DESIGN-BUILD

Design-build is one way to maximize value for new construction, renovations, equipment upgrades, and other critical building projects. Efficiencies are baked into the design-build model, a trend that is becoming more common in the industry as costs in many sectors continue to rise.

In the traditional design-bid-build methodology, engineers create system designs to meet Owner needs within a budget. After the design is finalized and goes out for bid, engineers receive cost feedback directly from the construction market—sometimes for the first time. This is where the rubber meets the road, as higher-than-expected costs can quickly send a project back to the drawing board or worse, shelve it entirely.

Design-build looks to prevent this rework by embedding the builders into the design process. The designer and contractor are a team, providing unified project recommendations to fit an Owner’s program, budget and schedule. As engineers design the schematics of the project, contractors fill in the details and evaluate the design’s impact on the project’s goals. Engineers and designers get feedback in real-time and can make changes quickly, saving time and energy. Considerations for cost, schedule, constructability, maintainability, and more are seamlessly integrated into the final design.

Through the collaborative effort of design-build, designers and contractors generate construction documents together, bringing the best possible solution to the Owner. By working with design-build firms, the Owner assumes less risk and cost overruns as the builder runs into fewer change orders compared to traditional project delivery.