Transformation

Through

Rigour

What does VA Projects do?

VA Projects is an Edmonton-based owner's representative and project management firm for complex capital projects at zoos, churches, museums and other mission-driven institutions across Alberta. It also advises developers and institutional owners on pre-development, feasibility and project risk.

Who does VA Projects work with?

VA Projects works with the boards, CEOs and executive teams of zoos, museums, churches, nonprofits and institutions, and with real estate developers planning capital projects in Edmonton and across Alberta. Recent clients include Hope City Church and the Valley Zoo Development Society. See the projects.

Our Services

  • VA Projects acts as the owner's representative on capital projects, giving boards and CEOs one accountable lead and clear reporting from feasibility through occupancy. Learn about owner's representation

  • VA Projects manages one-of-a-kind builds where standard project management falls short, such as animal habitats with life-support systems, sacred spaces and exhibition facilities. Learn about complex project management

  • VA Projects gets boards, staff, donors, designers and community groups working from one project plan, so decisions get made and the project keeps moving. Learn about stakeholder alignment

  • VA Projects steps into capital projects that have stalled, gone over budget or lost the board's confidence, finds the root problems and resets the plan. Learn about project rescue

  • EmpowerProject is VA Projects' project management service for Canadian nonprofits: full Direct-Support management, or DIY tools and coaching by subscription. Learn about EmpowerProject

Let's Talk

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of commercial development projects does VA Projects manage?

VA Projects manages capital projects for nonprofits, institutional owners and developers in Edmonton and across Alberta. Recent projects include a $15 million, 20,000 sq ft expansion and renovation of Hope City Church in Edmonton, and work for the Valley Zoo Development Society ranging from a $150,000 green roof replacement to the conceptual design of a proposed $150 million development. Through its EmpowerProject service, VA Projects has also supported more than 50 Canadian nonprofits and more than 1.25 million square feet of space.

Does VA Projects provide owner's representation services?

Yes. As owner's representative, VA Projects works for the building owner, not the contractor or architect, and manages the project on the owner's behalf from planning through occupancy. Owners get one accountable expert protecting their budget, schedule and quality. VA Projects provides owner's representation to nonprofits, institutional owners and developers in Edmonton and Alberta.

How does VA Projects help manage project risk and execution?

Before construction, VA Projects reviews scope, budget and schedule to find gaps before tender. It also runs procurement so contractors are compared on equal terms. During construction, it oversees contractors, tracks every change against the budget and reports clearly to the owner's leadership or board.

Why choose VA Projects for a development advisory engagement in Edmonton?

VA Projects is an Edmonton-based firm that combines project management and real estate advisory and acts as the owner's representative. On a $15 million expansion and renovation for Hope City Church, it has preserved 75% of the owner's contingency to date and secured upgrades that will save more than $100,000 in maintenance costs, all within the original budget. For the Valley Zoo Development Society, it delivered the conceptual design for a proposed $150 million development on its 24-week schedule and 100% on budget. It has also helped more than 50 Canadian nonprofits deliver capital projects covering more than 1.25 million square feet.

Can VA Projects manage a multi-year commercial development from start to finish?

Yes. VA Projects manages multi-year developments through every phase: feasibility and planning, design, procurement, construction and occupancy. Owners keep one point of contact from start to finish, so decisions made early carry through to handover.