Design-build is a specific project delivery method where a firm operates under a single contract with the project owner to provide custom design and construction services. The firm acts as the project owner’s only go-to contact, coordinating all the essential aspects of the project on the owner’s behalf. This, in turn, helps in reducing the administrative burden on the part of the client. During the design-build process, the firm will act as the project’s leader, bringing together a high-performing team of experts from each essential discipline. The design-build method is generally marked by timely and efficient planning, a streamlined collaboration between service providers and customers, open communication, and increasingly reduced risks for the project owner.

The design-build technique offers some unique advantages that cannot be achieved with other construction methods. The primary difference between these methods lies in the risk and responsibility for achieving a particular project’s objectives. Increased risk and accountability on behalf of the design-build service provider can significantly affect the overall schedule, cost, quality, and preconstruction efficiency.

Some of the benefits of utilizing the design-build method of project management include faster project delivery, reduced administrative burden, improved quality, decreased risk, open-book/transparent communication, shared cost-savings, single-point of responsibility, guaranteed maximum price, project not being restricted to building types, elimination of adversarial conditions, and increased teamwork for greater synergy.

The significant difference between design-build and design bid build project delivery methods is that the former includes both design and construction services under one contract. In contrast, the latter includes separate agreements to the developer.

No, design-build is not an expensive project delivery technique as compared to traditional methods. The enhanced collaborative nature of the design-build provides increased opportunities for cost-savings because the project teams are created early who design the project together.

The project owner’s expenses are reduced through efficient and economic decision-making, faster design process, and timely purchase of long-lead materials, creating a streamlined construction work schedule and saving time and money from start to finish of the project.

No. This is one of the major misunderstandings about the design-build method of project delivery, which stems from 3 significant concerns, including subcontractor selection, competitive pricing, and material specifications. Usually, a minimum of 3 to 5 prequalified subcontractors bid each trade package, ensuring increased competitive pricing and quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Many professional design-build service providers welcome project owners to include their preferred subcontractors in the design process. Then, both parties compare and evaluate subcontractor bids and other relevant information for improved decision making. The most reliable construction companies always include project owners during the design process and act as experts for material selection, value enhancement, and necessary information providers.

CoConstruct is a Construction Project Management software we use to interact between teams and with our clients. Among the many features of CoConstruct are: 

• Estimating and bidding tools 

• Collaboration on making selections

• Tracking jobsite activity 

• 360 degree photographs

• Client communication

• Change order and expense tracking

• Warranty and punch list items

There are also many other features for internally tracking the progress of a project to make sure everything is being delivered on time and on budget.