What is the role of the construction manager in the CMGC method?

The construction manager's role in the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) method is primarily to oversee the project under a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract. This approach allows the construction manager to be involved early in the project, from the design phase through construction. By operating under a GMP, the construction manager assumes the responsibility to deliver the project within an established financial limit, providing certain assurances to the owner regarding costs while also maintaining the quality and timelines established in the project plan.

This involvement helps streamline communication and collaboration between various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and subcontractors. The construction manager can offer valuable input during the design process to identify potential cost-saving opportunities and optimize the constructability of the project, thereby creating a more efficient workflow.

The other choices do not fully capture the panoramic scope of the construction manager's responsibilities under the CMGC method. Managing subcontractor bids represents only a small component of the overall role, while ensuring the design is architectonic and efficient relates more to architectural responsibilities than construction management. Handling public relations can be part of a construction project, but it does not specifically define the core function of overseeing the project under a GMP contract.