A project management model for architectural restoration projects

Architectural restoration projects have many peculiarities that differentiate them from other construction projects. Despite the universal guidelines, standards and bylaws, a specialized approach on the management of architectural restoration projects is yet a knowledge gap. Inadequate use of project management knowledge in the field results in time and budget overruns, quality problems, insufficient research, incorrect scope definition, lack of interdisciplinary coordination, disconnection between phases, inefficiency in change management, and further ambiguities. Following an exploratory sequential research process consisting of qualitative and quantitative data from a focus group meeting, a questionnaire survey, and a 48-h on-site training; the authors focus on the peculiar nature of architectural restoration projects from project management perspective. The study aims to explore the extent to which the conventional project management knowledge, tools and techniques can be applied to architectural restoration projects, investigate if more adaptive and contemporary approaches can fit better to them, and propose a practically applicable management model tailored for such projects. The results show that a hybrid model combining agile and waterfall project management approaches with an appropriate business context targeting the unique requirements of architectural restoration projects can be instrumental to cope with the complexities of such projects.