Commercial Design build -also known as “design-construct” or “single responsibility”, design- build is a system of contracting in which one entity manages the architecture, engineering and construction under one contract. In the design-build system, the architect and contractor work together as a team.
The traditional approach to building can often leave you to make important decisions on your own. You are responsible for finding an architect to draw your plans and a contractor to build it. Then it’s your job to ensure that they communicate and work together within your budget and vision.
Commercial Design-Build is different – it’s a one-stop-shop for all your design and construction needs.
Construction by Daniels Prefers the Commercial Design-Build Process
What distinguishes the commercial design-build process is the source of responsibility, combining both architect and builder into one entity. This allows the builder to assign actual dollar amounts to the drawings throughout the design process and provides the owner with a more accurate “picture” of realistic project costs.
One option for a design-build system is to identify a company that offers both architectural and construction services. Another option is to find a company which is willing to work with another company to provide the design-build concept. Regardless, design-build is a very attractive option for the owner as it allows the team to value-engineer the project throughout the design phase. This ultimately saves the owner both time and money.
The Benefits of Our Commercial Design Build Process:
- Single source of responsibility eliminates finger-pointing
- Higher quality end results due to streamlined communication
- Proven to be most cost-effective way to build
- Eliminates costly waste of time from duplicate communication between church design and construction
- Reduced owner administrative burden due to elimination of need for mediation between architect and builder
- More up-front knowledge of the actual cost of the project for the owner
- Coordinated review by architect and builder throughout design process minimizes mistakes and subsequent costly change orders
- Corrections are facilitated by the team maintaining a common level of knowledge and understanding throughout the entire project
- Overall decreased cost
Potential Limitations to the Design Build Process
In addition to all of the benefits of the commercial design-build system, it is important to mention one possible drawback. In the design-build system, no third-party is involved to act as the balancing agent, but this can be easily remedied. Many companies will use a staff member who understands the construction process to act as a third-party representative. However, this is not always necessary. If the owner is careful to choose trusted well qualified companies, a third-party may not be needed. Nevertheless, it is vital to choose trusted team players who have your best interests at heart. This will greatly impact the success of your project.
