Design-build is a project delivery system used in the construction industry. It is a method to deliver a project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity or company, known as the design–builder or design–build contractor.

In contrast to “design–bid–build”, design–build relies on a single point of responsibility contract 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.

DB, with its single point responsibility, carries the clearest contractual remedies for the clients because the DB contractor will be responsible for ALL of the work on the project, regardless of the nature of the fault.

The old and 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. It answers the client’s wishes for a single point of responsibility in an attempt to reduce risks and overall costs. It is now commonly used in many countries and forms of contracts are widely available.

• Design-Build saves time and money through innovations and collaborations
• Design-Build is the best performing delivery system for both schedule and cost
• Design-Build delivers projects successfully
• Design-Build builds long lasting relationships

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT DELIVERY

Traditional Project Delivery 

The Owner must manage two separate contracts which all-too-often creates an adversarial relationship between the designer and the contractor. If something goes wrong or an unforeseen circumstance requires changes, the designer and contractor blame one another for the cost overruns or schedule changes, often leading to litigation and delays which add to the project cost.

Design-Build Project Delivery

The Owner manages only one contract with a single point of responsibility. The designer and contractor work together from the beginning, as a team, providing unified project recommendations to fit the Owner’s schedule and budget. Any changes are addressed by the entire team, leading to collaborative problem-solving and innovation, not excuses or blame-shifting. While single-source contracting is the fundamental difference between design-build and the old ways, equally important is the culture of collaboration inherent in design-build.

References:

Definition of Design-Build 

What is Design-Build