What is Design Build?

Design-build is a project delivery method in which the design and construction services are combined into a single contract under one entity, known as the design-builder or design-build contractor. This contrasts with the traditional design-bid-build method, where the owner manages separate contracts with a designer (architect/engineer) and a general contractor.

Key Features

• Single Point of Responsibility: The owner has only one contract and one point of contact, which simplifies communication and management. The design-build entity is solely accountable for the project’s cost, schedule, quality, and performance.
• Integrated Team: Architects, engineers, and construction professionals work together as a unified team from the project’s inception to completion.
• Collaboration: This method fosters a collaborative environment, allowing for early input from all stakeholders, which helps in identifying and addressing potential issues proactively.
• Overlapping Phases: Design and construction phases can overlap (known as “fast-tracking”), which often results in faster project delivery compared to the sequential nature of traditional methods.
• Risk Management: The design-builder assumes more risk, including design errors and coordination issues, which reduces the owner’s potential for litigation and unexpected costs.