One of the fastest growing architectural project delivery methods is the Design-Build method. But what is Design-Build, and how is it structured?

1. Design-Build Defined, and the Top Three
Team Structures
07/10/19
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Architectural project delivery methods include Design-Bid-Build,
Design-Build, Construction Management, and Partnering,
but which method is right for your project?
Design-Build is one of the fastest growing architectural project delivery
methods.
There are four typical types of project delivery in the design and construction
field: Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), Construction Management
(CM), and Partnering (P).
While Design-Bid-Build is still the traditional method, the Design-Build (DB)
project delivery method is probaly the fastest growing of the four
methodologies.
WHAT IS DESIGN-BUILD, AND HOW IS IT STRUCTURED?
Design-Build is essentially design and construction combined in one contract.
Typically, the project Owner will employ a Builder/Contractor, and the Builder
will contract an Architect.
A Design-Build team can be structured in many ways, but the top 3 ways to
organize a Design-Build team are:
Single Organization
One Design-Build firm with architects, engineers and builders all employed
within a single organization.
Builder Prime
Most firms are organized with a Builder or Contractor as the
Design-Build entity, and architects and engineers are hired as subcontractors.
The Builder Prime structure is generally the most typical arrangement for
Design-Build project delivery.
In this type of contract, the Architect’s contract is with the Builder, not the
Owner. In this way, the Architect is no longer an impartial advisor to the
Owner, and will not be in a position to judge the Builder’s performance. This
is an important distinction to make between the traditional Design-Bid-Build
project delivery and Design-Build project delivery.
Designer Prime
It is possible, but not common, for the Designer/Architect to be the prime
Design-Build entity, and the Builder to be subcontracted directly through the
Architect.
FIRM STATS
AT-A-GLANCE
11 PERSONNEL
6 LICENSED ARCHITECTS
3 LEED ACCREDITED PROS
+ CONSULTANT SERVICES
SUSTAINED RECORD
OF
EXCELLENCE
- AIA: Award of Special
Citation,
Institutional/Commercial;
Fostering Emerging
Profesionals Recognition;
Architectural Design Award
for Merit (Eastern chapter)
-Architects & Engineers:
Presidential Award of
Excellence, Innovative
Energy Efficient Design
- Associated Builders &
Contractors: Award of
Excellence
- Central PA: Forevergreen
Award, Suburban Renewal
School of the Year
- Masonry Contractors of
Central PA: Excellence in
Masonry Design; Judges
Award for Craftsmanship
T (610) 376-4927
MG-Architects.com
Muhlenberg Greene Architects Ltd.
955 Berkshire Blvd, Ste 101, Wyomissing, PA 19610-1278

2. To further clarify, in a Design-Build arrangement, the Design-Build entity warrants to the Owner that it will
produce construction documents that are free from error, thereby assuming the risk.
This is contrary to the traditional Design-Bid-Build arrangement, where the Owner warrants to the Builder that the
construction documents, produced by their contracted design firm, are complete and free from error, thereby
assuming the risk.
As with any of the project delivery methods, there are advantages and disadvantages to Design-Build
contracts, and it is up to the Owner to decide if it is right for their project. For more information on the
mechanics of project types, download our white papers, The Five Key Issues to Consider Before Embarking on a
Design-Build Project and The Traditional Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build.
LEFT: An image of one of our renderings, from a Design-Build project. RIGHT: Final project photo.
T (610) 376-4927
MG-Architects.com
Muhlenberg Greene Architects Ltd.
955 Berkshire Blvd, Ste 101, Wyomissing, PA 19610-1278
MUHLENBERG GREENE ARCHITECTS
Based in Berks County, Pennsylvania, our firm has been committed to a better built environment for over a
century. To review a sample portfolio of our completed projects, and rich history, please visit our website listed
below.
Have an upcoming project and need some advice?
We’d love to hear from you! Send an email to MGA@MG-Architects.com or give us a call to discuss your
upcoming project.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dennis W. Rex, AIA, NCARB, Principal, serves as the firm’s chief administrative
officer. He brings over thirty-five years of architectural experience in the planning,
design and rehabilitation of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial
buildings.
Project experience includes both foreign and domestic research laboratories,
transportation facilities, educational buildings, maintenance facilities,
manufacturing structures, office complexes, medical facilities, housing, and, most
recently, places of worship. Dennis is involved in all phases of projects from
programming through construction administration.
Dennis W. Rex, AIA, NCARB
Prinicpal