Project Success by Administration
Brian Ernest Regalado 
Guaranteed Maximum Cost in Build by Administration ensures transparency, protects the budget, and aligns project delivery with owner control and profe
This article is Part 3 of a 3‑Part Series on Design-Build by Administration. If you haven’t read the earlier articles, start with Part 1: The “Build” in Design-Build: Clarifying SPP 207, then Part 2: Best Practices for Structuring Design-Build by Administration.
Project Success by Administration: Delivering Certainty From Start to Finish
Executing construction under Build by Administration with transparency, cost control, and certainty of success.
From Design-Build by Administration to Guaranteed Maximum Cost, each step of the process sets the foundation for the ultimate goal—Project Success by Administration. This approach aligns every phase of the project to deliver on three key elements: time, cost, and quality. It is designed for owners who demand clear oversight, predictable outcomes, and professional accountability.
1. What Project Success by Administration Means
This model is more than a construction arrangement. It is a full-lifecycle framework that places the architect at the center of project delivery—ensuring that:
- All project costs remain transparent and under the owner’s control.
- Schedules are realistic and aligned with agreed milestones.
- Construction quality meets both design intent and regulatory compliance.
2. Why Owners Prefer This Approach
Owners gain the benefits of:
- Predictable costs through the Guaranteed Maximum Cost structure.
- Reduced risk of disputes due to full transparency in procurement and payments.
- Professional oversight that protects the owner’s interests at every stage.
3. The Build by Administration Advantage
When executed under Build by Administration, the construction phase benefits from:
- Direct coordination with trades and suppliers under architect administration.
- No contractor markups or hidden charges embedded in trade contracts.
- Structured reporting for financials, progress, and quality control.
4. Aligning with Ethical and Legal Standards
Project Success by Administration is firmly grounded in the standards and laws governing architectural practice:
- SPP Document 200 – Code of Ethical Conduct
- SPP Document 202 – Regular Design Services
- SPP Document 207 – Design-Build Services
This ensures professional integrity while protecting the client and public interest.
Conclusion
Project Success by Administration is the logical culmination of a structured, transparent, and professionally administered Design-Build process. By combining Build by Administration with Guaranteed Maximum Cost and ethical compliance, projects are delivered with the certainty of success in time, cost, and quality.
🚀 Take the Next Step
If you are an architect who wants to learn how to execute Design-Build by Administration properly, we are launching a limited 40‑hour class—practice‑based with a sound theoretical foundation. The program will cover:
- ✅ Day 1: Foundations and Risk Context in Design-Build
- ✅ Day 2: Defining and Planning the Work (Scope and Cost)
- ✅ Day 3: Planning and Optimizing the Work (Time and Value)
- ✅ Day 4: Contract Packaging and Administration
- ✅ Day 5: Field Management and Practical Completions
Sign up below to be notified when enrollment opens:
