Construction & Contractors Blog
The design-build process has come gone from a fringe method to one of the more popular methods for constructing a building. That said, many people are not that familiar with the design-build process.
1. Changes the Traditional Process
In the traditional construction approach, when one wants to build something, they hire an architect to create the space designs. Then, they take those designs and allow contractors to bid on the designs, eventually choosing a builder to bring those designs to life. This is called the design-bid-build model. With this approach, the design and building team are two separate teams, who work on the project at different phases, and are not connected to one another.
With the design-build process, an architect and builder are chosen at the same time for the project. The architect and the builder work together throughout the entire process. This process is designed to cut down on poor communication between the design and build team and create a process where both sides are working together towards a common goal.
2. Trust Is Vital
With the design-build process, which is considered an integrated project delivery (IPD), both the designer and the builder need to trust one another. It is one of the number one traits that is required for this type of project to be a success.
Both teams need to trust one another to work together, meet deadlines, and stay on track. They need to trust each other to do their best work. That is why it is important to establish clear deadlines and parameters for working together so that the trust-building process can start right away. That is also why it is helpful to find an architect team and a building team with experience working together and trust built from working on multiple jobs together.
3. Connecting Data Is Vital
With a design-build process, there are going to be two separate teams that need to share information. That is why it is important to use tools that allow for a central database where information can be shared and easily accessible by both teams.
Building a way to connect and share data between teams can help improve the overall design and building process, allowing information from the planning teams to get directly into the on-site teams' hands.
It is also useful to use collaborative design tools that will allow both teams to share feedback with each other easily and even involve the owner in exchanging information.
The design-build process has become increasingly popular, as it allows for collaboration between the design team, the building team, and the owner, creating a more seamless building process. In this process, trust and sharing are vital to success.
Share13 April 2021
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
