Design-Build
WHAT IS DESIGN/BUILD?
Design/Build is a system of contracting under which one entity performs both
architectural/engineering design and the actual construction work.
In the "traditional" contracting approach, the owner commissions an architect
or engineer to prepare drawings and specifications, and separately selects a
construction builder or construction manager either by negotiation or
competitive bidding.
The "design/build" team is closely involved in producing a project which
meets the owner's needs as well as acting as professional advisors to the owner.
The owner deals with a unified design-build team working together on his behalf
instead of divided responsibility in "traditional" contracting.
Single-source design and production of industrial and consumer products has
long been the norm throughout our economy. Now, quite understandably,
single-source design-build has moved to the forefront of the construction
industry.
ADVANTAGES OF DESIGN/BUILD
Design/Build contracting provides a unique set of advantages not available in
any other construction delivery system:
- Undivided Responsibility.
Design/Build contracting provides both architecture/engineering and
construction resources under a single contract. The owner looks to a single
entity responsible for design, construction, cost control, quality assurance,
schedule adherence and performance of the finished project. This results in
clearly fixed responsibility, maximum cost control, faster schedules with
immediate responsiveness and fewer change orders.
The client can exercise his desired degree of control over design, with the
added advantage of continuously knowing the cost implications of each
decision. The client's control of the entire process is strengthened by
contracting with a single firm unconditionally committed to the success of his
project.
- Early Knowledge of Costs.
The design-build team, working closely with the client, accurately
conceptualizes the completed project at an early stage. Continuous and
concurrent estimating during the development of design results in knowledge of
firm overall cost far sooner than is traditionally possible. This process also
permits making early decisions - which have the greatest impact upon cost - in
an informed, cost-based environment.
Time Savings.
Design and construction are fast tracked with bidding periods and redesign
time eliminated. Long-delivery components are identified and ordered early in
the design process. Therefore, total design-construction time is significantly
reduced, which translates into earlier utilization of the completed facility.
Dollar Savings.
Design and construction personnel, working and communicating as a team,
evaluate alternative materials and methods efficiently and accurately. From
the outset of the project, both design and construction expertise are brought
to bear upon all components of a project from site work through mechanical and
electrical systems. Because cost evaluation is progressively "fedback" into
the design process as it proceeds - not after design is complete - decisions
affecting cost and design are continuously optimized.
Because the builder is responsible for both design and construction, cost
overruns resulting from design error or faulty coordination are the
responsibility of the builder, not owner. The owner pays only for scope
changes which he initiates.
DESIGN/BUILD/LEASE
Having development capabilities allows us to also provide leasing options to
qualified clients. Design/Build/Lease provides the same advantages as
Design/Build with the added advantage that you don't have to make equity
investments and arrange financing for a customized building. By lease or lease
purchase options, the owner can keep his cash equity for operational needs and
let us finance the "build to suit" building.