PRINCIPAL AGENCY:

Definition:  The Principal Agent is appointed to administer the Construction Agreement between the Client and the Contractor(s) and is often required in standard forms of construction contracts (e.g., JBCC).

Key Functions:

  • Issues instructions, notices, and certificates to the Contractor.

  • Evaluates Contractor performance and progress.

  • Administers claims and variations.

  • Certifies completion stages and final accounts.

  • Exercises certain discretionary powers (e.g., granting extensions of time).

Nature of Role: Contract administration — the Principal Agent has a quasi-independent duty to act fairly and impartially when certifying or adjudicating between Client and Contractor, even though they are appointed by the Client.

PRINCIPAL CONSULTANCY:

CLIENT REPRESENTATIVE:

Definition: The Principal Consultant is appointed by the Client to lead, coordinate, and integrate the services of all Consultants on the Project.

Key Functions:

  • Manages interdisciplinary coordination of the professional team.

  • Ensures consistency of documentation and alignment of technical inputs.

  • Monitors progress, risk, and deliverables at all project stages.

  • Reports to the Client (or Client Representative).

Nature of Role:  Leadership and coordination role within the professional team, ensuring a unified design and delivery approach.

Definition:  The Client Representative is a person or entity nominated by the Client to act on their behalf in giving instructions, receiving information, and making decisions related to the Project.

Key Functions:

  • Acts as the communication conduit between the Client and the Consultant or Professional Team.

  • Receives reports, documentation, and recommendations from Consultants.

  • Gives instructions and approvals on behalf of the Client.

Nature of Role:  Agency-based, the Client Representative does not act independently, but executes duties strictly as a delegate of the Client’s authority.

Note: The role inherently includes an advisory function, requiring the Client Representative to inform, guide, and advise the Client throughout the project life cycle, ensuring that the Client is equipped to make well-informed decisions at each project stage.