Frequently Asked Questions

We consider a capital project to be any new construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement project (work that goes beyond regular maintenance). For routine maintenance requests, submit a work order.

We obtain services for new construction and renovation projects at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, finding the best value for our clients while maintaining University standards. View our portfolio to learn more about our work.

After you determine how your department will fund the project, review the project process and learn what's needed to submit a request for a new capital project.

One of our project managers can meet with you to help you get started. Contact us to submit your inquiry.

If your space is experiencing urgent issues related to maintenance or broken equipment that may create a safety hazard, call 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3. Otherwise, please submit a work order.

Our project managers can perform feasibility and schematic design studies for small-scale, cosmetic renovations, though we typically contract architects or other consultants to address our clients' requests. Our staff members do not perform any construction work.

Yes, our project management fee is six percent of the total project cost. If architectural services are also provided, the fee is 10 percent.

We select the architecture and engineering firms, and individuals within these firms, with experience in your type of project. We look for opportunities to bring new firms—especially those with minority-, women- and locally owned certification—into the process, and try to maintain relationships with firms that have served the University well in the past. Through a competitive request for proposals, we'll ask firms to respond to your project and scope. Interviews and references are highly valued in the selection process. Selection is primarily based on qualifications.

We look for experienced contractors. We'll ask construction firms to respond to your specific design project and provide competitive pricing and a proposed project schedule. Qualifications, interviews, and references are important parts of our selection process.

See our current projects. To find out about work that may directly impact your space, sign up for our building-specific email lists.

Call 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, to report noise, dust, or other disturbance from construction. Keep in mind that cost constraints often make it necessary to schedule work at night and that all construction creates some noise.

Contact the executive director of Campus Life Safety and Regulatory Compliance immediately at yw2366@columbia.edu; please provide as much detail as you can. In an emergency, call Public Safety at 212-305-7979 and 911.

If this is an urgent request that may create a safety hazard, call 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3. Otherwise, please submit a work order.

The Construction and Refresh Effort (CARE) Crew refreshes and renovates all public corridors, lobbies, stairs, and restrooms on campus.