Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the design-build method.

1. Top 5 Considerations for Design-Build Projects
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?
Before embarking on a Design-Build project, here are five key issues,
and the advantages and disadvantages, Owners should explore.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Design-Build projects have single-source accountability, meaning there is a
single point of contact for the Owner, and a concentration of responsibility.
The Owner deals with the Design-Builder entity (typically a contractor), instead
of separately hiring, and managing, Architects and Contractors. Because of
this, the Design-Builder assumes the risk, instead of the Owner.
In this type of contract, the Architect is no longer the Owner’s independent
consultant, and is now directly working for the Contractor. The loss of the
Architect’s input and judgment may expose the Owner to control problems. If
the Owner is used to having the Design Professional act as an agent, they will
have to employ another entity to take that responsibility.
In a traditional Design-Bid-Build contract, there are Checks and Balances inher-
ent. Both sides keep each other in-check and honest. With Design-Build, pe-
cially where the Design-Build team members are from one firm, there is no one
that the design-build entity is held accountable to, besides the Owner. This
gives the Owner a greater responsibility and management role in the contract.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT
Since all Design-Build team members are involved in the project from the
outset, the budget can be discussed through the design phase, instead of
waiting until bids come in. This helps to keep the project within a realistic
budget, and avoid surprises and unexpected value engineering.
A cost-effective design is easy to obtain because the Architect has access to
construction pricing and information throughout the design phase.
Communicating cost implications of design decisions ensures that the Owner
plays a key role in arriving at the final project price. Once the scope of work
has been finalized, the project costs are clearly defined and controlled by the
design-build team.
The cost control is shifted to the Design-Build entity, and frequently the project
design will gravitate towards the most profitable technologies for the Builder.
Naturally, if the Builder is leading the project, the design decisions will be
directed toward the most beneficial solutions for the Builder, instead of
focusing on the most beneficial solutions for the Owner.
Design-Build projects are not bid out to the lowest Contractor, and because of
the lack of competition, can have higher construction costs. Bidding projects
can often keep construction costs competitive.
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. COMMUNICATION
In a Design-Build project, relationships are built between the team members during the design phase, ensuring
that the stage is set for a successful construction project. All team members are involved from the beginning,
and communication between the Builders and Design Professionals ensures that potential problems are
discovered before construction starts.
In a successful Design-Build project, the relationship between the Design Professional and the Builder is an
alliance that fosters collaboration and teamwork. This relationship also benefits both the Builder and the Design
Professional, in that they support each other’s marketing and business efforts.
There is a risk for an unequal relationship between the Designer and the Builder, in which the project lead does
not understand, trust or value the role and expertise of the subcontractor(s).
SCHEDULING
Design-Build projects can usually be completed in a shorter timeframe because bid time is reduced, and
scheduling can begin before the design is finalized. Potential construction problems are usually uncovered
early and enhanced team communication can keep the project moving.
Traditional Design-Bid-Build projects must be phased so that each responsibility is completed before the next
can begin. Design-Build projects can potentially overlap these features; the subcontractor bidding period can
be simultaneous with the production of construction documents, and construction can even begin before the
drawings are complete. An experienced Design-Build team can save time with simpler construction
documents and a streamlined change order process.
QUALITY CONTROL
Team collaboration from the beginning of the project helps to remove ambiguity that may arise in construction
documents. Since the project team should be effectively communicating throughout the design process, the
construction documents are developed with input from all team members.
In a Design-Build contract, the Contractor is the Owner’s representative, and therefore the change order risk is
shifted to the party best able to control changes. The Builder is also able to correct the changes more quickly,
without first having to determine the responsible party.
Since the Owner does not have separate contracts with the Designer and the Builder, they also do not have a
system of checks and balances, as mentioned before. It may be necessary for the Owner to hire an
independent consultant to manage problems and hold all team members accountable.
T (610) 376-4927
MG-Architects.com
Muhlenberg Greene Architects Ltd.
955 Berkshire Blvd, Ste 101, Wyomissing, PA 19610-1278
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.
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.
Dennis W. Rex, AIA, NCARB
Prinicpal