PMC vs Architect: Who Should Your Society Hire for Redevelopment? Tips And Tricks

Redevelopment is a complex journey for any housing society — from evaluating feasibility to managing approvals and coordinating with developers. Two key professionals can guide this process: the Project Management Consultant (PMC) and the Architect. But who should your society choose?

In this blog, we break down the roles, responsibilities, costs, and suitability of PMCs vs Architects, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your society’s redevelopment goals.

What is a PMC (Project Management Consultant)?

A Project Management Consultant (PMC) is a specialized firm that provides end-to-end assistance in redevelopment projects — handling technical, financial, and legal aspects.

Detailed Role of a PMC:

1. Feasibility Analysis:

   •      • Evaluates the redevelopment potential of the property (FSI, TDR, buildable area, etc.

   •      • Provides reports on cost-benefit, timelines, and regulatory implications

2. Tender & Developer Selection:

   • Prepares and circulates a detailed tender document to reputed developers

   • Conducts technical and financial evaluation of bids

   • Shortlists and helps finalize the right developer
     
     

3. Legal Coordination:

   •      • Assists with appointment of legal experts

   •      • Ensures necessary agreements (Development Agreement, POA, etc.) are legally sound

   •      • Helps in navigating municipal and RERA approvals

4. Project Monitoring & Reporting:

   •      • Regularly monitors construction timelines, quality, and budget

   •      • Provides monthly progress reports to the society

   •      • Flags any delays or violations by the developer

5. Member Communication:

   •      • Acts as a bridge between the society and all other stakeholders (developer, architect, legal teams)

   •      • Helps resolve queries and conducts awareness meetings

6. Handover & Final Audit:

   •      • Ensures timely handover of new flats with occupation certificate

   •      • Conducts final quality checks and audits the delivery against the promises made

What Does an Architect Do in a Redevelopment Project?

An Architect plays a key technical and design role in the early and mid stages of redevelopment. They help societies understand the space potential and guide them with planning, aesthetics, and approvals.

Detailed Role of an Architect:

1. Site Study & Initial Consultation:

   •      • Visits the society premises and evaluates plot size, structure, zoning regulations, and FSI potential

2. Basic Feasibility Report:

   •      • Creates initial sketches, layout proposals, and area calculations

   •      • Helps the society understand how much construction is possible, how many flats can be planned, etc.

3. Design & Concept Planning:

   •      • Proposes building design, flat layouts, common area plans, parking solutions, etc.

   •      • Ensures compliance with DCR (Development Control Regulations)

4. Coordinating with Developers:

   •      • Evaluates building plans submitted by developers to ensure alignment with proposed layouts

   •      • Suggests modifications in the interest of the society

5. Coordinating with Government Authorities:

   •      • Prepares drawings and documentation for approvals from BMC, MHADA, SRA, or other regulatory bodies

   •      • Follows up with municipal officials for plan sanctions

6. Quality and Plan Checks:

   •      • Reviews construction quality, material use, and structural plans during execution (if retained throughout)

When to Hire an Architect

✅ If your society is small, standalone, or exploring redevelopment for the first time
✅ If you only need initial feasibility, concept plans, and basic approvals
✅ If you want a low-cost entry point to begin your redevelopment journey

When to Hire a PMC

✅ If your project involves multiple buildings or complex layouts
✅ If you need legal and financial guidance beyond architectural inputs
✅ If you’re looking for a firm that can manage the entire process — from selecting a developer to completion

Can You Appoint Both?

Yes. In fact, many societies first appoint an architect to evaluate feasibility and prepare a project concept. Once a decision to proceed is made, a PMC is brought in to manage the broader scope — ensuring the redevelopment is executed smoothly and within regulatory and financial frameworks.

Pro Tip

For large-scale or cluster redevelopment projects, always consider hiring a PMC. But for smaller societies, an architect-led approach can be more economical and equally effective — especially in the early stages.”

Conclusion

Both Project Management Consultants (PMC) and Architects play critical roles in a society redevelopment project — but at different stages and with different expertise.

•      • If your society is just exploring the idea of redevelopment, starting with an Architect makes financial and practical sense. They provide early-stage feasibility, space planning, and help you understand the project’s potential.

•      • If your society is ready to move forward, especially in large or complex projects, hiring a PMC is ideal. A PMC brings legal, financial, and technical oversight — helping you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
  
  In many cases, both professionals can work together, offering your society the best of design, feasibility, and execution control. The right choice depends on your society’s size, stage, and readiness. When in doubt, consult both and make an informed decision!

FAQs

1. Can a society hire both a PMC and an architect?

Yes. In fact, this is quite common. Architects usually provide the design and layout expertise, while the PMC manages the project end-to-end including financial, legal, and construction oversight.

2. Do PMCs help in selecting the right builder or developer?

Yes. One of the key responsibilities of a PMC is to float tenders, evaluate proposals, and recommend the most suitable developer based on technical and financial merit.

3. Is hiring a PMC mandatory for redevelopment?

No, it's not mandatory. However, many societies choose to hire PMCs to ensure transparency, better coordination, and professional oversight throughout the redevelopment process.