Design Build Delivery Method: What It Is and Why It Matters

Are you looking for a way to improve your project outcomes? If so, you may want to consider the design build delivery method, a project delivery system that combines design and construction services under one contract. In this blog post, we will explain what the design build delivery method is, how it works, and why it matters. We will also show you how Ayres can help you with your design build project.

What Is the Design Build Delivery Method?

The design build delivery method is a project delivery system that involves a single entity, the design build team, that provides both design and construction services to the owner. The design build team can be composed of a design build contractor, a design build firm, or a joint venture between a designer and a builder. The design build team works closely with the owner from the beginning to the end of the project, and is responsible for delivering the project within the agreed budget, schedule, and quality standards.

How Does the Design Build Delivery Method Work?

The design build delivery method follows a simple and streamlined process that consists of five main phases: pre-design, design, construction, testing and commissioning, and post-construction. In each phase, the design build team and the owner collaborate and communicate effectively to ensure the smooth and successful completion of the project.

• Phase 1: Pre-design. In this phase, the owner defines the project scope, objectives, and requirements, and selects the design build team based on their qualifications, experience, and proposal. The design build team then develops a basis of design document and an owner’s project requirements document that outline the design criteria, code requirements, and performance expectations for the project.
• Phase 2: Design. In this phase, the design build team works on the detailed design of the project, incorporating the owner’s feedback and input. The design build team also prepares the construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates for the project. The owner reviews and approves the design before moving to the next phase.
• Phase 3: Construction. In this phase, the design build team executes the construction of the project, following the approved design and construction documents. The design build team also coordinates with the owner, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth and timely completion of the project. The owner monitors the progress and quality of the construction, and makes any necessary changes or adjustments along the way.
• Phase 4: Testing and commissioning. In this phase, the design build team tests and verifies that the installed systems and equipment function as intended, and meet the owner’s project requirements. The design build team also provides the owner with a manual for future troubleshooting, maintenance, and operation of the project. The owner inspects and accepts the project, and issues a certificate of occupancy.
• Phase 5: Post-construction. In this phase, the design build team provides the owner with any additional services or support that may be needed after the project is completed, such as warranty, training, or feedback. The owner evaluates the performance and satisfaction of the project, and provides the design build team with any comments or recommendations for improvement.

Why Does the Design Build Delivery Method Matter?

The design build delivery method offers many advantages over the traditional design-bid-build method, where the owner hires a separate designer and builder, and solicits bids from multiple contractors for the construction phase. Some of the benefits of the design build delivery method are:

• Faster delivery. The design build delivery method eliminates the need for bidding, reduces the design and construction time, and allows for concurrent and overlapping activities. The design build team can also anticipate and resolve any potential issues or conflicts before they become costly and time-consuming problems.
• Lower costs. The design build delivery method reduces the overall project costs by minimizing change orders, eliminating redundancies, and optimizing the use of resources and materials. The design build team can also provide the owner with a fixed price or a guaranteed maximum price for the project, which reduces the risk of cost overruns and budget uncertainties.
• Higher quality. The design build delivery method improves the quality of the project by fostering better collaboration, communication, and coordination among the design build team, the owner, and other stakeholders. The design build team can also leverage their expertise and experience to provide innovative and customized solutions that meet or exceed the owner’s expectations and needs.
• More innovation. The design build delivery method stimulates the innovation and creativity of the design build team, as they have more freedom and flexibility to explore different options and alternatives for the project. The design build team can also apply the latest technologies, techniques, and best practices to the project, and incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient features that enhance the value and performance of the project.

How Can Ayres MEP Services Help You with Your Design Build Project?

At Ayres, we have been providing design assistance and owner representation services for design build projects for many years. With approximately 400 innovative problem-solvers nationwide, we stand with integrity behind thousands of projects that strengthen communities and our country’s infrastructure, economy, and environment.

We add value and engineering expertise to design build projects in a variety of ways, such as:

• Developing a basis of design document and an owner’s project requirements document prior to building, to describe the mechanical and electrical systems needed for the project.
• Coordinating with facility users or equipment vendors, to include specific design elements in the criteria document and reduce conflicts and change orders during construction.
• Identifying compliant and non-compliant bids with the criteria documents and commenting on the scope and quality of the proposed systems and equipment.
• Providing compliance reviews of the contractor’s design, to ensure it follows the technical criteria and meets the owner’s expectations and needs.
• Collaborating with contractors to arrive at the most cost-effective design that will achieve the owner’s goals.
• Providing onsite construction observation reports, to ensure that the systems and equipment agreed to in the design are installed properly and according to the specifications.
• Administering commissioning of systems, to verify that the installed equipment functionally performs and meets the owner’s project requirements.

By choosing Ayres as your partner for your design build project, you can benefit from our experience, knowledge, and skills, and enjoy a smooth and successful project delivery.