Core Question: Who are the different parties involved in a retail project, what is each one responsible for, and how do they work together?

Introduction

A retail project can involve several different parties, and their responsibilities often overlap from the owner’s perspective. Understanding who does what—and who contracts with whom—makes it much easier to assemble the right team and manage the project.

1. The Owner / Brand

The party initiating and funding the project. Establishes the business objectives, budget, schedule and ultimately approves major decisions.

2. Architect / Architect of Record

Responsible for the architectural scope and, where applicable, drawings and coordination required for permitting/code compliance.

3. Interior Designer

Develops the interior design, material selections, layouts, fixtures and overall customer experience. Depending on the project, their scope can overlap considerably with the architect.

4. Owner’s Representative

Represents the owner’s interests and helps manage communication, budget, schedule and coordination across the project team.

5. General Contractor

Responsible for executing the construction scope and coordinating the trades under its contract: electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, painting, etc.

6. Millworker / Fabricator

Takes designed elements and turns them into physical components: cabinetry, counters, displays, fixtures, architectural millwork and other custom pieces.

7. Specialty Subcontractors / Vendors

Metal fabricators, glass contractors, stone fabricators, signage vendors, lighting suppliers and other specialists required by the design.

8. How Everyone Is Connected

Diagram Goes Here

Who Does My Retail Project Actually Need?

The team depends on project scope, jurisdiction, landlord requirements, existing conditions, permitting requirements and how the contracts are structured.