Construction Management (CM) Process

Construction projects involve extensive decision-making and coordination among stakeholders over a long period, covering all phases from planning and design to construction, completion, and subsequent operation, maintenance, renovation, and future use at the end of building lifecycle.

The final result is shaped by a series of decisions made by the client, each reflecting a range of requirements and conditions.

Nikken Sekkei Construction Management (NCM) aims to maximize project value by comprehensively managing architectural, technical, and operational complexities through expert analysis, advisory, coordination, and execution support.

This page provides an overview of how NCM supports clients in making informed decisions that maximize project value at each phase, following the overall project process and highlighting its specific role throughout.

Total Support from Project Planning through to Future Use of Building at the End of Building Lifecycle.

NCM provides comprehensive support throughout the entire lifecycle of buildings and real estate, from the planning phase to future use plan at the end of building lifecycle. Across all phases, we deliver solutions tailored to the client’s perspective, objectives, and project-specific challenges.

The Optimal Role for Every Project

Partnering closely with clients, NCM adapts to each project’s unique needs and structure, taking on the role that delivers the greatest value.
Whether serving as a Client Representative Type, a CM+Design Integrated Type, or an Advisor Type role, we lead projects to success by delivering exceptional performance in each role.

Client Representative Type

Conventional project promotion system with designer and contractor

Project promotion system with design-build contract

CM+Design Integrated Type

Design & management by the Nikken Group

Advisor Type

Conventional project promotion system with designer and contractor

Project promotion system with design-build contract

01 Planning

The Planning phase is essential for solidifying the core project concept, answering fundamental questions: “Why are we building it?” and “Where, what, and how will we build it?” Decisions made early on set the tone for the quality and direction for the design, construction, and subsequent operation.

Inadequate planning at this stage can lead to misalignment, resulting in outcomes like: “The result deviates from the original vision” or “It fails to meet operational needs” which may trigger costly design modifications or budget overruns.

NCM provides expert support in defining clear, feasible, and consistent project concepts by carefully interpreting the client’s intent and business context. Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach: site conditions, regulatory frameworks, construction costs, financial planning, and operational strategies, NCM systematically organizes the project’s foundational elements and evaluates strategic directions. Throughout this process, alternative solutions beyond constructions, such as the option not to build, are also considered, ensuring that clients are well equipped to make essential decisions early in the planning phase.

This phase also involves developing the master schedule, volume studies, total project costs, and the design direction, all of which are coordinated through workshops and dialogues to ensure a deep, shared understanding of the project while carefully capturing the stakeholders’ expectations and values.

NCM supports the development of a clear and actionable project concept by objectively assessing constructability. We also account for stakeholder alignment and internal approval processes. Careful planning during the early planning phase lays a strong foundation for project consistency and momentum.

The service items in this phase include:
1-1. Support for project concept development and planning including site selection and due diligence
1-2. Master schedule planning
1-3. Feasibility study such as volume analysis
1-4. Review of cost allocation
1-5. Support for business viability assessment
1-6. Support for design image development

02 Pre-design

The Pre-design phase defines the project direction, making it crucial to establish the key requirements directly impact design and construction. —specifically, “What to build” and “How to build it” while clarifying the overall project framework. The depth and accuracy of analysis at this stage greatly influence the quality of all subsequent design and construction phases.

Project involves multiple tasks, such as organizing objectives, defining requirements, identifying constraints like site conditions, schedule, and cost. It also includes reviewing plans, timelines, budgets and setting parameters with future operations in mind. These elements are closely interconnected. A consistent and integrated approach is essential, focusing on overall optimization rather than handling each element separately.

NCM leverages its early involvement from the planning phase to accurately capture and carry forward the client’s intentions and strategy, while providing phased support for establishment and review of project conditions. By clearly visualizing and structurally organizing information gathered through stakeholder dialogues, we clarify decision-making criteria, including the background and priorities, lead to actionable and effective planning.

Furthermore, organizing information and aligning policies at this stage is critical to prevent backtracking and ensure smooth collaboration with designers and contractors. Taking a neutral management perspective, NCM oversees the entire process and steadily supports clients in making decisions they can confidently uphold well into the future.

The service items in this phase include:
2-1. Support for project goal setting
2-2. Support for defining project requirements
2-3. Review of project constraints
2-4. Planning
2-5. Development of master schedule
2-6. Support for estimating project and construction costs
2-7. Review of facility operation requirements
2-8. Preparation of design requirement documents
2-9. Support for designer selection

03 Design

The design phase is a critical stage where the architectural concept is developed into drawings and specifications, making the project feasible. Based on design requirements, we examine spatial layout, functionality, aesthetics, equipment, and structure, while addressing practical constraints such as cost, schedule, safety, and regulatory compliance. Decisions made at this stage have a profound impact on construction and operation, making it essential to maintain a comprehensive, project-wide perspective.

