Design / Build is an alternative to the traditional Design / Bid / Construct method of project delivery. Design / Build places primary emphasis on integrating the design and construction phases of a project. Design / Build contracting provides the owner with a single point of responsibility for both design and construction. It is a Team approach from project inception which provides more effective cost control, schedule control, and quality control.
Through the phased construction provided by Design / Build, as much as three to six months can be saved over the traditional approach. This time savings is realized primarily in certain inevitable components of the construction process can be initiated and completed while the design work is underway. Examples are permitting, site work, and the ordering of essential materials such as steel. As a result, all pre-requisite conditions to the actual construction are complete upon final design realization.
This method of construction delivery centers on utilization of a Design / Builder, who coordinates and manages the building process and is a member of the Design / Build team with the Owner, Architect, Engineers, and other consultants as the project may require. The Design / Builder utilizes his skills and knowledge of general contracting to:
Develop schedules
Prepare project construction estimates
Analyze alternative designs
Study labor conditions
Advise concerning construction techniques
Perform value engineering
Conduct bid management with subcontractors
Manage direct purchasing,
Provide a Guaranteed Maximum Price at completion of the preliminary
design
Manage construction, and
Coordinate and communicate the activities of the Team throughout the
design and construction phases.
In summary, the Design / Build method provides the Owner with the flexibility to fit the contracting method to the specific project requirements. But most importantly, the Design / Build method of construction provides the Owner a high quality, fast-track product while providing the utmost in Owner input and control.
