In a CM agency method, who typically holds the contracts with the subcontractors?

In the Construction Management (CM) agency method, the owner holds the contracts with the subcontractors. This arrangement allows the owner to have direct relationships with the subcontractors, which can enhance transparency and facilitate better communication. The construction manager acts as an agent for the owner, providing expertise in managing the construction process but does not directly contract with the subcontractors. This structure emphasizes the owner's role in the project, enabling them to retain control over key decisions and fostering a collaborative environment where the major stakeholders work closely together to ensure project success.

The construction manager, while pivotal in coordinating the project, does not have contractual obligations to the subcontractors, thus removing potential layers of complexity in the contractual hierarchy. The roles of the general contractor and architect are also different; the general contractor typically manages construction schedules and labor but is not involved in the CM agency method directly, while the architect focuses on design and compliance with regulatory requirements rather than contract management with subcontractors.