Management structure for construction clients
A management structure sets out the way the client intends to organise itself for the proposed project.
A management structure might:
- Identify a project director (senior responsible owner in the public sector).
- Identify a project sponsor and/or project manager (the client's interface between the client team and the supply team (consultants, contractors and suppliers).
- Identify champions (often heads of departments).
- Identify user panels.
- Identify stakeholders and external interested parties.
- identify the need to appoint a consultant team and/or independent client advisers.
- Establish control and governance.
- Define financial limits of delegated authority.
- Define an organisational structure (including external consultants).
- Allocate delegated responsibilities, constraints and reporting structure.
- Identify external third party dependencies (such as the local authority, heritage groups, building control, legislation, etc.).
- Define reward procedures. For many of those involved, the project will be a ‘parallel activity’ carried out in addition their day job. This means that their individual goals need to be aligned to the project goals, and rewards for individuals need to come out of project success, rather than just be linked to their normal day job. Because of this additional role, they may need extra support and guidance to help them to focus on the key issues and to make best use of their time.
NB: Some management roles may be combined on smaller projects.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Business case.
- Client.
- Champions.
- Collaborative practices.
- Consultant team.
- Independent client advisers.
- Integrated project team.
- Office manual.
- Project manager.
- Project sponsor.
- Senior Responsible Owner.
- Stakeholders.
- Succession planning.
- Third party dependencies.
- User panels.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.






















