A client-side project manager acts as the client’s representative, managing scope, program, cost, quality, risk, consultants, and construction delivery from briefing through completion.

At Sanford Project Management, this includes coordinating design teams, managing approvals, overseeing procurement, monitoring construction, and providing clear reporting so clients retain control and visibility throughout the project.

Most clients engage a project manager once a commercial project is approved or funded and needs to move from concept into delivery.

Sanford is typically engaged on projects that are complex, time-sensitive, high-value, or being delivered in live or operational environments.

Project management focuses on delivering an approved project, managing design, construction, cost, and time once key decisions have been made.

Development management, which Sanford also provides, starts earlier and includes feasibility, planning strategy, approvals, and commercial decision-making to ensure a project is viable before delivery begins.

Sanford Project Management specialises in complex commercial property projects, including office fit-outs, refurbishments, upgrades, mixed-use developments, and projects delivered in live or occupied buildings.

These projects typically involve multiple stakeholders, tight programs, and a high need for risk management and coordination.

An independent certifier provides impartial assessment of construction works against the building contract, including certification of milestones, practical completion, and defects.

Sanford acts as a client-appointed independent certifier, ensuring certifications are objective, defensible, and aligned with the client’s commercial position.

The independent certifier is typically appointed by the client under the building contract.

Sanford is engaged in this role to provide impartial certification that is not influenced by builder or contractor interests.

A building certifier focuses on regulatory compliance with building codes and approvals.

An independent certifier, such as Sanford when appointed in that role, assesses compliance with the building contract, including quality, completeness, and entitlement to payment or completion.

Independence ensures project advice and certifications are provided solely in the client’s interests.

Sanford’s independent role helps reduce dispute risk, prevent premature payments, and support informed decision-making based on contractual and factual assessment.

A project manager helps control costs by clearly defining scope, managing procurement, monitoring progress, and assessing variations against the contract.

Sanford applies disciplined change control and early risk identification to prevent cost escalation during delivery.

Sanford reduces the risk of disputes through clear documentation, proactive issue resolution, independent assessment, and consistent communication between all parties.

Most construction disputes arise from ambiguity or late intervention, both of which are actively managed through Sanford’s structured project controls.

Commonly missed risks include under-scoped consultant briefs, unrealistic programs, unclear contract provisions, and hidden services or compliance issues.

Sanford identifies these risks early so they can be addressed before they affect cost, time, or delivery outcomes.

Technical due diligence is an assessment of a building’s condition, compliance, services, and risks prior to purchase or major capital works.

Sanford undertakes technical due diligence to give clients clarity on potential liabilities and future capital expenditure before commitments are made.

Technical due diligence should be undertaken before acquiring a property or committing to significant refurbishment or upgrade works.

Sanford recommends completing due diligence early so risks can be factored into feasibility, negotiations, and project planning.

Technical due diligence can identify structural issues, services deficiencies, compliance gaps, maintenance liabilities, and upgrade requirements.

Sanford’s due diligence assessments help clients avoid unexpected costs and reduce exposure to hidden risks.

Sanford manages projects in live or occupied buildings by planning works around operational requirements, managing staging and access, and coordinating stakeholder communication.

This approach helps minimise disruption while maintaining program certainty.

Stakeholder and community engagement involves managing communication with tenants, neighbours, authorities, and other affected parties during a project.

Sanford provides structured engagement to reduce disruption, manage expectations, and support smooth project delivery.

Sanford reduces delays and complaints through proactive stakeholder and community engagement, addressing issues early and maintaining clear communication throughout the project.

Early engagement helps prevent objections, misunderstandings, and disruptions that can impact program and approvals.

Sanford Project Management structures fees based on project scope and complexity, using fixed, staged, or time-based fee arrangements.

Fee structures are agreed upfront to ensure transparency and alignment with client objectives.

After engaging Sanford, the first few weeks typically involve confirming the project brief, reviewing key risks, establishing governance, and setting up reporting and control systems.

This early phase is critical to setting the project up for successful delivery.

Sanford Project Management operates across Australia, with a strong presence in Sydney, Byron Bay, and South East Queensland.

Projects are delivered nationally depending on client requirements.