Congregation Beth Sholom, San Francisco, CA

Project type: New Construction/Cultural
Project budget: $14M
Project size: 22,000 sq. ft.
Schedule: Completed May 2009
Client: Congregation Beth Sholom

Originally hired as the Owners Representative during the construction of the synagogue’s new facility, LHC’s role quickly expanded to include coordination of dismantling the existing facility and hazmat removal, facilitation of the interior design process, selection and management of all the owner’s direct vendors, general contractor contract negotiations, and furniture planning and procurement.

While the project had been underway for years, there were still many decisions to be made and challenging issues, known and unknown, to be resolved at the commencement of construction as many key functional issues had not been fully resolved or studied. Additionally, a well-defined process for owner input and decision-making had not been established; LHC implemented regular owner meetings, re-engaged the various building committees and established a design committee. LHC provided solutions, helped the client to understand what they wanted and needed, and provided a sense of security for the congregation that their concerns were being addressed and that they were making wise choices.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Represent owner
  • Liaise between committee members and project team
  • Manage the permit, bidding and construction phases
  • Negotiate the general contractor’s contract
  • Select and coordinate owner vendors and negotiate contracts
  • Project budget control