No one ever said designing a building was easy, but the Design/Build process makes it much simpler than ever before. In fact, it’s the fastest-growing construction method. Here’s why:

ONE-SOURCE RESPONSIBILITY

In the Design/Build process, one trusted source guides your project from beginning to end-from initial concept, to plans and financing, all the way through to occupancy. This Design/Build source can:

• Assess what you need in your building.
• Provide all architectural and engineering services.*
• Arrange financing.
• Find the ideal site.
• Arrange all necessary site testing.
• Handle all site plan and zoning issues.
• Secure and manage all subcontractors.
• Provide bonding to insure project completion.

Note that the Design/Build firm typically hires and directs your architectural firm, as well as all subcontractors. This arrangement leads to the time and cost savings that make this method so popular.

*When reference is made to the practice of architecture, professional engineering, or land surveying, such services will be performed by persons or firms appropriately registered or licensed under law.

FASTER TRACK, LOWER STRESS

On average, Design/Build projects are completed significantly faster than those built with traditional methods. Depending on the circumstances, the speed alone can drastically lower your costs and stress. Other stress-reducing factors include a more cooperative spirit among the construction team. Lines of responsibility and communication are clear. All parties work according to the same contract, so there’s less reason to haggle, fewer misunderstandings, and a greater level of teamwork than with other methods. As you might expect, such teamwork and clarity aid in keeping quality high.

WHAT ABOUT COST?

Final Design/Build costs tend to be competitive with those of similar, traditionally constructed buildings. Note that we said “final costs,” and not “bids.” The Design/Build method is likely to yield realistic cost projections, based on careful consideration of what risks are associated with the project. Hard-dollar, competitive bids, the kind that you get in traditional general contracting, aren’t quite so realistic. Sometimes they are nowhere near the actual, final project cost.

It is also worth noting, that in the Design/Build process, the architect works closely with the contractor and tends to design with cost in mind.

IS DESIGN/BUILD RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you are short on time and already have enough to worry about, the Design/Build method may be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you have time to manage the project and you are (a) experienced in supervising construction, (b) prefer a more hands-on arrangement, or (c) face a low-bid requirement, you may prefer the traditional General Contracting approach.

We also offer Construction Management services, which can offer you more control and responsibility, while maintaining the many advantages of a close owner/contractor relationship.