What is design and build? How does it work and what are its advantages?

Design and build is an efficient approach to construction and design projects. It’s like having a one-stop-shop for your building dreams! In design and build, one entity, the designer/builder, manages both the design and construction phases. Picture it as a chef who not only creates the recipe but also cooks the meal. This approach streamlines communication, as you’re chatting with one team instead of dealing with multiple tradesmen. It often leads to quicker project completion, fewer misunderstandings, and can even be kinder to your wallet. Imagine your project as a puzzle in design and build, all the pieces come together more smoothly and hopefully with a bit of fun along the way instead of the usual stresses!

So, what is the usual route people looking to improve their home take?

In the classic bid-design/bid-build approach, the construction process is split into three parts. First, the project’s design is developed through collaboration between the owner and design team. Then, contractors bid on the project, assessing the design and costs and the final stage involves building, based on the selected bid. This traditional method can cause delays and communication issues as owners juggle separate contracts and act as intermediaries between designers and contractors. The process lacks flexibility with changes often requiring significant revisions. Owners find themselves overwhelmed, managing multiple contracts and unclear about addressing issues between designers and contractors.

The design-build approach revolutionises the traditional model. It brings together design and construction under one roof, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish. This model fosters a single point of responsibility, allowing swift responses to changes and better team coordination. It contrasts sharply with the conventional design-bid-build system, promoting transparency and understanding among team members, which leads to improved collaboration and communication.

It’s best to view this model as consisting of three separate phases. Although these three phases are also part of the traditional model, the system is more fluid as the phases overlap. It’s a critical distinguishing factor, for example, the design phase doesn’t need full completion before the construction phase starts. Also, the same team manages the three phases from start to finish, creating a smooth working process.

The preconstruction phase.

This phase is critical to the overall success of any design-build project. It starts from the conceptualisation and initial team selection by the project owner. After setting out the project’s vision, needs and budget, clients vet design and build companies based on experience and the set goals. The value engineering process the design and build model offers starts with this selection process as both parties learn about each other. The issues of cost, quality and delivery schedule all take essential priority.

After completing all initial assessments and having a work team in place, the next step in this phase is the architectural design. Designers work with construction experts to create a design that fits the owners’ requirements. The team then presents preliminary drawings, budget estimates and project schedules to the client and after doing all due diligence and establishing metrics of project deliverables, construction work can begin in earnest. There’s no need for additional bids or contracts as designers and contractors make up the same team.

Build phase of Design and Build

In the design and build model, the construction phase can start even while finalising the preconstruction details, which streamlines the process and cuts down on time and costs. Effective communication, established earlier, continues seamlessly throughout this phase.

The design and build model offers several advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: It enables precise budgeting from the start, addressing costs and potential issues early. This holistic approach ensures active engagement of all parties, facilitating better budget management.
• Single Responsibility: The model simplifies management by having one contractor responsible for all project phases, reducing the owner’s risk and providing a clear point of contact.
• Speed: Organised scheduling and streamlined management accelerate the project, allowing construction to begin sooner.
• Teamwork and Innovation: Encourages collaboration among professionals, fostering a more integrated approach and creative problem-solving.
• Quality: The unified team approach enhances project quality, with detailed attention to every aspect and adherence to best practices.

So, if you are planning a house build, a home extension or a loft conversion then design and build could definitely be for you. If you have initial ideas of what you are looking for then please get in touch with us at The Market Design and Build on 0203 715 5892 or contact us through our contact form here.