In today’s fast-paced business world, where time and resources are always in short supply, the design-build approach offers a compelling alternative to traditional construction project delivery methods. By combining design and construction services under one roof, design-build firms provide business owners with a simpler, more efficient, and more cost-effective way to bring their vision to life.

This article explores why the design-build method could be the best choice for your next commercial project.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRADITIONAL DESIGN-BID-BUILD APPROACH

The design-bid-build approach has historically been the standard in construction. It follows a
linear process in which the business owner (or project owner) first hires an architect to design the
project. Once the design is finalized, the owner solicits bids from general contractors, who then
submit their proposals based on the architect’s plans. After reviewing these bids, the owner
selects a contractor to carry out the construction.

At first glance, the design-bid-build model seems logical: you create a design, get competitive bids,
and then hire the contractor offering the best price or value. However, while it has been a go-to
method for decades, this approach can come with significant downsides, particularly for business
owners juggling multiple responsibilities and seeking a streamlined process.