What is Design + Build?
Design/build is a method of delivering a project in which both planning and construction services are contracted by a single entity. Design/build relies on a single point of responsibility and is used to minimize risks for the project owner and to reduce the delivery schedule by overlapping the design phase and construction phase of a project.
The “traditional” approach for construction projects consists of the appointment of a designer on one side, and the appointment of a contractor on the other side. The design/build procurement route changes the “traditional” sequence of work in an attempt to reduce risks and overall costs.
In fact, design/build is sometimes compared to the “master builder” approach, one of the oldest forms of construction procedure. According to the “Design-build Contracting Handbook”:
“…from a historical perspective the so-called traditional approach is actually a very recent concept, only being in use approximately 150 years. In contrast, the design-build concept–also known as the “master builder” concept—has been reported as being in use for over four millennia.”