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Top 8 Reasons to Choose Design-Build for Your Next Construction Project
7/26/24 | By: Lorianne Smith, AIA, NCARB, Director of Architecture

In the conventional project delivery model, the blame game often takes center stage when mistakes or challenges arise, presenting a frustrating reality for stakeholders.  From contractors disputing budget overruns to designers justifying deviations from owner expectations, navigating traditional project delivery can be daunting.

Fortunately, there's a better alternative: design-build delivery.  This innovative approach offers a unified and comprehensive strategy under one accountable entity.

But what advantages does design-build offer? Can this widely adopted methodology minimize the Owner’s risk and efficiently produce a project that meets the Owner’s objectives, budget, and schedule?

Let's delve into the 8 advantages of design-build delivery and uncover its potential to streamline processes and optimize project outcomes.

1. Team Collaboration: Maximizing the Design-Build Advantage

Design-build delivery fosters a collaborative mindset, where designers, estimators and constructors operate as a unified team. From day one designers, estimators and constructors work together to identify, design, engineer and review the most cost effective and tailored solutions to each design challenge.  At Jewett, we have in-house experts on cost and current availability of materials working in concert with the design team.  This ensures that decisions affecting the project are made with the most current and timely information.  Projects are reviewed before issue by the construction team who will be building the project.  By working together seamlessly, the entire design-build team ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and technically correct.

2. Comprehensive Accountability: Harnessing Single-Source Responsibility

With design-build, the firm takes full accountability for the project's entirety, from the caliber of the design documents to cost control to construction quality.  The monetary risk due to incomplete, incorrect or uncoordinated construction documents is held by the design-builder, insulating the Owner from any additional costs incurred.  Conversely, the design team is also responsible for the success of the construction project.  Teamwork and shared outcome drive the team toward cooperation and collaboration instead of finger pointing and avoidance when issues arise.

3. Project Continuity: Seamless Oversight from Start to Finish

Design-build offers continuity throughout the project, from initial concept to completion. With a single integrated team overseeing both design and construction, communication remains clear and efficient, simplifying the process for owners. 

4. Integrated Expertise: Proficient Design Teams with Proven Track Records

Design-build firms like Jewett boast in-house teams with deep expertise in both design and construction. Their expanded experience and involvement in each project enables effective problem-solving and informed decision-making, leading to better project outcomes.

5. Trusted Guidance: Partners as Reliable Advisors

Jewett Construction serves as a trusted advisor, guiding owners through every stage and detail of the project.   We assist and advise on geotechnical and civil engineering team selection, site selection, site analysis and permitting.  We manage communication with utilities, state and local authorities and whatever else comes up.  This commitment enables Owners, for whom construction may not be second nature, to concentrate more on their goals for the design and for the project in general.

6. Transparent Communication: Building Trust through Open Dialogue

Transparent communication is integral to the design-build process.  Costs based on current market conditions are communicated to the Owner at every stage of design, so that informed decisions can be made along the way to keep the project on budget.  This avoids disruptive re-design late in the process.

7. Efficient Timelines: Streamlining Processes for Time Savings

Design-build streamlines project schedules by coordinating timelines effectively and addressing issues promptly, leading to faster and more cost-effective results. 

8. Cost-Efficient Solutions: Maximizing Value without Compromise

The design-to-budget approach of design-build ensures essential design elements are identified upfront, preventing costly changes downstream. This, coupled with parallel schedules and efficient responses to scope changes, results in significant cost savings for owners.

Choosing design-build for your next construction project offers numerous benefits, including enhanced teamwork, accountability, and cost-efficiency. With its collaborative approach and focus on owner satisfaction, design-build stands out as a superior choice in the construction industry.

*Jewett Construction through its licensed division Jewett Design LLC (“Jewett”) provides architectural services.

**Lorianne Smith is a licensed Architect, including licensure in the State of Maine.

For more information, visit us at: jewettconstruction.com

Lorianne Smith, AIA, NCARB
Director of Architecture

About the Author:  With over 30 years of experience in architecture, Lorianne Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her projects. Her career spans a variety of industries, with specialized experience in designing Senior Living, Automotive, Multi-Family, and Educational Facilities. In her free time, Lorianne enjoys tending to her prized flower garden, spending time with her four dogs, and cherishing moments with her family.

Jewett Construction through its licensed division Jewett Design LLC. (“Jewett”) provides architectural services.