James Alan Management

Our Services

Comprehensive Owner's Representation

We offer expert owner representation and consulting for construction projects ranging from ground-up developments and renovations of buildings to tenant build-outs and smaller commercial projects. We guide you every step of the way.

  • 1

    Pre-Construction Planning

  • 2

    Procurement & Contracting

  • 3

    Construction Oversight

  • Strategic Planning & Pre‑Construction Services

    The decisions made during the earliest phases of a project often determine its overall success. Bringing James Alan Management on board early allows for better planning, clearer expectations, and reduced project risk before contracts are executed and construction begins.

    • Pre-project development review and strategic planning
    • Project feasibility analysis and conceptual estimating
    • Budget development and cost forecasting
    • Scope evaluation and project coordination guidance
    • Assistance selecting architects, engineers, and contractors
    • Procurement and bid coordination support

  • Procurement, Bidding & Contract Coordination

    Selecting the right project partners and establishing well-structured agreements is critical to project success. We assist owners throughout the procurement and contracting process by coordinating proposals, reviewing scope alignment, and helping facilitate informed decision-making.

    • Soliciting contractor and architect/engineer proposals on behalf of ownership
    • Coordinating subcontractor proposals for owner-managed projects
    • Soliciting vendor proposals, including FF&E and low-voltage systems
    • Reviewing qualifications, pricing, and scope comparisons
    • Assisting with contract review and negotiation coordination
    • Reviewing insurance certificates, submittals, and project documentation

  • Construction Oversight & Owner Advocacy

    During construction, we provide ongoing oversight and coordination to help owners stay informed and projects stay organized. While we do not serve as the General Contractor or Construction Manager at Risk, we work closely with the project team to monitor progress, identify concerns early, and support effective communication between all parties.

    • Tracking project schedules and milestone progress
    • Monitoring contractor reporting and project coordination
    • Reviewing change management documentation and billing applications
    • Oversight of insurance compliance and project documentation
    • Attending jobsite coordination meetings and owner updates
    • Coordinating closeout, commissioning, and punch list activities
    • Representing ownership interests with landlords and property managers during tenant improvement projects

Our Range of Expertise

We have extensive experience across a wide range of project types, including hotels, condominiums, fitness centers, restaurants, spas, schools, churches, and office tenant build outs.

Below are examples of projects David Michelsen was involved in managing during his career.

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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