The Nosara Podcast: Andrew Saxton on Owner Representation | Nosara Design & Build
What Does a Project Manager & Owner's Representative Do?
An owner's representative acts as a conduit between the client, architect, and contractor. Not as the architect or builder, but as the coordinator ensuring the project moves forward on the owner's behalf.
Saxton explains that the role includes helping arrange architect interviews, advising clients on what a home needs from a resale and rental perspective, and reviewing budgets before blueprints are finalized to avoid costly revisions later. Once construction begins, the team visits sites several times per week, providing photo, video, and written reports so clients, many of whom live abroad, always know exactly where their project stands.
How Nosara Design and Build Got Started
Andrew moved to Nosara after being contacted by a Coldwell Banker broker, having visited Costa Rica since he was 15 as a surfer. What began as overseeing a single small house grew into more than 35 completed projects.
Who Doesn't Need Independent Representation?
Most foreign investors benefit from independent representation, since a typical build takes around 18 months, a long stretch to manage remotely without dedicated oversight.
Saxton recalls his own early experience building without oversight: months would pass with no updates, and by the time he returned to Costa Rica, decisions had already been made without his input. That experience shaped how Nosara Design and Build now operates: regular, structured communication instead of long gaps and surprises.
Building Responsibly in a Growing Community
Saxton notes that architectural standards and environmental awareness in Nosara have increased significantly over the years, with more clients actively requesting designs that preserve trees and work with the natural landscape rather than clearing it.
Security Considerations for Homeowners
Rising break-ins are a real concern in the area, and Saxton notes that standard security bars can be cut through easily. He shares an example from his own neighborhood: sharing a single security guard among five or six houses reduced break-ins on that street from multiple incidents per week to zero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an owner's representative in Costa Rica construction?
A: An owner's representative is an independent professional who manages and oversees a construction project on behalf of the property owner — coordinating with the architect and contractor without being either one.
Q: How long does a typical home build take in Nosara, Costa Rica?
A: Around 18 months, according to Nosara Design and Build's experience across more than 35 completed projects.
Q: How can foreign investors contact Nosara Design and Build?
A: Through nosaradesignandbuild.com or by scheduling a consultation directly.