James Alan Management

Owner's Representation That's Built on Relationships

With over 35 years of experience, we bring a personal touch to owner representation and construction project consulting.

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We Provide Peace of Mind

From ground-up developments and major renovations to tenant improvements and smaller capital projects, we provide the guidance and oversight owners need to successfully navigate construction from concept to closeout.

  • 35+ Years of Experience

  • 70+ Projects Completed

  • $745M+ in Construction

  • Hotels

  • Condominiums

  • Office Spaces

  • Gyms & Spas

  • Schools & Churches

  • Retail & Restaurants

Our Services

James Alan Management offers owner representation and general consulting for all sizes of construction projects. Bringing us on board early in the project lifecycle delivers significant value. Selecting the wrong project partners or signing poorly structured agreements can lead to disputes, delays, and cost overruns. We help prevent issues and greatly reduce the stress of managing a project at every stage.

  • Pre-construction planning and project strategy
  • Procurement and bid management
  • Contract coordination and stakeholder alignment
  • Schedule and budget monitoring
  • Construction oversight and reporting review
  • Representation with landlords and property managers
  • Project closeout and punch-list activities
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Testimonials

  • “Dave helped us build our dream school, a very challenging project given all the regulatory codes and deadlines. His extensive experience and relationships with the local trades made the process feel seamless. When working with him, you feel like you are part of a family. As stressful as construction can be, our staff got so used to hanging out with Dave that we were sad for the process to end.”

    Colin Breen

    Head of School, DuPage Montessori School

    Naperville, IL

  • “Dave of James Alan Management provided exceptional leadership, managing our project from initial concept through completion. He helped ensure all decisions aligned with our goals and budget. His consistent onsite presence gave us confidence that details were executed with excellence, and his ability to anticipate and proactively solve challenges was invaluable.”

    Nicole Burt

    Campus Development Director, Willow Creek Community Church

    South Barrington, IL

  • “Over the past 12 years I have worked with Dave Michelsen, I have come to rely on him as both a skilled professional and a person of exceptional character. Dave has the kind of deep construction knowledge that only comes from decades in the field — across hotel projects, commercial interiors, institutional builds, and more — and he brings that expertise to bear in a way that is always practical and owner-focused.”

    Nick Degnan

    Vice President, Thorne Associates, Inc.

    Chicago, IL

  • “Dave and his team of subcontractors met and exceeded our expectations throughout the entire project. He is completely hands-on, which is such a relief when you have this type of project underway, while running the day-to-day operations of a school. This process was easier because of his expertise and his ability to work with a variety of professionals and personalities. He enjoys his work, and it shows in how he treats the people he works with.”

    Joanne Dybas, M.Ed.

    Principal, DuPage Montessori School

    Naperville, IL

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David Michelsen

Founder, President

James Alan Management (JAM) is a small, relationship-driven consultancy that provides owners and developers with the personal touch often missing from larger firms. We have earned the trust of clients, contractors, and vendors through honest communication and a collaborative approach. Our strong partnerships and reliable onsite presence create a better construction experience for everyone involved.

About Us