Compass Development’s Approach to Fee Development

When people ask what Compass Development does, we are typically labeled as a Fee Developer, Project Manager, Development Manager, or Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep). We feel “Owner’s Advocates” best describes what we do. But, at the end of the day, these are all just labels, and these labels only scratch the surface of what we do.

Yes, we are the Owner’s Advocate. But we are much more than that.

At Compass, we are a full-service Fee Development Company—a model that provides comprehensive development services from initial concept to project closeout, with no hidden fees, no markups, and no competing incentives. Our work spans across site selection, entitlement strategy, design team coordination, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, construction management, and tenant coordination.

What sets us apart in the world of commercial real estate development is our single, unwavering priority: the client’s success.

What People Think We Are (and Why They’re Half-Right)

Project Management – While we manage projects, we go beyond timelines and task lists. We align all consultants, vendors, and construction partners to your overarching goals. We proactively lead rather than reactively track. We manage schedules, budgets and risk.

But unlike a typical PM, we’re not just task-masters—we’re decision-makers, too. We advise on strategy, negotiate contracts, and monitor ROI.

Construction Management – We coordinate contractors and ensure build quality, but we’re not the ones doing the building. Unlike a construction manager who is beholden to the general contractor, our accountability remains solely with you. We track milestones and enforce safety.

But we don’t build the building—we make sure it gets built right, with transparency and your priorities in mind.

Development Management – We perform feasibility analysis, pro forma reviews, zoning coordination, and more—but we don’t bring equity. We oversee everything from site selection to lease-up.

But we don’t push profit-driven motives. Our goal isn’t to make the deal pencil for us—it’s to make it successful for you.

Owner Representation – We attend meetings and track deliverables, but we also shape strategy, flag legal and financial blind spots, and make decisions on your behalf when you can't be in the room. We advocate for the owner’s interest.

But our advocacy runs deeper.

We orchestrate the entire development, making sure the right voices are heard at the right time.

What Makes Fee Development Different?

Here’s the truth: We are all of the above roles, without being beholden to any of them.

That’s the beauty of Fee Development.

As a Fee Developer, Compass Development provides full-service project leadership with no hidden agendas, no commissions, and no markups.

We’re compensated through a transparent fee structure that aligns us directly with your success—not ours.

What is Fee Development, Really?

A Fee Developer acts as the client’s agent, offering end-to-end real estate development services under a transparent contract structure. We guide you through ground-up commercial development, tenant improvements, mixed-use projects, and more—while safeguarding your time, capital, and reputation.

We coordinate every discipline involved in the project—architects, engineers, city planners, contractors—and provide a single point of contact from start to finish. This eliminates fragmentation, delays, and cost creep, and ensures every phase aligns with your priorities.

And because our compensation is not tied to contracts, commissions, or cost escalation, you can trust our advice is objective, experienced, and focused on your bottom line.

Our Role Starts Earlier—and Goes Further

• We help select the right site before architects are brought in.

• We develop strategy before design starts.

• We advise on risk before contracts are signed.

• And we stay involved after the keys are turned over, making sure your operations, leasing, and tenant experience match your vision.

Why It Matters

If you’re a private investor, nonprofit leader, healthcare executive, or educational institution exploring a new development—you don’t need more vendors. You need a partner.

We work with clients who are passionate about their projects but don’t have the time or expertise to oversee them. Our team becomes your team, safeguarding your interests with the care and diligence of a true fiduciary.

With decades of combined experience across commercial real estate development, tenant buildouts, construction oversight, and capital project management, Compass provides peace of mind that no detail is left unmanaged.

That’s the difference between being managed—and being truly represented.

Why Clients Choose Compass

We’re structured to serve. Not sell.

As a Fee Developer, Compass Development becomes your advocate, advisor, and boots on the ground. We lead with transparency, act with integrity, and remain relentlessly focused on delivering your vision with clarity and control.

Because when trust is the foundation, great projects follow.

Why It All Comes Down to Trust

You hire Compass because you want a partner—not a salesperson, not a middleman, not a watchdog.

We believe that every great development is built on alignment, transparency, and relentless client advocacy.

So yes, we’ll act as your Owner’s Rep. We’ll manage construction. We’ll guide entitlements. We’ll own the schedule, the budget, the outcome.

But we’ll do it all as your Fee Developer—with your priorities, your standards, and your trust at the center of every decision.

We are excited to create real estate development solutions that become a part of a community. If you would like to explore a commercial real estate or multifamily development project or joint venture, contact Michael Shohet at mshohet@compassdevco.com.