Advantages of Design-Build
Design-build is a method of project delivery in which one entity (design-builder) forges a single contract with the Owner to provide for architectural/engineering design services and construction services.
By contrast with the “traditional” design-bid-build approach, the Owner commissions an architect or engineer to prepare drawings and specifications under a design contract, and subsequently selects a construction contractor by competitive bidding or negotiation to build the facility under a construction contract.
During the past decade, the use of and interest in design-build in the United Sates has greatly accelerated, making this delivery method one of the most significant trends in the design and construction industry.
The design-build approach to building brings together professional design and construction expertise. One company handles both design and construction, which means you enjoy greater continuity of service. This joining of the design and construction functions also can save you time and money and helps make you, the owner, more of a partner in the construction of your building.
The benefits to be gained by utilizing the design-build process include the following:
Singular Responsibility – The Owner has a single point of responsibility for quality, cost, schedule adherence and ultimate responsibility for successful delivery of the project. With design-build, the Owner is able to focus on scope/needs definition and timely decision making, rather than on coordination between designer and builder.
Quality – The singularized responsibility inherent in design-build serves as a motivation for quality and proper project performance. The Owner's requirements and expectations are documented in performance terms and it is the design-build entity's responsibility to produce results accordingly.
Cost Savings – When the design and construction is performed by the same entity as a “team” it creates enhanced potential for value engineering and other constructability cost savings to be utilized continuously and more effectively during the design and construction process. According to the Design-Build Institute of America, design-build averages more than 6% in cost savings compared with design-bid-build project delivery.
Time Savings – Because design and construction are overlapped, and because bidding periods and redesign are eliminated, total design and construction time can be significantly reduced. With the design-build system, the owner gets the benefit of the contractor’s input into the design while the design is being prepared. In addition, the contractor is hired and the project is priced before the design is complete. According to the Design-Build Institute of America, design-build averages 33% faster project completion compared with design-bid-build project delivery.
Reduced Administrative Burden – During procurement the potential exists for design-build to reduce the Owner’s administrative burden. Preparing RFPs (request-for-proposals) and conducting evaluations can be time-consuming and intensive with “traditional” delivery systems.
Early Knowledge of Firm Costs – Construction costs are known far earlier with design-build than with other delivery systems. The entity responsible for design is simultaneously estimating construction costs and can accurately conceptualize the completed project.