidelines.
  • Quality Assurance & Control: Implements rigorous quality checks, inspects materials and workmanship, and ensures adherence to approved plans.
  • Health & Safety Compliance: Monitors site safety measures, enforces regulations, and ensures contractor compliance with HSE standards.
  • Progress Monitoring & Reporting: Tracks work progress, documents site activities, and provides detailed progress reports.
  • Change Management: Evaluates and processes change orders, ensuring adjustments align with project goals and budget constraints.
  • Contractor Coordination: Acts as the primary liaison between the client, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve site issues efficiently.
  • Defects Management & Closeout: Identifies and rectifies defects, ensuring a seamless handover of completed works.
  • Project Planning & Scheduling: Reviews and approves project schedules and ensures alignment with MODON's objectives.
  • Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensures all construction activities comply with MODON regulations and Saudi Arabian building codes.
  • Material Testing & Verification: Supervises site tests and ensures all materials meet required specifications.
Responsibilities of Specific Teams:
Commercial Team:
  • Verifies contractor invoices and payment applications.
  • Assesses cost variations and ensures financial compliance.
  • Manages claims and contractual disputes.
Project Controls Team:
  • Tracks construction schedules and milestones.
  • Implements risk management strategies for construction delays.
  • Generates real-time reports on project progress.
Quality Team:
  • Conducts inspections and material testing.
  • Enforces quality control procedures and approvals.
  • Ensures defect rectifications and final acceptance compliance.
Design Team:
  • Reviews and approves shop drawings and material submittals.
  • Coordinates with architects and engineers for design adjustments.
  • Ensures constructability and alignment with design intent.
Construction Team:
  • Supervises on-site operations and contractor performance.
  • Implements safety measures and site logistics.
  • Ensures timely execution and compliance with project specifications.

As the Construction Supervision Consultant for MODON, Egis ensures that construction activities align with project objectives, maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.