The Great Debate:
Design-Bid VS. Design-Build

Design-Build: How Do I
Know I’m Not Overpaying?

Design-Build Saves Owners
Time and Dollars at Every
Project Stage

How Do I Know I’m Getting
A Quality Design?

In the Public Interest?

Boards and Building
Committees Seek Efficiency
and Value. The Key is to
Consider Both Delivery
Alternatives

The Great Debate: Design-Bid VS. Design-Build

The Typical Design-Bid Project is Completed in 12 Months:

	The owner hires an architect.
	The architect identifies owner requirements.
	The architect produces the drawings.
	The architect's firm puts the job out for bid.
	Bids come in too high.
	Design changes are suggested to bring the building to within budget.
	The architect re-designs the building to accommodate these modifications.
	The contractor builds the building using low bidders.
	The low bidders fight for every change order and refuse to work overtime “because it’s not in the bid.”
	Architect and contractor haggle over value-engineered issues and change orders, which the owner
	eventually has to pay.
	The building is completed.

The Typical Design-Build Project is Completed in 6 Months:

	The owner and design/build contractor together establish goals, timelines and budgets.
	The design/build contractor develops a preliminary design and cost.
	If the cost is acceptable, the design is completed based on that budget number.
	Simultaneously with final design, site preparation and material ordering begins, so that immediately
	upon permitting, construction can begin.
	Qualified subcontractors are selected to detail their respective portions of the construction documents,
	based on the established budget.
	The building is completed quickly and cost-effectively, in no small part because there are no adversarial
	relationships. Everyone has the same goal. Lines of responsibility are clear and simple, as are communications.
	Photos are taken of the new building, and it's noted that the proud owner still has a full head of hair.

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