Authored by Neal Swanson, Director of Brokerage & Marketing with contributions from Alan O’Donnell, Construction Manager at NAI Elliott
In commercial real estate, time is more than just money—it’s momentum, opportunity, and tenant satisfaction. And in today’s environment, with rising construction costs, tighter schedules, and increasingly specific buildout requirements, the ability to move quickly and smartly isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s essential.
That’s why at NAI Elliott, we’ve invested in building an internal construction management department as a core part of our full-service platform. While many firms outsource this crucial role, we believe the best results come when construction expertise is integrated into the same team that’s representing owners, managing buildings, and negotiating leases. This alignment not only accelerates timelines but also enhances trust and accountability.
“We bring a unique combination of innovation and hands-on construction project management,” says Alan O’Donnell, Construction Manager at NAI Elliott. “Our team has proven expertise across a wide range of delivery methods, which allows us to adapt and deliver in virtually any scenario.”
We see firsthand how construction touches every part of the deal cycle—from initial proposals to post-occupancy improvements. By embedding construction management into our operations, we’re helping our clients move faster, spend smarter, and stay aligned. Here's a closer look at the value this delivers to brokers, property managers, tenants, and owners alike.
For Brokers: Seamless Representation
Brokers operate in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment. Having access to an in-house construction management team means they can speak with authority on buildout timelines, realistic costs, and what it will take to get a space ready for occupancy. It eliminates the guesswork and reduces the back-and-forth between brokers, clients, contractors, and property managers.
An internal team also ensures that no detail is lost in translation. When our brokers engage with our construction management professionals, they’re able to provide a full-service representation experience. That means prospective tenants and their teams get consistent, accurate information at every stage—from tours and test fits to TI budgeting and final walkthroughs.
“A sought-after attribute of our team is the thoroughness with which we prepare every engagement,” says O’Donnell. “We dive deep into design and budget assessments, always looking for cost-saving strategies and opportunities to add value.”
Efficiency and accuracy are especially valuable when representing tenants with multiple locations or tight deadlines. Our team helps brokers move at the speed of business while still ensuring quality and consistency.
For Owners: Alignment, Accountability, and Value
The owner stands to gain the most from integrated construction management. Why? Because aligned teams mean better execution. Our construction managers work with brokers to understand lease incentives, collaborate with property managers to support operations, and communicate directly with ownership to manage expectations.
This connected approach helps avoid surprises. We’re not just reacting to issues—we’re planning ahead, identifying opportunities to reduce costs, and creating systems that improve over time.
Our vendor relationships are another major asset. Over years of working with trusted contractors, we’ve built a network that delivers consistent quality, competitive pricing, and reliable timelines. That translates to faster occupancy, lower capital costs, and a better overall return on investment.
Trust is the final, and perhaps most important, component. When construction management is part of the same team that handles leasing or management, it means owners aren’t chasing updates or navigating finger-pointing between vendors. Instead, they get answers—and results—from one trusted source.
For Property Managers: Operational Oversight and Cost Control
Property managers are responsible for maintaining assets, responding to tenants, and ensuring the smooth daily operation of buildings. Construction, whether capital improvements or tenant buildouts, can create disruption. With an in-house construction management team, our managers don’t have to rely on third-party contractors for updates—they collaborate directly with trusted colleagues who understand the building, the lease structure, and the ownership goals.
This internal coordination creates operational efficiencies. Projects are scoped more accurately. Contractors are held to deadlines and budgets. And because managers are looped in from the beginning, they can help anticipate maintenance concerns or scheduling conflicts before they become costly.
“That diligence extends to comprehensive systems analysis and materials selection,” adds O’Donnell. “It’s a consistent approach across all project types—and it allows us to deliver highly efficient and exceptional results.”
There’s also a clear financial benefit. Many commercial leases start rent obligations only after construction is complete and the tenant is open for business. Getting there faster—and more reliably—can have a significant impact on income and asset performance.
For Tenants: Flexibility, Advocacy, and Control
Whether represented by our brokerage or supported by our management team, tenants benefit enormously from having a construction team that isn’t tied to the landlord’s preferred vendors. They’re able to obtain alternative quotes, receive faster service, and have greater input into how their space is built. That’s particularly important for retail and medical tenants with specialized buildouts, or for startups and franchisees working on tight schedules and budgets.
With our internal team, tenants are not just handed off to a contractor. They’re guided through the buildout process with clear communication and project oversight. We advocate for their needs from beginning to end—making sure they understand costs, timelines, and decisions along the way.
This level of engagement builds trust and leads to better outcomes. Tenants who feel heard and supported are more likely to sign, stay, and succeed.
The Bottom Line
Construction touches every part of commercial real estate—and how you manage it can make or break a deal. By housing construction management under the same roof as brokerage and property management, NAI Elliott is able to offer something rare in this industry: integrated, accountable service from start to finish.
It’s not just about buildings. It’s about building better relationships, better processes, and better results.
“Our approach is always thorough, collaborative, and tailored,” says O’Donnell. “That’s what sets us apart—and it’s how we deliver exceptional value to every stakeholder involved.”
That’s the value of construction management done the NAI Elliott way.
