Design-build is a way of working on a construction project where the builder and designer work together under one contract all through the project from start to completion. This is to ensure maximum cooperation and attain a synched way of thought for a smooth running.
Design-build is quickly becoming industry standard as it is the most progressive method of approaching a project. Projects completion time is greatly reduced, with more reliable budget estimates giving a better brand overall.
Design-build and manage approach is growing popular; in a survey, 82% of surveyed owners plan to use it in the next five years. As it uses only one contract, it creates a synchronized workflow as opposed to traditional means. It shortens the project’s duration, reduces cost, fewer mistakes and risks involved.
Some states are adopting design-build and manage in their state legislations, for instance in Virginia where it was expanded to all local governments. There has been an increase in state and local government support with 43 states already permitted authorization to utilize in public projects.
The old means used is called design-bid-build where owner and design team develop the scope, design and program project before bids come in. The general contractor, subcontractors, and material suppliers then follow the design already made. This approach made a path to be followed and would not take new ideas and some sub-projects do not communicate. For instance, those working on electricity may not be in communication with plumbers and so on. When there is an adjustment to be made, each team will have to solve it in a specified timeline, budget, and surrounding processes.
Design-build and manage, on the other hand, bring together all the project players and are all parts of the designing and planning. Therefore, the process has a smooth running as they all know their parts to play in the project and can recoil and foresee any possible mistakes that might have aroused.
Not all projects can work with design-build and manage approach and what is chosen should ultimately be the best option for the owner. As a project owner, it is your duty to research and find out which approach would best suit your project.
