How Does an Owner's Representative Differ From a Project Manager?

At O'Farrill Group, understanding the difference between an owner's representative and a project manager helps clients make informed decisions for their projects.
Focus and Role in the Project
The primary difference between an owner's representative (OR) and a project manager (PM) lies in their focus and role within the construction process. An owner’s representative acts as the client’s advocate, representing their interests and ensuring the project aligns with their goals and vision. They provide oversight, manage communication between parties, and handle contractual and financial matters to ensure the client’s expectations are met. The OR is more involved in strategic decision-making and often serves as the liaison between the client and the construction team.
On the other hand, a project manager’s role is more focused on the day-to-day management of the project. While a PM also oversees project execution, scheduling, and budgeting, their primary responsibility is to ensure that the project progresses according to plan. Project managers coordinate the work of contractors, subcontractors, and the construction crew, ensuring that all tasks are completed on time and within budget.
At O'Farrill Group, our owner’s representatives handle the broader vision and big-picture decisions, while project managers focus on the logistics and implementation, ensuring the project is completed efficiently and to the client’s specifications.
Decision-Making and Client Representation
Another key difference between an owner’s representative and a project manager is their involvement in decision-making. An owner’s representative, such as those at O'Farrill Group, plays a critical role in guiding strategic decisions that impact the overall direction of the project. They ensure that the client’s best interests are considered when making decisions related to design changes, budgeting, contract negotiations, and potential project risks. The OR ensures that the project stays aligned with the client’s goals and handles any issues or disputes that arise.
A project manager, while integral to the project’s success, has a more focused role in executing decisions made by the client or the owner’s representative. The PM ensures that tasks are carried out according to the pre-established plans and manages the technical and operational aspects of the project. While the project manager ensures that everything runs smoothly on the ground, the owner’s representative ensures that the client’s long-term vision and overall satisfaction are met.
At O'Farrill Group, we provide both services, ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive support and expert guidance every step of the way, regardless of whether they need strategic decision-making or hands-on project management.