designbygg

Designbygg, or design-build, is a project delivery method in construction where a single contract covers both design and construction services. The owner contracts with one design-builder, which may be a dedicated design-build firm or a joint venture of designers and builders, to deliver a project from programming through construction. This arrangement places design and construction responsibilities under one entity, aiming to streamline communication and accountability.

In design-build, design and construction teams are integrated from early in the project, promoting collaboration and allowing design decisions to be informed by constructability and cost considerations. Scheduling is often fast-tracked, with design and construction activities overlapping to shorten the overall timeline. The owner typically works with the design-builder to establish performance requirements, budget, and milestone dates, while the design-builder assembles the design and construction teams and may provide pre-construction services such as cost estimation and scheduling.

Process: the owner selects a design-builder, who develops concept designs, then design development and construction documents, with input from engineers and subcontractors. Permit review, procurement, and construction follow, concluding with commissioning and handover. Changes are generally managed through the design-builder under a single contract.

Advantages include a single point of contact, potential for faster delivery and cost certainty, simplified change management, and clearer responsibility. Potential drawbacks include reduced owner direct control over design, dependence on the design-builder’s qualifications and integrity, and the risk that cost pressures could affect design quality if not properly managed.

Applications: design-build is widely used for commercial, institutional, and infrastructure projects, as well as renovations, where speed and integrated teams are advantageous. It often competes with design-bid-build and with construction management at risk (CMAR).