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Until recently, adversarial relationships among architects, engineers, contractors and subcontractors characterized the design and construction industry. However, in recent years, collaboration, alternative delivery methods, and more progressive owner designer-contractor relationships–such as Design-Build – have improved these relationships.

Design-Build is a system of contracting under which one entity performs both design and construction for a client. In traditional contracting, a client commissions an architect or engineer to prepare drawings and specifications, and then separately selects a construction contractor or construction manager. In Design-Build, a single entity produces a product that meets the client’s needs.

 

Collaboration between designers and builders is the foundation of design-build. An atmosphere of trust and mutual confidence is created through this delivery method, offering the client the benefits of even greater design and construction integration and singular responsibility for the outcome and overall process.

 

Why Choose Design-Build?

 

According to the Design Build Institute of America, the Design-Build construction delivery method has grown approximately 40% over the past 15 years, which makes it one of the most significant trends in design and construction today.

When some people think about the Design-Build project delivery method, they think of using it for a new construction. However, Design-Build is not just reserved for these types of projects. Design-Build is an economically efficient option for projects involving existing roofs, walls, and/or pavement.

 

How Economically Efficient Is It?

 

The Construction Industry Institute and Pennsylvania State University studied real-world case studies of the Design-Build process and found some eye-opening statistics. The study evaluated the three project delivery methods– Design-Build, Construction Management and Design-Bid-Build – comparing total cost, schedule adherence and quality on 351 projects in six markets. The industry study concluded that Design-Build is the most economical and efficient project delivery method in the building and construction industry today. The findings of the construction study included:

 

• Unit cost – Design-Build costs at least 4.5% less than CM and 6% less than DBB

• Construction speed – Design-Build is constructed at least 7% faster than CM and 12% faster than DBB

• Delivery speed – Design-Build is delivered at least 23% faster than CM and 33% faster than DBB

• Quality – Design-Build exceeds quality expectations at all levels

 

If you have yet to accomplish your weatherproofing or structural restoration objectives for this year, there's good news; it's not too late! Contact StructureTec to discuss how our Design-Build delivery method can help you meet your facilities objectives yet this year.