Why is Design-Build the Right Choice for Automotive Projects?
March 19th, 2021
(Fremont, NH) The automotive industry moves fast...and so do its dealers. Customers expect fast service. They expect a fast vehicle purchase, and they expect a high-end experience. The industry operates with consistency and it prides itself in offering a certainty of outcome to its clients - one that is delivered quickly and clearly. It associates itself with excitement…movement…steel and chrome…rubber on the road.
The AEC industry has historically moved much slower and presents a level of complexity that most do not have the patience or time to deal with on a daily basis. A traditional design-bid-build process presents long meetings, long design timelines, long bid timelines, late-night hearings, disagreements among project participants, drawn-out explanations…the list goes on. The concept of “time” is branded into the process, and the flesh burns bright…
The automotive world does not have the patience. Period.
This paradox in industry standards has made for a historically uncomfortable process from start to finish. The architect wants to slow down and talk connection details. The dealer wants to focus on growth and revenue to support the build. The design is stamped for permit before it’s critiqued for value, constructability, or coordination with fixed operations. The contractor enters the picture too late to inform the design in a meaningful way. Conflict arises…and the dealer finds themselves stuck between parties, mediating a situation that’s foreign to them.
This all poses the question; how does one industry catch up with the other? How can we create a design and a construction experience that works within the automotive space? How do we help make sense of this process for a dealer/operator? How do we make this experience engaging to someone who has historically considered it a means to an end?
The answer is simple – by changing the way a project is delivered. By combining project teams through Design-Build.
But what is “Design-Build”? Design-Build is a project delivery method that focuses on reinforcing teamwork. It re-structures the project disciplines and creates a unified point of contact. Under this format, the “Design-Builder” is responsible for fulfilling every aspect of the project — from schematic design through warranty and everything in-between. Design-Build places all project development obligations under one roof and focuses on establishing a simplified chain of command, with a team who works together on a routine basis and is motivated to support one another. A qualified Design-Builder presents consistency and regiment. A qualified Design-Builder offers a certainty of outcome with full transparency.
This integrated model typically presents better value and always presents an expedited project timeline…all while allowing the dealer to focus on running their business.
At Jewett Construction, we have delivered hundreds of automotive projects under this delivery model. We find that it requires much less active management from our clients and offers a more engaging experience by allowing them to focus on the high points. Year after year, we have put the needs of our clients first and have built our reputation on honesty, accountability, safety, and hard work. We take a personal interest in each project and work diligently to build your project your way.
We have the necessary skills to complete your project delivery quicker, more efficiently, and more cost-effectively, all while you remain focused on running your business. We achieve this through Design-Build.