CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK (CMAR)

Bring Construction Insight Into Design

CMAR brings Kent into the project while design is still taking shape. That gives the owner and design team current input on cost, schedule, constructability, and procurement before major decisions are locked in.

DESIGN-BUILD /
NEGOTIATED / CMAR

YEARS IN BUSINESS

OSHA RECORDABLE
INCIDENTS

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What is CMAR?

Construction Manager at Risk, or CMAR, brings the builder into the project during design rather than after the documents are complete. Kent works with the owner and design team through preconstruction, then carries the plan into construction.

Once the scope and risk are sufficiently defined, the construction contract typically includes a Guaranteed Maximum Price. The exact risk allocation depends on the agreement, but the core advantage is the same: construction knowledge informs the design before the team makes major commitments.

This approach may fit when:

You want contractor input while design decisions are still flexible.
The budget and schedule require continuous validation.
The project includes renovation, phasing, active operations, or complex stakeholder coordination.
You value qualifications, collaboration, and transparency over selecting solely on lowest initial bid.
You want one construction partner accountable from preconstruction through closeout.

Owner Benefits with CMAR

Cost feedback while design is still flexible

Milestone estimating gives the team current information as scope develops, reducing the chance of discovering a major budget gap at the end of design.

Earlier constructability and logistics planning

Kent can evaluate phasing, access, temporary conditions, sequencing, and site logistics before those decisions become field problems.

Earlier procurement decisions

Long-lead materials and equipment can be identified while there is still time to adjust the design, release packages early, or change the sequence.

Continuity into construction

The team that helped develop the estimate, schedule, and logistics plan remains involved when the work moves into the field.

How Kent

solves it.

A builder at the table before the drawings are finished.

Align scope, budget, and schedule

Kent develops milestone estimates and schedule updates as the design progresses so the team can see where the project is tracking before design is complete.

Plan the work before mobilization

Constructability reviews, phasing plans, logistics, and procurement strategy are developed early, when changes are less disruptive and less expensive.

Establish the Guaranteed Maximum Price

Once design and scope reach the appropriate level, Kent presents a transparent GMP based on the defined work, allowances, contingencies, and identified risk.

Carry the plan into construction

The same team that helped build the plan carries it into the field, reducing handoff loss and keeping decisions connected to the project goals.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

First Baptist Christian School

16,500 Sq Ft
2-Story Renovation
Active School Campus
Lafayette, LA

Challenge

First Baptist Christian School needed to convert a former law office into a flexible learning environment aligned with its mission. The existing structure, budget constraints, and campus operations required careful planning and daily coordination.

Kent's Approach

Kent provided preconstruction services through progressive estimating, constructability review, and value engineering. During construction, the team coordinated structural modifications, MEP upgrades, an elevator, finishes, acoustics, and self-performed carpentry and specialty work.

Results

The project transformed an existing commercial building into a modern educational facility while maintaining alignment among scope, budget, and the school's long-term needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does “at risk” mean in CMAR?

It refers to the construction manager taking contractual responsibility for construction delivery, often including a Guaranteed Maximum Price. The specific responsibilities and risk allocation are defined by the project contract.

When is the Guaranteed Maximum Price established?

The GMP is typically set after the design has advanced far enough for the scope, allowances, contingencies, and major risks to be reasonably defined. The timing varies by project.

Does the owner still have a separate architect?

Typically, yes. In CMAR, the owner generally holds a separate agreement with the design team while the construction manager collaborates with them during design and construction.

How early should Kent be involved?

Ideally, Kent is engaged while meaningful design choices are still open. Earlier involvement creates more opportunity to influence cost, schedule, procurement, phasing, and constructability.

CMAR PROJECTS

Work that speaks for itself.

CMAR with Kent helps owners move into construction with stronger cost visibility, a more buildable plan, and a team already familiar with the decisions behind it.