Throughout history, construction projects have been managed in a way known as “design-bid-build.” This method has been the go-to for just about every project ever. The design and construction phases are kept separate. First, the client hires a designer to create plans, after they put the construction work out for bid. They choose a general contractor that can build based off those designs.
Sure, this approach works fine. But because design and construction are so separated, it often creates disconnects and misunderstandings. Miscommunication, inefficiency, long timelines, increased costs (and cost risks), and costly change orders from incomplete designs are all problems that could arise with design-bid-build.
However, the industry is changing. Design-build is on the rise and it’s quickly becoming the new standard in project execution. If you’ve had any frustrations with traditional construction methods before – don’t worry anymore! Design-build solves all those concerns while offering an easier process (for everyone involved!) By uniting design and construction under one company or entity, it simplifies things for owners – ensuring your projects get done on time and within budget.
So, let’s get into this new world of design building: What makes it so great? We’ll start by looking at some of its advantages like faster project times due to overlapping phases; improved cost predictability by allowing contractors to provide input early on in planning; more innovation by aligning architects’ goals with builders’ goals; plus, many more features that make this model way better than traditional methods!
The Rise of Design-Build Project Delivery
The design-build project delivery model came to be as a response to these challenges. In these projects, the design and construction are handled by one entity: the design-build firm. This team starts working together from day one, aligning the design and construction processes to reach higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
It also has faster project timelines, cost predictability so no surprise fees at the last minute! increased flexibility, and a single point of responsibility (so if something does go away only one person is going down for it!).
Growing Adoption Across Sectors
As more people recognize the many benefits of design-build project services, more people are using it for their construction needs. A recent industry report found that almost 50% of all construction projects in the US are now carried out through design-build.
One group that has fully embraced design-build is those in commercial and industrial construction. Design build project services have seen a surge in popularity for office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, and other industrial sites. The ability to work collaboratively and streamline projects is something corporations love about this process.
The residential market has also grown an affinity for these services when it comes to custom homes and large developments. Integrating the designing and building processes allows homeowners complete control over their home while having a seamless experience.
Public use of design build project services has also been on the rise. Over time government agencies have started using these services for public infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water treatment plants etc. This method’s cost predictability and single point of responsibility make it perfect for big projects like these.
Expanding Capabilities of Design-Build Firms
Design-build has come a long way. This method isn’t just a simple solution. It’s not something people use to get the job done and that’s it. No, by design this is a very comprehensive system full of services and capabilities.
The leading companies in the field have had so much experience they know what their clients want before they ask them for it. They’ve expanded their skillset and now offer planning, engineering, construction management, maintenance and even on-going support after everything’s said and done.
This approach makes everything easier for everyone involved. From the conception of an idea all the way to end delivery (and even after), Design-build is there every step of the way.
Specialized Design-Build Firms Emerge
Project services have always been around, but their surge in design-build projects has made it clear that specialized project firms are the future. There are companies who only deal with healthcare facilities while others focus on education campuses and high-tech manufacturing plants. These niche companies become experts in their fields and therefore offer clients that much more knowledge.
Technological Advancements Driving Innovation
As the construction industry continues to grow and change, so will design-build project services. There are plenty of factors that will contribute to its ongoing growth such as increasing complexity of construction projects, faster project delivery requirements, and a demand for cost predictability.
On top of those things, technology is playing a huge role in the evolution of design-build. Building information modeling (BIM) is a tool used by firms to collaborate and coordinate between teams. Prefabrication also suits these firms best because integrated teams can optimize off-site manufacturing.
The Continued Ascent of Design-Build
Design-build serves as a great model for project delivery, there’s no doubt about it. As the industry faces more challenges moving forward, this method offers clients an efficient way to get things done cheaper and better.
From commercial to industrial sectors all the way down to residential and public infrastructure — design build has proven itself time after time again. As capabilities expand and niche markets start being catered too you can expect this method to blow everyone out of the water in terms of efficiency.
With new technologies coming out everyday it only makes sense that our demand for fast-paced everything matches up with design-build’s abilities to supply them. The construction boom is here and doesn’t look like it’ll be going anywhere anytime soon; along with it comes this approach which undoubtedly remains at its forefront