Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) is a project delivery method that combines preconstruction consulting with at-risk construction execution. The CM joins the project during design, advising on constructability, cost, and schedule. At a defined design milestone (often 60% or 90% construction documents), the CM converts to general contractor under a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and takes on the risk of completing within that price.
CMAR is common on complex commercial work (hospitals, universities, public buildings) where owners benefit from early contractor input but want price certainty before construction starts. It contrasts with design-bid-build (where the GC arrives only after design is complete) and design-build (where one entity holds both design and construction). Compared to design-bid-build, CMAR shortens overall schedules but reduces price competition because the CM is selected on qualifications before scope is finalized.