Managing a commercial real estate construction project—whether it’s an office building, a restaurant, or a community facility—is a complex, high-stakes endeavor. Owners often find themselves juggling responsibilities far beyond their everyday job duties, from coordinating vendors to ensuring budgets and timelines stay on track. This is where an Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep) can really assist.
An Owner’s Rep serves as the owner’s advocate, acting in their best interest throughout the entire project lifecycle. Whether working with an organization, a board of directors, or an individual, an Owner’s Rep is there to mitigate risks, streamline communication, and oversee execution to ensure the project’s success.
The Role of an Owner’s Representative
At its core, an Owner’s Rep stands in for the owner, making critical decisions and providing expertise that the owner may not have. As Chris Helwick puts it, “An Owner’s Rep is explicitly or literally the representative of the owner of a project. It’s somebody who stands in for the owner to make important decisions. And ultimately, an Owner’s Rep is a fiduciary—ethically and contractually obligated to act in the owner’s best interests.”
For many owners, a construction project is a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. They may not have the time, industry knowledge, or resources to manage it effectively. Jenny Doede explains, “We find ourselves in situations where a CEO or CFO is running a project, and they just don’t have the time or control to structure it. So we run it on their behalf.”
The Value an Owner’s Rep Brings
Having an experienced professional dedicated to overseeing a commercial real estate project provides a significant advantage. One of the key benefits is peace of mind. “Owners have somebody in place who has industry expertise—an expert in executing real estate projects—and that person is dedicated to executing the project full-time,” says Helwick.
Beyond project oversight, an Owner’s Rep brings extensive industry connections. “The value we bring for a client is our network,” says Doede. “We vet people on their behalf and bring the right team on board.” The ability to assemble a qualified team ensures the project moves forward efficiently with trusted partners.
For many owners, construction or commercial real estate isn’t their area of expertise. That’s where an Owner’s Rep becomes invaluable. “Usually, the owner owns a restaurant, office space, or a church,” explains Greg Garcia. “They’re not a construction specialist, but I have the unique ability to be both a construction specialist and the owner’s advocate.”
Another crucial role an Owner’s Rep plays is serving as the project’s communication hub. Large projects generate countless emails, meetings, and updates, often overwhelming owners who already have full schedules. “We joke that we save our clients millions of emails, but I think it might actually be true,” says Gina Jaeckel. More importantly, they ensure the right information is communicated effectively so the owner can make informed decisions.
Why Work with an Owner’s Rep?
For any organization embarking on a commercial real estate project, an Owner’s Rep provides expertise, efficiency, and advocacy. They reduce risk, eliminate communication bottlenecks, and ensure that the owner’s vision is successfully executed. Whether it’s navigating permitting, assembling the right team, or simply saving the owner time and stress, an Owner’s Rep is a critical asset in turning complex projects into success stories.