Management Advisory Services

多様化する顧客ニーズに対応するために工務部で数年前から新しく取り組み始めた業務が、コンサルティング（マネジメント）業務です。主に、クライアントの建築に関する困りごとについて、アドバイスやリサーチを行い、時には土地や建物の取得に関する相談や行政協議、テナントの入居調整なども行います。CM/PM業務に近いですが、営業的な側面もありますね。

When we normally work on Construction Supervision, including after-sales support, we often get calls from clients saying, "I don't know who to ask..." For example, "I'd like you to take a look at the deterioration of the building I'm managing over time," or "I'd like you to consult on another construction project," clients consult us as "people who are knowledgeable about buildings," regardless of the business structure of design or Construction Supervision. If necessary, we will escalate the request to the sales department (sales promotion department), but since they rely on us and ask for help, we started with the desire to take on as many of these requests as possible in the construction department.

The projects that our company handles are generally managed by the Sales Promotion Department, Architectural Design Department, Urban Environment Planning Department, and Construction Management Department, who then assign the work to the various departments responsible for structure, facilities, Landscape, Cost Consulting, and construction. However, when we take on a project, the work becomes the "main responsibility of the Construction Department," and we, as project managers, assign work to each department. This has never happened before. There is an atmosphere within the company that supports our new challenges, and I feel that one of our strengths is that we are a flexible organization that is not bound by convention.

The atmosphere is really open and in a sense we are able to work freely. I think that breaking away from existing areas that are not bound by professional functions is what we should aim for as an architectural firm.

When you work Construction Supervision, you gain a wide range of skills across the construction industry, including knowledge of design and construction, on-site management skills, cost awareness, and schedule management know-how. It's exciting to think that you can use these skills to expand your own business opportunities.

A few years ago, I was in charge of Construction Supervision a large-scale complex project with multiple clients and another company handling the CM. The COVID-19 pandemic hit midway through construction, and various adjustments had to be made regarding tenant occupancy. These are typically the roles of the CM/PM, but at the request of the client, our company took on the management and coordination, which allowed the facility to open safely. This was our first relationship with that client, and I believe that the reason we have since received numerous new orders, including advisory work for other new construction projects, is because we have earned their trust through these experiences.

Although it is best if construction can be completed without any trouble during the process, problems of various sizes arise at every construction site. Overcoming these problems one by one will undoubtedly help build stronger relationships of trust.

It makes me happy when people say, "I'd like to work with the same team again" after the project is over, and it's great when they say, "I'd like you to at least Construction Supervision."

In Singapore, there is no job called "Construction Supervision," and the work is more divided. One Construction Supervision is not responsible for such a wide range of tasks. I think this is why Construction Supervision in Japan are also able to handle CM-type work. However, I have to learn a lot of technical terminology, so I am studying hard. Also, what really surprised me when I first saw a Japanese construction site was how clean and orderly it was. Of course, the high level of construction technology is impressive, but I think this is something that other Asian countries can emulate.

We can help with anything other than design. When building a building, a wide variety of problems arise and various procedures and documents are required. However, for a typical company, a new building such as a company premises is built once every few decades, so there are many cases where things are different from before and unknown. At the same time, it is difficult to ask a company that you do not usually deal with to do small chores. In that respect, our construction department is available to consult about defects and maintenance even after completion, and we are aware of the current situation in a timely manner, so I think we are someone you can consult about anything with ease. It is very pleasing.

I am really surprised by the breadth of work, or rather, the range of responsibilities and wide range of friendships that Mr. Nishimura and the rest of the Engineering Department have (laughs).

As I mentioned earlier, our company prioritizes relationships with clients, and various departments, not just the sales department, act as contact points, but unlike projects managed by Architectural Design department, I feel that many of the projects in the construction department are initiated by a "problem." Also, recently, we have been receiving a lot of inquiries from foreign companies.

There are many different reasons why we connect, but most of the time it starts with working together on a project. Currently, we are working on a new project to assist a foreign company that is considering purchasing multiple buildings (checking drawings, on-site inspections upon completion, etc.), as well as providing commercial and third-party Construction Supervision for Renovation of an existing facility under its own brand. Dion, who was seconded from Singapore at the perfect time, has joined us in this role, and he has been a great help by taking the lead in meetings and even translating documents.

We are currently managing the Renovation of a second hotel building, and the company has also introduced us to another real estate company in Singapore, with plans to continue managing hotel Renovation projects in the Kansai region.

Recently, we have been doing a lot of "advisory work" for demolition work. Since we are not building a building, there is no legal need for Construction Supervision, and of course the demolition company also has a site manager. However, when the site or existing building is unique, or when the environment requires special consideration for the surrounding area, clients often have endless concerns. We believe that we are useful in easing those concerns, even if only a little.

We have accumulated know-how from working in tense on-site locations in urban areas such as Marunouchi. We work closely with our clients and, if requested, we can take on the task of "demolition advisory work" for properties designed by our company, as well as properties designed by other companies, and even if there are no plans for new construction. We provide advice on construction work, support in selecting contractors, and check and report on the progress of construction work.

We also check the blueprints of the new building to see if there are any foundations of existing buildings that would not be affected if left in place. It would be a waste to incur unnecessary demolition costs. I think it's wonderful that we can give such advice.

I never imagined that I would be able to do such a wide range of "colorful" work, not just the manufacturing job I initially wanted, so every day is fun. A lot of dramatic things happen. I'm also happy to be able to use my bilingual skills in Japanese and English.

I feel like I've gained a lot of experience not only through management advisory but also through Construction Supervision work. Especially when you're a new employee, you can immerse yourself in the field. You can really experience a wide range of things, which helps you grow as a person. I think it's an attractive job.

The two different scenes of the quiet, empty house the day before the handover and the scene the day after the handover, with many people involved in the project celebrating its completion, are very different experiences and moving. It's a moment when I think I'm glad I do this job.

I also find nothing more satisfying than seeing my clients' smiles. For the development project we are currently working on, we have been entrusted with consistent management from the planning stage through to planning, design and construction. This is a bigger job than we have ever done before, so I'm sure it will be a thrill when it is completed.

Since I started working in management advisory and my business expanded, I think my regular Construction Supervision work has also become more profound. My perspective has broadened dramatically, and my knowledge and communication skills have improved, which has naturally led to an improvement in Construction Supervision skills as well. When I form joint ventures with other companies for design and Construction Supervision, people often ask me, "Are you really going to go that far?"

As I mentioned earlier, our construction department has a very open atmosphere, and individual ways of thinking and doing things are respected when it comes to getting work done. Of course, our main business Construction Supervision is our expertise and experience that other companies lack, and we have many strengths as an integrated design firm, but we have the spirit to cooperate with other professionals across disciplines for the sake of our clients, and we are confident that we can always help.

I'm sure that's because the Construction Department has a track record of managing the site, communicating closely with the contractors, and ensuring quality. We're proud that the contractors trust us. Also, when you're hired as a new graduate, you'll have classmates in the design, structural, and equipment departments, so it's a great environment where you can easily exchange information and ask for advice. Seeing your classmates' hard work also boosts your motivation. When I was a student, I really loved architecture and manufacturing, but I didn't know what I wanted to be... I was feeling a bit confused, but now I can confidently say that I made the right choice to work in the Construction Department at Mitsubishi Jisho Design.