When we talk about risk management in construction, most people think of cost contingencies, safety plans, or schedule buffers. And while all of these are essential, they’re really just tools to manage something deeper. At the heart of nearly every project issue—whether it’s a cost overrun, a quality lapse, or a safety incident—lies one root cause: a breakdown in communication.

Beyond traditional architecture and construction, projects now involve specialists in smart technology integration, wellness amenities, sustainable design, and even disaster-resilient materials. Increasingly, savvy homeowners are recognizing the need for an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) to be involved from the very start.

In hospitality and retail development, the stakes are uniquely high. A restaurant or resort isn't just a space—it’s a branded experience. And that experience is fragile. Agatha Habjan, LEED AP, explains why every hospitality project needs one critical role: a design and brand guardian.

From symphonies to Broadway to immersive exhibits, the business of arts and entertainment depends on one thing: staying open. The problem? Too often, buildings aren't ready for the long run. Wendy Riggs, VVA's Director of Cultural & Entertainment, outlines the critical need for a proactive capital strategy for cultural venues.

VVA’s Drue Long, LEED AP is based in Northern Virginia (home to 70% of the world’s internet data flow!) and is seeing firsthand how the colocation market is shifting dramatically. Here, Drue shares more on the trend and offers advice for mid-sized companies now needing to weigh their options.

Building new in a major metropolitan area brings a host of challenges including tight footprints, legacy infrastructure, multi-layered city approvals, and complex neighbor relations. Kim Beisner, VVA's resident expert in large-scale new construction, outlines 5 hard-earned lessons to keep in mind.

In fast-growing organizations, real estate projects often start small and manageable. But as the stakes get higher, timelines get tighter, and budgets grow, it becomes clear that ad hoc processes and well-intentioned delegation can only get you so far. That’s when project management starts becoming a necessity.

For early-stage biotech companies, planning your first dedicated lab and office space can be daunting. Startup teams often underestimate the complexity of that move and fall into a reactive process that costs time, money, and momentum.

Effective cost management is pivotal in steering the success of real estate projects, influencing everything from meticulous planning to seamless execution.