Design-Build
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Contents |
Abstract
Design-Build is a project delivery system, mainly used in the construction industry. The method utilizes single source responsibility which differs from the more traditional dual or triple source responsibility format used in Design-Bid-Build. The responsibility is defined by contracts, where the contract in the Design-Build project binds the architect and the contractor under one contract with the project owner. One of the key reasons for doing so is to create a shared responsibility between the architect and the contractor, and thereby involve the architect in the construction phase, and the contractor in the design phase.
Design-Build projects can be further divided into two types; Architect-led Design-Build projects and Contractor-led Design-Build projects. In these cases the Design-Build entity is led either by the architect or the contractor, which affect the management structure and responsibilities in several ways with different pros and cons.
A project delivery system such as Design-Build is essential to project management in construction projects, and especially ties into project procurement management, where a clear definition of the project delivery method is needed. The defining of a project delivery method is a critical deliverable of the procurement strategy as it is defined in the PMI standards for project management. The procurement strategy should define a project delivery method, the contract payment types, and the procurement phases.
Design-Build as delivery method in construction projects enables the initiation of early on site construction, because the method facilitates overlap in the design and construction phases. Furthermore, the owner is able to minimize risks by assigning one contract to the Design-Build entity, however the owner must be willing to hand over some of the control and responsibility for design details. Technically complex projects can also benefit by integrating the contractor's expertise in the early design and development phases.
[1].
Choosing the right project delivery method
Before choosing a project delivery method is is important that the owner of the project is aware of the different methods that are available, and thoroughly understand for which project types each method is the most applicable, as well as pros and cons for each method. Some of the most commonly used methods used in construction projects are listed below[2]. The description are only of the most simple version, and hence the delivery methods are not extensively elaborated upon in this article.
| Method | Description |
| Design-Bid-Build (traditional) | The most traditional and widely used method. First an architect is chosen by the owner who then designs the project. Then the bidding phase begins where contractors bid on the project (usually the lowest bid wins). The final phase is the construction of the project, executed by the chosen contractor. The owner signs separate contracts with respectively the architect and the contractor. |
| Design-Build | Method gaining popularity in the construction sector over the past years. The owner creates only one contract with a Design-Build entity containing both architect and contractor. The Design-Build entity must then meet the requirements of the contract, which demands extensive collaboration between the architect and the designer. The method facilitates the design-phase and the build-phase to overlap, and thus increase delivery speed. |
| Construction Management at Risk | This method lies in between Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build. The owner creates a contract with an architect who starts designing the project. Ones the Design is 30 to 60 percent finished, the owner signs a contract with a construction manager who enters collaboration with the architect, creating a smaller overlap between design-phase and construction-phase. The construction manager acts as a consultant to the owner, and bears the risk of meeting deadlines and budget of the project. |
| Multi-Prime | Multi-Prime divides the project into the phases of design, engineering and construction. The owner sign contracts with specialist within each phase of the project, resulting in several contracts won by eg. lowest bid. This results in a theoretical very low cost, but also a total cost which is not known before project concludes. This method requires a highly experienced owner in order to manage the complexity and contain controll over many contracts. |
| Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) | Up and coming method for project delivery in construction, building on the principles of Design-Build. The owner signs a contract with the architect and contractor, and potentially even more members. All members of the agreement are then integrated into all phases of the project, from design to delivery, encouraged to collaborate to an extend where talents and insights of all participants are harnessed to reach the common goals of the project[3]. |
The project owner should consider several aspects before deciding which delivery method should be used. Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has developed a document which acts as a guide for projects owners concerning this specific decision process. The main aspects of consideration include owner control, owner relationships, project budget, project schedule and owner risk. Link to the document can be found in the Annotated Bibliography [4].
Why choose Design-Build
To be written... [5].
Some of the pros of design build are presented below. [6].
Pros:
- One liable party: Because of single source responsibility managed by one contract, conflicts are easier to locate and resolve. The Design-Build entity are more motivated to resolve internal conflicts, instead of pointing fingers.
- Efficiency: Also related to the single source responsibility, improving communication efficiency as there are fewer external parties involved in the project. Project time can also be reduced due to the overlapping of design and construction phase.
- Collaboration: Collaborative synergies across expertises are more likely to be harvested, improving efficiency and reducing conflicts.
- Project costs: Especially related to the reduced project time of initiating the building phase befor the design phase is finalized. This can potentially also reduce costs by including construction expertise in the design phase to discover and discuss elements that might affect the building phase.
- Direct payment: Since the Design-Build entity keeps all payments and requests and approvals under one roof, this should be expected to perform more consistently, create fewer conflicts, and increase efficiency.
Management Structures
When describing project delivery methods in the construction sector, a few roles reappear across the different methodologies. The Design-Build methodology, like many other delivery methods, consists of owner, architect and contractor, but furthermore defines the 'role' of the Design-Build entity. This entity always consists of an architect and/or engineer as the designer, and a contractor as the builder. However the management structure of the Design-Build may vary, and is usually defined in one of the following ways [6]
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