What is the International Facility Management Association?

IFMA is the largest and most widely recognized professional association for facility management, supporting approximately 17,300 members. The Association's members are represented in 126 chapters, 16 councils and one Special Interest Group (SIG), in 54 countries worldwide. Globally, IFMA certifies facility managers, conducts research, provides educational programs, recognizes facility management degree and certificate programs and produces World Workplace, the largest facility management-related conference and exposition. To visit their website, click here.

Definition of Facility Management

Facility management is a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology.

Facility Management is a multi-disciplinary field that encompasses many duties, including the following:

• Plan interior spaces and coordinate architectural design projects.
• Organize work spaces for comfort and productivity.
• Build out space and arrange employee moves.
• Negotiate contracts and coordinate with vendors.
• Spearhead security functions, disaster planning and recovery.
• Oversee renovation projects to expand facilities or improve efficiency.
• Keep up with government, environmental, health and safety requirements.
• Continually monitor the facility so it is safe, secure and well maintained.
• Manage diverse real estate assets, sometimes in multiple locations.
• Prepare budgets, manage accounts and forecast expenses.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to address organizational changes.