What is Design/Build?

You see this on the side of contractor’s trucks, what does

Design/Build mean? Design/Build is a coordinated design costing process managed by a construction professional that has the capacity and the knowledge to establish project documentation on cost value basis in a presentation format to the project owner for design consideration and approval.

The construction professional has a coordinated relationship with a design professional or has a design professional in his employ. Some construction professionals have design capabilities. With the advent of computers and software construction professionals can accomplish design and redesigns of existing buildings. Just because you have a computer, software or a pencil doesn’t make you a designer.

Designing and redesigning buildings is a discipline that employs livable functions, architectural principals and livable space planning that result into architectural aesthetics and balance?

Normally the project owner receives an understanding of efforts that are undertaken to achieve valued design documentation. Design directives are usually formatted from a grocery list, or wish list of owner considerations.

It is the responsibility of the coordinating professional to establish design directives with approvals on a systematic basis (we need to go forward and get some were). The owner (usually the project owner or a subordinate) is looking for cost. Hey, I just need an estimate! The owner doesn’t want to be bogged down with decisions and is focused on cost. The design coordinator usually is trying to define the work with the understanding of code compliance, engineering, design approvals, specifications, and established scope of work. The owner of the project might not be necessarily savvy to the approval and document processes. The coordinating professional needs to read the project owners directives and objectives. Sometimes the owner vacillates on specifics and has unplanned objectives. The experienced coordinator prepares an outline of design/costing sequences. Hey, have I got a price for you! What price would you like?

I have often said.  ”Cost should only be based on specifics.” Mr. Owner, what is it that you want? The owner needs something tangible between himself and the contractor, otherwise it is best to give range costing.

I am getting bids, bids on what? I am getting bids from three contractors. Based on what?

There are two ways to go. Either design/build, or provide bid documents, period. Some contractor’s throw out numbers. How about $43,576.80? How about $42,600.00? The contractor will just leave something out.

Have I got a price for you!

The design costing process should be paid for on an exclusive basis by written agreement. The agreement should establish elementary wish list of design directives. The directives from the owner should be accomplished to a certain level, established and approved to have cost ranges and budgets accepted by the owner. Remember, every project is different; every process is unique and different. Every owner processes information differently.

Beware of indecisive owners who throughout complex specifics without thought or contemplations.

After design concepts are approved, and budgets are accepted, further definition and approvals should be accomplished.  Construction professionals should sell documentation not construction pricing.

Failures in this process result in contractual issues that haven’t been defined! Changes and extra’s with additional time result in undocumented planning!

This is not a Television Show!!!!!!!!!!

Lazy simple minded people should not attempt remodeling and building endeavors. Planning is paramount to a successful project. You don’t walk around a building and make design decide ions. Design decide ions are made from plans formatted of existing buildings or from site conditions established by licensed surveyors. Sometimes you need both. Some design professional fail to properly document existing conditions thoroughly.  You have to document what you got before you can redesign existing buildings. The designer is responsible for implementing the owners design objectives, building codes requirements and other regulations like zoning and density requirements.