Project Delivery - Design-Build

In the Design-Build method the project owner has a single contract with the general contractor who then has contracts with the architect and trade contractors.

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The Design-Build method of project delivery eliminates a couple of the major negatives inherent in the Design-Bid-Build method.

CM at Risk: Project Delivery Methods - Definition of Design-Build and pros and cons.

This integrates construction and design by putting the contractor fully in charge of the process which shortens delivery timelines and substantially cuts change orders.  

A study by Penn State and the Construction Industry Institute (CII) in 1997 showed many of the advantages of the Design-Build method, which are summarized in these slides from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA).

The key downsides of Design-Build include:

  • The project owner loses direct control over the design and must directly manage value vs. cost decisions.

  • The project owner must have clear and complete decisions on the scope of the project very early on.  

  • The project owner is responsible for changes and gaps in the scope. Deeply understanding the architectural design process and knowing how to manage it is a critical skill for any contractor delivering preconstruction services.  

CM at Risk
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....

CM at Risk
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....

Change Tracking Log & Management
Great change management starts with a good tracking system. The far more important part of change management is the rigorous review process at least 2X monthly with your PMs that will limit your risk, increase your opportunities, and train your team.
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Poorly coordinated people, processes and technology become exponentially more inefficient as the business grows eroding profits, morale and customer satisfaction.
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