Design-Build is the term used in the construction industry when a company offers both engineering and building services with a common point of coordination. There is much benefit to working with a design-build (engineering + construction) firm instead of 2 companies that work separately and each is focused on their objectives, not necessarily the overall goal.

In the Design-Build model, the builder company has single-source and contractual risks for all phases of a building, from assessment, evaluation, and pre-construction to design, planning, engineering, subcontracting, and post-construction. The Design-Build company can manage all aspects of the project.

It’s important to note that not all Design-Build companies perform both engineering and construction services under one roof. Some subcontract the engineering or construction site, which is not a true Integrated Design-Build firm. Here at G. Batista Engineering & Construction, we perform both engineering and construction in-house.

 

For More Info, call Greg Batista’s office at (954) 434-2053. South Florida’s most recognized design-build professional.

With a Design-Build firm, owners only sign a contract with the builder. Another building option commonly used, building management and general contracting (also known as design-bid-build), owners negotiate with various architectural design and construction agencies. In this scenario, you can still run into issues where one hand is not talking to the other. The Design-Build model consolidates all the project components and architects and engineers work alongside other project team members. One of the issues with other building alternatives is, for example, the architectural design. It is often completed independently, which can often contribute to unexpected costs and delays during the building phase. Design-Build gives the project group an overview of this phase along with the many others that go into a construction project.

Generally, with a Design-Build firm, the final outcome is better. The budget is adhered to and the plan is smooth. It ensures that organizational objectives are accomplished.

 

The Design-Build System

There are 5 key phases of the design-construction process:

1. Choose a Design-Builder

2. Building/Engineering Analysis

3. Architectural Design

4. Construction

5. Post Project

1. Choose a design-builder

When choosing a Design-Builder, you should carefully check all credentials, references, and experience. Make sure that the companies you evaluate are not outsourcing the engineering or construction which in a way, defeats the purpose of having one throat to choke, so to speak. Ask for a portfolio of work and make sure that the company was both the design and builder for the projects they present.

2. Building/Engineering Analysis

The pre-construction phase is critical. It involves business and financial analysis, where builders learn about the business, sector, priorities, vision, financial realities, and present and future needs of the project. Architects and engineers review the architectural, mechanical, and electrical structures and study existing floor structures, fire and smoke protocols, architectural details, and building components. Meanwhile, the design team collects essential details and auditors test the workplace on the ground for building.

3. Architectural Design

At this point, your development team has a good understanding of your business and financial concerns, project timeline, budget, worksite, and your facility’s architectural and technical needs.

Next, the development staff and project managers collaborate with the architectural team to value engineer cost savings into the design. This is where Design-Build varies from other building methods. Architects can be hired directly by the Design-Builder, or the Design-Builder can hire out expertise design to trusted architectural design associates. Architects work on the same staff, under the same deal, with the Design-Builder. And all main project team members work together to form a model that meets all demands. Engineers, architects, building professionals, and key contract workers, and suppliers can all bring value at the beginning of a project.

4. Construction

You will save time following architectural design since you do not have to pick a second contracting process. Your contractor will actually begin to plan the work site as the project advances, and installation components will commence during the design stage.

Your development team will produce a successful construction that allows ambitious schedules through overlapping construction and design. You will also have a building staff, specialist subcontractors, product suppliers, and the same quality requirements as for other approaches. But the work is done quicker, with proper oversight clearly defined.

5. Post Project

Your architect can have a post-construction handoff after your new or renovated facility has been completed. This also includes passages, video tutorials, hands-on training for owners, facility managers, and facilities team leaders, and essential reports.

Design-Build advantages

  • Fast Results

Design-Build provides many special advantages and benefits that other building methods don’t offer such as: quick delivery, a streamlined operation, better communication, and more.

Because design and construction occur simultaneously, design-build provides faster than normal delivery since this is a single selection process instead of multiple. This building method renders timelines that are otherwise difficult.

  • Project Alignment

Design-Build is reliable because everyone is aligned. There is a cooperation of teams and the owners that you often don’t see in other building options. The Design-Build model allows for single-source accountability that ensures that the contractor and architect make no contradictory suggestions. Instead, one party is entirely responsible for all building and construction components.

  • Greater Quality of Work

With a Design-Build firm, teams are constrained only by the correct thing to do. When proposals start negotiating, teams are able to evaluate them with total clarity, so that owners are confident that they have the right materials, venue, timing, design, and much more. This creative process allows owners the ability to see more choices, decide better, and get greater quality.

  • Open Communication

To produce an effective design-construction project, all team members need open cooperation. The formation of teams leads to a high degree of coordination and accountability, all of which are crucial if every project is to succeed. It enables owners to share their opinions with the team and to match stakeholders’ interests. The group approach offers a collective effort to assess the priorities and timetables of the project as it moves forward. As a team, no other community is better able to match the vision of the owner with the goals of the project.

Design-Build is just simpler. All members of the team remain on the same page and they all work under one agreement. This building option is suitable for the most challenging tasks, simplifying them to improve the efficiency of the owners, to minimize claims, and to obtain a liability-free building.

NEED DESIGN SERVICES?

We will visit with you on-site, listen to your concepts, examine the existing conditions and ask questions from a variety of viewpoints that often need to be considered in similar projects.

For More Info, call Greg Batista’s office at (954) 434-2053. South Florida’s most recognized design-build professional.