Design/Build…A Construction Method that Saves Time and Money

The essential advantage of Design/Build for your project is that the Architect/Engineer and Contractor are on the same team from the beginning of the project through completion. This isn’t the case in Design/Bid/Build projects where the Architect/Engineer and Contractor are joined AFTER award of the project to the (typically) lowest and most responsible bidder.

When working in Florida I had the opportunity to be part of several Design/Build teams. In my experience there, I found that when a Design/Build team is assembled correctly and in accordance with state laws, it can save the owner of the project both time and money.

In order for the team to function properly, the team has to be built on trust amongst its members and the owner. That shouldn’t be a problem here in Central New York as our office works with several very good contractors in the Utica/Rome area who are good candidates for a Design/Build project.

Some of the benefits of the Design/Build team are:

• Accurate cost estimates during the design phase.
• The ability for the team to solve construction problems prior to “putting the hammer to the nail.”
• Obtaining long-lead time materials early-on.
• Providing an accurate construction schedule.

The long lead-time on materials and accurate construction schedules are especially advantageous here in Central New York. Being able to order materials that often take 10-12 weeks to manufacturer and deliver during the design phase can shorten the construction schedule. Because our construction season is relatively short, this can be the difference between completing the project in one or, more expensively, in two construction seasons.

When we enter into a Design/Build Agreement, our office and the contractor hold separate contracts with the Owner. This provides for a good contractual separation between the two entities even though we are part of the same team.

In our next post, we’ll discuss what you should know about Design/Build to avoid any legal pitfalls in forming a team that complies with New York State law.

Call us to learn more about Design/Build or any other questions you might have about your project. We’re at 315.737.4416.

Dan Berkhoudt, Architect
Tom Davis, Engineer

Click here for more info from the American Institute of Architects: www.aia.org.