By Simon Mather | October 10, 2023
A construction industry veteran has switched gears to launch a new venture in Bend offering a combination of consulting services from an “a la carte” style menu, customizable to each client’s need.
Wayne Powderly, who has been active in Central Oregon for close to two decades, most recently with SunWest Builders, is now helming the newest Pacific Northwest office of Cumming Group — a privately held international project management and cost consulting firm with a focus on construction including in the public works, education, healthcare, multi-family, mixed-use, themed entertainment, and hospitality sectors.
In a departure from the traditional in-house project management model, Powderly says Cumming is passionate about helping clients execute projects on time and within budget by tailoring services to individual demand and striving to add meaningful value at every step of a project or development.
The company was founded by Finlay Cumming in 1996 and has grown to over 50 offices and more than 2,000 employees worldwide, with the resources and expertise to handle the most challenging projects. According to Engineering News Record (ENR) magazine, Cumming is the largest independent provider of capital project and program managers in U.S. private real estate.
The diverse collaborative company-wide team includes project and cost managers, controls and claims specialists, architects and engineers, planners and schedulers, and energy and sustainability experts, as well as individuals with significant experience as former project developers, owners and contractors.
Cumming has been particularly active in Oregon since its inception, handling some of the most advanced projects regionally and successfully completing more than $2 billion in assignments across the state.
Bend Project Management Director Powderly said the new local branch can call on the support of larger regional offices including Portland and Seattle, if needed, which boast a combined workforce of over 150 professionals with a diverse set of complementary skills.
His first hire locally is Senior Project Manager Shane Moffitt, who formerly fulfilled a similar role with St. Charles Health Care system, and the pair have hit the ground running — already winning work including elements associated with the $42 million Deschutes County Courthouse expansion in Bend, and new $49 million police/public safety facility in Redmond.
Powderly said, “One of our major strengths is flexibility, and customizing our services for each individual client. We have the agility of a boutique firm, with the data, expertise, and scalability of an international company.
“We have a unique ability to offer not only comprehensive project and cost management but also a la carte services at any stage of project development. This approach — mixing flexibility with the full capabilities of the company — ensures clients are getting exactly the services they need and want exactly when they need and want them.
“Clients can procure our services a la carte or we are capable of managing a project from inception to close-out, which can be cost-effective and maximizes value. We also provide our clients pricing structures customized to their needs.”
Among a slate of services, Cumming offers project and program management, estimating, planning, scheduling, feasibility studies, claims resolution, energy solutions, projects control, and risk mitigation.
A company spokesperson added, “Whether leading all aspects of a project or program, augmenting a client’s internal or outsourced team, or providing a specialty service such as controls, energy consulting, or dispute resolution, our commitment to delivering value and driving results on behalf of our clients is unwavering.
“Our team’s depth of expertise is derived from their diverse backgrounds and broad experience. These strengths enable our team to easily adapt to our clients’ unique needs, and support how and where we can add the most value.
“No task is too small or too complex. An assignment could include recommendations on a phased approach to a multi-billion capital improvement plan, evaluating procurement options for an urban mixed-use property, or support reviewing a schedule, change order, or dispute around an ongoing project.
“We offer a flexible approach that provides each client with the tailored and specialized services precisely when they are needed on each project or program.
“We rely on data to support our recommendations, and, most importantly, always put our client’s interests first. Drawing on deep expertise in the communities and sectors we serve, we anticipate and solve problems, deliver solutions, and drive results.
“We are also committed to developing, promoting, and complying with forward-thinking environmental practices in our daily operations; and we continuously look for meaningful ways to give back to the communities in which we live and work, whether through volunteering, donations, or other charitable activities.”
Powderly said every successful project begins with a sound plan supported by thoughtful analysis by experienced industry professionals. The Cumming Group team helps clients distil what is required in a facility or portfolio of properties to meet their goals, evaluate existing assets, establish detailed budgets and schedules, and make informed decisions on the best path forward.
Powderly said, “Client focus is central to who we are, and is a fundamental component of our success. We are in business because of our clients and our future opportunities and successes depend on servicing our clients at the highest levels. We listen to our clients and provide services and solutions that meet their needs.”
Bend-led projects to date include providing project management services for St. Charles Health System and their Imaging Projects aimed to address the critical need for replacing aging imaging equipment and introducing new technologies to enhance healthcare services in Central Oregon.
The primary goal was to replace various imaging units that had reached the end of their service life and to complete the equipment replacements and installations promptly to prevent any interruptions in patient care due to equipment failures.
Exemplifying the company’s range, the project’s scope of work involved a comprehensive range of services including project coordination, contract management, design document reviews, budget negotiations, construction oversight, permitting assistance, quality control, and closeout management.
Other recent contracts include La Pine Community Health Center and work on the Kennedy Wilson mixed-use Timber Yards development, including a 170-room hotel, in the Old Mill District.
Powderly added, “I plan to grow this office as clients are realizing the value our experts can bring to the Central Oregon community. This flexible model is gaining more traction, there has been a lot of interest so far and we are definitely open for business!
“Cumming has been active in finding niches in markets to buy in to and the company is growing rapidly, having added 500 employees globally in a single year.”