Design-Build (DB)
- Integrated process: overlapped design and construction – typically fast-tracked.
- Two prime players: owner and design-build entity.
- One contract – owner to design-builder with single point of responsibility.
- Entity can take on many forms including:
- Integrated design-build firm;
- Contractor led;
- Designer led;
- Joint venture; or
- Developer led.
- The design-builder is responsible to design and construct the project to meet the performance standards set forth by the owner in the contract.
- With respect to any prescriptive designs or specifications, the design-builder is responsible for discovering any inconsistency between the prescriptive requirements and the performance standards and the owner remains responsible for the cost to reconciling the inconsistent standards
Key Considerations
- Cost efficiencies can be achieved since the contractor and designer are working together throughout the entire process:
- Fewer changes, fewer claims, and less litigation.
- Earlier knowledge of firm costs.
- Change orders typically limited to owner changes.
- DB can deliver a project more quickly than conventional DBB or CMR.
- Owner can, and should, specify performance requirements in lieu of prescriptive specifications.
- Ability to enhance project coordination.
- Ability to reduce project claims.
- DB team qualifications are essential for project success; owner must be willing to place a heavy emphasis on the qualifications portion of the selection process.
- Owner must be willing to allow the DB team to handle the design details.
- Owner’s entire team must make the “mental shift” to a different way to deliver their project