Building Better Projects Through Early Collaboration
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) brings owners, designers, and contractors together early in the process to improve decision-making, manage costs, reduce risk, and deliver better project outcomes. KE&G partners with clients from preconstruction through completion to maximize value every step of the way.
CMAR
What Is Construction Manager at Risk?
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) is a collaborative project delivery method that brings the construction team into the project during design—not after it is complete. By involving the contractor early, owners gain valuable insight into constructability, scheduling, budgeting, phasing, and risk management before construction begins.
Unlike traditional Design-Bid-Build delivery, CMAR encourages collaboration throughout the design process, allowing informed decisions to be made earlier, reducing costly changes during construction, and creating greater confidence in project outcomes.
At KE&G, we believe successful projects begin long before construction starts. Our collaborative approach helps owners make informed decisions that improve quality, control costs, and keep projects moving forward.
Why Choose CMAR?
Better Decisions Start Earlier
Early Contractor Involvement
Collaborate with construction professionals during design to improve constructability, identify opportunities, and reduce unforeseen challenges before work begins.
Cost Confidence
Progressive estimating, budgeting, and value engineering help owners make informed financial decisions throughout design while working toward a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
Reduced Risk
Early planning allows project risks to be identified and addressed proactively, minimizing change orders, schedule impacts, and construction uncertainty.
Collaborative Problem Solving
Owners, architects, engineers, and contractors work together as one team to make decisions that balance quality, cost, schedule, and long-term performance.
Schedule Optimization
Construction planning begins during design, allowing procurement, phasing, and sequencing to be coordinated well before work starts.
Greater Transparency
Open communication, shared project goals, and continuous cost feedback provide owners with confidence throughout every phase of the project.
Our CMAR Process
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Early Engagement
Why KE&G
A Trusted CMAR Partner
SELF-PERFORM EXPERTISE
Our self-perform capabilities provide greater control over quality, scheduling, safety, and coordination while reducing reliance on third-party contractors.
PRECONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP
Our estimating, operations, and project management teams work together from day one to provide practical solutions, accurate budgeting, and informed decision-making.
TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION
Successful CMAR projects are built on trust. We maintain open communication, provide continuous cost updates, and collaborate closely with owners and design teams throughout the project.
INTEGRATED CONSTRUCTION EXPERTISE
With experience in both heavy civil infrastructure and commercial construction, KE&G provides comprehensive solutions across complex, multi-discipline projects.
FLEXIBLE DELIVERY EXPERIENCE
Our team has successfully delivered projects through CMAR, Design-Build, Bid-Build, Job Order Contracting (JOC), IDIQ, and other collaborative procurement methods.
BUILT FOR THE SOUTHWEST
For more than 50 years, KE&G has delivered infrastructure and commercial construction projects across Arizona and New Mexico, providing local expertise backed by regional experience.
Our Featured Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)?
CMAR is a project delivery method that brings the contractor into the project during design. This early collaboration improves constructability, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management before construction begins.
How is CMAR different from Design-Bid-Build?
In Design-Bid-Build, the contractor joins after design is complete. With CMAR, the contractor participates during design, helping owners make informed decisions that reduce risk and improve project outcomes.
What is a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)?
A Guaranteed Maximum Price establishes the highest amount an owner will pay for the project, subject to the terms of the contract. It provides budget certainty while allowing collaboration throughout the design process.
When should I choose CMAR?
CMAR is well suited for complex projects, phased construction, occupied facilities, projects with aggressive schedules, or situations where collaboration and cost certainty are priorities.
Does KE&G provide CMAR services for public agencies?
Yes. KE&G has extensive experience partnering with municipalities, utility providers, educational institutions, federal agencies, and commercial owners through the CMAR delivery method.
Can KE&G self-perform work on CMAR projects?
Yes. KE&G self-performs many critical scopes of work, including earthwork, underground utilities, paving, concrete, and site development. This provides greater control over quality, safety, scheduling, and project coordination.
Does CMAR eliminate change orders?
While no delivery method can eliminate every change, early collaboration and proactive planning significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues and costly modifications during construction.
Is CMAR only for public projects?
No. CMAR is used by both public and private owners who want greater collaboration, cost transparency, and early contractor involvement.
