The Design-Build project delivery method is a construction approach where a single entity—the design-build team—provides both design and construction services under one contract with the project owner. This contrasts with the traditional Design-Bid-Build method, where design and construction are split between separate contracts. This ensures that when your project is being planned that your time and money is being used most effectively.
🔧 Key Features of Design-Build:
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– Single Point of Responsibility: One contract, one team (designer and builder work together)
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– Faster Project Delivery: Design and construction can overlap (fast-tracking)
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– Collaborative Approach: Encourages innovation, problem-solving, and cost control
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– Less Owner Risk: Reduced conflicts between designer and contractor
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– Streamlined Communication: Fewer parties involved = fewer delays
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🧩 How It Works:
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– Owner selects a Design-Build team (could be via qualifications, proposals, or best value)
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– Design phase begins—often with early contractor input for budgeting and constructability
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– Construction begins before design is 100% complete, accelerating the schedule
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– Team delivers a completed project on a turnkey basis
✅ Advantages:
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– The designer and builder work as one team
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– Single point of accountability
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– Quicker delivery timeline
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– Better cost control through early cost estimating
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– Higher accountability (less finger-pointing and risk of miscommunication)
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– Simplified contractual process
⚠️ Disadvantages:
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– Less design oversight for the owner
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– Harder to compare initial bids (since design isn’t complete)
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– Potential for reduced checks and balances
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– Less competitive bidding
Ideal for:
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– Projects with tight deadlines
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– Owners who prefer a hands-off approach
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– Projects that benefit from innovation and collaboration (e.g., hospitals, schools, infrastructure)