Client-Side Project Management
Independent project management for complex commercial property projects
Sanford Project Management provides independent, client-side project management for complex commercial property projects across Australia. Acting solely in the client’s interests, we manage risk, coordination and delivery from early planning through to completion.
We work with property owners, developers, occupiers and investors delivering fit-outs, refurbishments and developments in live, high-risk or time-critical environments, where clarity, independence and control are essential.
What client-side project management means
Client-side project management means representing the client, not the builder or contractor.
Sanford acts as the client’s independent advisor and delivery lead, managing the interface between consultants, authorities and construction teams to ensure decisions are informed, risks are understood and outcomes remain controlled throughout the project lifecycle.
Our role as client-side project managers
As client-side project managers, Sanford is typically responsible for:
Establishing and managing the project brief, scope and objectives
Program, cost and risk planning
Project governance and reporting
Consultant appointment and coordination
Design and documentation management
Procurement strategy and tender management
Contract administration and delivery oversight
Managing change, variations and claims
Supporting practical completion, defects and handover
Our role is to provide clear advice and disciplined oversight so clients are not drawn into day-to-day delivery issues.
When clients engage Sanford
Clients typically engage Sanford when:
A commercial project moves from concept into delivery
Internal teams lack capacity or specialist delivery expertise
Projects involve multiple stakeholders or live operating environments
Time, cost or compliance risk requires independent oversight
An objective view is needed to manage consultants or contractors
Early engagement allows risks to be identified and managed before they escalate into delays, disputes or cost overruns.
How client-side project management reduces risk
Independent client-side project management reduces risk by:
Clarifying scope, responsibilities and decision pathways early
Identifying program and cost pressures before procurement
Ensuring contracts align with project objectives
Managing variations and claims objectively
Resolving issues proactively before disputes arise
Sanford’s role is not to accelerate construction at any cost, but to support disciplined, transparent delivery aligned with client objectives.
Experience in live and complex environments
Sanford has extensive experience delivering projects in live, occupied and operational environments where safety, continuity of operations and stakeholder communication are critical.
This includes projects where staged delivery, careful access planning and active stakeholder engagement are essential to maintaining operations throughout construction.
Related services
Client-side project management is often delivered alongside:
Development Management, supporting feasibility, approvals and early-stage decision-making
Technical Due Diligence, identifying risks prior to acquisition or major capital works
Contract & Procurement Management, supporting tendering, negotiation and administration
Stakeholder & Community Engagement, where communication risk requires active management
These services are provided independently and tailored to the needs of each project.
Talk to Sanford about your project
If you are planning or delivering a complex commercial property project and require independent, client-side project management, Sanford can help.