NCM respects the creativity and expertise of designers while managing the overall design process to ensure the client’s objectives are accurately reflected. From the early design stage, we integrate perspectives on construction methods, budget considerations, and post-completion use. This approach enables the development of practical, actionable plans that anticipate future construction and operational needs.

As the design progresses, discrepancies often arise between client requests, specifications, and costs. NCM conducts design reviews and cost evaluations at key milestones to ensure alignment and clarify decision points. We pursue comprehensive optimization beyond simple cost adjustments, applying Value Engineering (VE) and Cost Down (CD) .

Moreover, we proactively integrate construction-related perspectives—such as temporary work planning, construction sequencing, and operational routes—into the design process, strengthening coordination across design, construction, and operation. By fostering shared understanding among clients, designers, and stakeholders, we facilitate smooth decision-making and seamless transition to the next phase. The design phase is pivotal stage that shapes the project’s future, and NCM delivers the reliable management that drives it forward.

The service items in this phase include:
3-1. Communicating and updating design requirements
3-2. Management of the design schedule
3-3. Monitoring design content
3-4. Conducting design reviews
3-5. Monitoring construction cost
3-6. Support for value engineering (VE) and cost design (CD) during the design phase
3-7. Review of temporary work plans and preparation of preliminary construction schedule

04 Procurement

The procurement phase is when key partners such as designers and contractors are selected and enter formal contractual agreements to establish the project execution framework. Decisions made at this stage influence not only the progress of design and construction but also the alignment of schedule, cost, and quality, ultimately the realization of the project’s objectives.

First, we develop a project delivery strategy that defines the overall framework. This strategy determines the selection methods for designers and contractors, the contract schemes, and the basic process, all tailored to the project’s characteristics and the client’s policies. Based on this strategy, we design specific selection methods and evaluation criteria, ensuring fair and transparent solicitation, evaluation, and selection.

NCM provides comprehensive support throughout the project delivery process consistently from a neutral and professional perspective while respecting the client’s position. Our services include strategy development, designing selection methods, preparing evaluation criteria, organizing briefings, responding to inquiries, and facilitating evaluation meetings, all delivered with practical expertise and impartiality.

We also conduct comprehensive reviews of proposals, technical documents, and cost estimates to ensure alignment with design and policies, feasibility, compatibility with future operations, and cost appropriateness. Based on these reviews, we clarify evaluation criteria and organize comparative analyses to provide well-founded decision-making materials for the client. Selection results and contract terms are documented to ensure accountability and transparency for internal and external explanations.

When finalizing contracts, we verify that contract clauses are clear and consistent. Our support extends to coordinating with relevant departments and preparing for internal approvals, ensuring steady progress throughout the entire contracting process.

The procurement phase greatly influences the smooth execution of subsequent design, and construction plans. NCM supports the creation of a sustainable and well-structured framework by combining a neutral, expert perspective with strategic judgment, while respecting the client’s intentions and policies.

The service items in this phase include:
4-1. Formulation of project delivery strategy
4-2. Development of selection method for designers and contractor
4-3. Review and evaluation of proposals from designers and contractors
4-4. Verification of cost estimates
4-5. Support for concluding design and supervision service agreements and construction contracts

05 Construction

In the construction phase, on-site work progresses under the contractor’s lead. Many stakeholders, including designers, subcontractors, suppliers of construction materials and fixtures, government authorities, and neighboring residents, are involved simultaneously and require daily decisions and coordinations. The client must respond appropriately to numerous inquiries and decisions arising on-site, including progress checks, approval of change or additional work, cost validation, alignment between design drawings and construction, and determining actions based on inspection results. Timely decisions are critical, guided by a project-wide perspective that ensures consistency and plans for future operations.

NCM supports the client by organizing regular meetings and subcommittees to monitor and analyze construction schedule and progress, ensure consistency between shop drawings and fabrication drawings, oversee quality and safety management, and track inspection statuses. We provide concise, organized information to support decision-making. For design changes and on-site adjustments, we help align conditions and build consensus among stakeholders, ensuring clients can make confident, informed decisions.

Additionally, NCM focuses on ensuring quality and improving documentation with a long-term perspective, considering how construction phase decisions impact later phases including operation and maintenance. During inspections, we enhance the accuracy of issue management by verifying corrective actions and documenting measures to prevent recurrence, ensuring the building’s reliability and overall quality.

From a strategic position bridging the site and the overall project, NCM proactively supports the client in preventing issues, achieving required performance and quality, and ensuring a successful handover.

The service items in this phase include:
5-1. Coordination and advisory support for construction operations
5-2. Verification of progress against the construction plan
5-3. Management of construction schedule
5-4. Support for quality control during construction
5-5. Support for design changes, value engineering (VE), and cost design (CD)
5-6. Review of shop drawings and fabrication drawings
5-7. Representing the client for inspections and site visits

06 Operation

The building operation phase marks the beginning of value creation, spanning from completion to opening and full operation. Effective decisions and thorough preparation during this transition are critical to ensure the facility serves its intended purpose and maintains high performance over the long term. Strategic management remains essential even after the building is in use.

