With the Poor economy forcing owners to make tough decisions about layoffs and budget cuts, one position they should not consider eliminating is the owner's representative. That is because this job has become a vital tool in helping the owner save both time and money, especially as staff sizes shrink and the need for performance and quality-control monitoring rises.
Traditionally, ORs have served as an extension of the ownership team, charged with the task of leveraging industry expertise and project management know-how. But as pressure increases on owners to cut costs and justify expenses, the OR's job is broadening to include expertise in construction economics, contract management and risk management.