We’re often asked about the advantages of a design-build company over the conventional system of hiring a designer/architect and then hiring a builder/general contractor to complete the project. It’s a great topic and we have put together eight reasons why the design-build system is so good.

1) Expertise: 

Design-build companies have experience in both fields. Our company has a unique business model where our Designers also operate as Project Managers. They have professional experience in residential and commercial designs and experience in both construction industries.  There is a tremendous advantage to working with designers that can think like builders and builders who can think like designers, but design-build is a commitment, something you dedicate yourself to for an entire career –not just when it’s convenient.

2) Continuity: 

A design-build firm is involved from start to finish, which adds an inherent efficiency. The chance for things to fall through the cracks is greatly diminished. Speaking of efficiency, let’s say a wall needed to move to open up the kitchen a bit more. The plans can be changed immediately and reviewed for approval. 

3) Everybody is on the same team:

We’re all in this together and we all have the same goal –to arrive at a successful project that meets or exceeds the client’s expectations for their project. When challenges are encountered on a project (and there are always challenges), pointing fingers is not an option, everyone rolls up their sleeves and works on solutions.

4) Total accountability:

One entity is accountable for everything –including how the end result looks, how much it costs and the timeline of completion. Unfortunately, we have had clients come to us with plans in hand asking how much it is going to cost to build only to find out that their designer/architect did not design a floor plan within their budget. When the same group that designs the project also builds the project, there tends to be much more attention given to pricing and scheduling in the design phase. The cost of everything is taken into account early on in the process; all fees, construction costs, utilities, landscaping allowances –everything.

5) Professional guides:

Design and construction shouldn’t be chaotic or stressful. Our design-build company guides our clients throughout the process to the best possible outcome. Design-build refines a system from beginning to end and manages the chaos into orderly steps. Our organized system will be discussed in a future blog.

6) Collaboration:

The design-build concept cuts out the chance of egos getting out of control when changes are made to the design. In design-build the client retains total control over the project and the team is there to empower them.

7) The best kind of communication is open, honest and often:

We are transparent because we want clients to understand the process and to know what’s going on. The best partnerships work, not because people say what everyone wants to hear, but because they say what everyone needsto hear. Through clear communication the budget is defined early on and it becomes the agreement for the entire project.

8) Time is of the essence:

Design and construction involves managing hundreds of timelines that need to coordinate with each other. Our design-build system creates opportunities for clients to sit with big decisions, ask questions, and consider their options. Anything the team can do to avoid taking steps backwards is going to lead to better, faster and more cost-effective results. The design-build system is highly adaptive and responsive in the field.