To integrate the intended usage envisioned during design with actual operations, alignment among building specifications, equipment, operational policies, tenants, and management systems is essential. Leveraging the expertise and collaborative networks developed through the planning, design, and construction phases, NCM provides comprehensive support for establishing operational frameworks.

For example, we help clarify operational policies, the selection of property management (PM) and building management (BM) companies, organize leasing and merchandising (MD) strategies, and plan relocations. Representing the client’s position, we support coordination and consensus-building among stakeholders.

NCM sees this stage not simply as operational preparation but as an opportunity to deliver results. Through strategic management, we help clients maximize building value from initial operations through long-term use.

The service items in this phase include:
6-1. Review of building management policies
6-2. Support for selecting a property management (PM) company
6-3. Support for selecting a building management (BM) company
6-4. Support for tenant leasing
6-5. Support for merchandising (MD) plan development

07 Maintenance & Preservation

It is essential to establish maintenance and renovation policies from a mid- to long-term perspective, alongside daily management and operations, to keep a building safe, comfortable, and functional over time.For aging facilities, this requires more than addressing deterioration and defects to prepare for future changes in use, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations.

NCM conducts comprehensive analyses of the building condition across all aspects of maintenance and preservation, including deterioration diagnosis, compliance and seismic assessments, support for business continuity planning (BCP), development of mid- to long-term repair plans, enhancement of environmental value, and optimization of management operations. We identify hidden issues and support clients in developing strategies for future enhancement.

Considering the facility’s characteristics, operational policies, and organizational structure, we work with clients to envision the building’s future and propose strategic options to achieve it. NCM helps clients in realize the building’s potential and enhance its value by positioning maintenance and preservation not as mere life-extension measures but as a continuous value-creation process aligned with the client’s corporate activities and social contributions.

The service items in this phase include:
7-1. Deterioration diagnosis and survey
7-2. Compliance and risk assessment
7-3. Seismic diagnosis and support for BCP (Business Continuity Planning)
7-4. Formulation of medium- to long-term repair and maintenance plans
7-5. Support for optimizing management and operations

08 Renovation

Building renovation is not just about fixing deterioration or outdated equipment, it is a strategic opportunity to adapt to regulatory changes, social demands, and diverse user needs. Reassessing facilities through lenses such as Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), evolving work styles, and reducing environmental impact can drive stronger business continuity, renewed asset value, and improved user satisfaction.

From detailed condition surveys and operational assessments, NCM analyzes buildings from multiple perspectives. We review facility usage and functionality, enhance performance, and strengthen durability and disaster resilience with a future-focused approach. Partnering with clients, we define renovation objectives and policies and establish a clear direction for renewal and reconstruction.

We address the unique challenges of renovation projects, including impacts on occupants and tenants, existing structural and equipment conditions, and limited budgets and timelines. With these factors in mind, we develop practical project delivery strategies, schedules, and cost plans. From project delivery through design and construction, NCM supports informed client decisions while ensuring an optimal balance of quality, cost, and schedule.

We also consider phased renovations, future updates, and alignment with long-term operational policies to enhance the building’s sustainable value and resilience. NCM offers comprehensive solutions from renovations focused on maintenance and preservation to those aimed at creating new value, supporting asset revitalization and strategic utilization in line with client objectives and facility roles.

The service items in this phase include:
8-1. Formulation of renewal and value enhancement plans
8-2. Support for reviewing policies, costs, and schedules for renovation work
8-3. Support for procurement, design, and construction of renovation projects
8-4. Measures for extending building lifespan
8-5. Enhancement of disaster response and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) measures
8-6. Support for ESG compliance and improvement of environmental value

09 Future Use of Building at the End of Building Lifecycle

Amid significant changes in the environment surrounding facilities, deciding how to utilize existing buildings—and when and how to move to the next stage—is a critical issue tied to the client’s business strategy and social responsibility. This phase involves a wide range of future-oriented options, from assessing current conditions and restructuring asset portfolios to addressing hazardous materials and aging risks, deciding on renovation or reconstruction, and even planning for demolition and removal.

NCM regards buildings as both the foundation of business activities and a vital point of connection with society. Our support begins by working with clients to shape their future vision. In alignment with management policies, business plans, and social demands, we carefully evaluate and propose options such as utilization, renewal, reorganization, and demolition. At every stage, we provide neutral, expert guidance to support informed decisions and co-create a sustainable future together with our clients.

Carrying the past forward and shaping the future, NCM stands with clients to turn vision into reality, and empowers every step from concept to execution.

The service items in this phase include:
9-1. Assessment of current conditions of existing facilities
9-2. Support for reorganization, consolidation, and portfolio optimization
9-3. Evaluation of aging-related issues and facility challenges
9-4. Decision-making support for future planning, renovation, and rebuilding
9-5. Management support for demolition and removal

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