Services: Design Build

The cost savings on a project can be achieved by the Architect and Contractor working together as a single team throughout all phases of the projects design and construction. By communicating design information as a team, alternative building materials, building constructability and value engineering options can be analyzed continuously throughout the design phases for the project. The Contractor can also thoroughly review the drawings and identify drawing coordination issues that could lead to potential change orders. In addition, the Contractor can provide the owner with anticipated building construction costs at specified milestone dates throughout the design phase. This cost information will allow the owner to make design decisions based on potential construction cost implications that may otherwise not be known until the bidding phase of the project.

Additional project cost savings occur because the Architects design fees can be lowered due to a reduced scope of work on a project. Generally 30% of the Architects design fees are allotted for Bidding and Construction Administration Phases of a project. In a Design-Build partnership, the Architect has a reduced role in these design phases because the scopes of work will be coordinated by the Contractor. Thus, the Architect’s design fees can usually be lowered by approximately 20 to 25% because of their reduced scope of work in these design phases.