How can you decide if design-build procurement is right for your project?

2 Project schedule and budget

The second factor to consider is the schedule and budget of your project. Design-build procurement can help you save time and money by reducing the number of contracts, bids, and reviews involved in the project delivery. It can also enable faster and more efficient decision-making, as the design-builder can act as a single point of contact and accountability. Design-build procurement can also help you achieve better value for money by allowing the design-builder to optimize the design and construction processes and methods, and to take advantage of economies of scale and bulk purchasing. However, design-build procurement also requires you to establish a fair and realistic budget and schedule upfront, and to monitor and control them closely throughout the project. You also need to be aware of the potential for cost escalation and schedule slippage due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in scope.

3 Project quality and performance

The third factor to consider is the quality and performance of your project. Design-build procurement can help you improve the quality and performance of your project by ensuring that the design and construction phases are aligned and integrated, and that the design-builder has the incentive and responsibility to deliver a high-quality product that meets your expectations and specifications. Design-build procurement can also help you enhance the functionality and sustainability of your project by allowing the design-builder to incorporate innovative and efficient solutions and technologies that suit your needs and goals. However, design-build procurement also requires you to define and communicate your quality and performance standards and criteria clearly and explicitly, and to verify and validate them regularly throughout the project. You also need to be prepared to accept some trade-offs and compromises between the design and construction aspects of your project, as the design-builder may prioritize one over the other.

4 Project risk and liability

The fourth factor to consider is the risk and liability of your project. Design-build procurement can help you reduce the risk and liability of your project by transferring most of them to the design-builder, who has the expertise and capacity to manage them effectively. Design-build procurement can also help you avoid or minimize conflicts and claims between the design and construction parties, as they are part of the same entity and have a shared interest in the project success. However, design-build procurement also requires you to carefully select and evaluate the design-builder, and to negotiate and agree on a fair and balanced contract that defines the roles, responsibilities, and rights of each party. You also need to retain some oversight and involvement in the project, and to protect your interests and rights in case of disputes or failures.

5 Project relationship and collaboration

The fifth factor to consider is the relationship and collaboration between you and the design-builder. Design-build procurement can help you foster a positive and productive relationship and collaboration with the design-builder, as you can work together as partners rather than adversaries. Design-build procurement can also help you benefit from the design-builder's knowledge and experience, and to leverage their creativity and problem-solving skills. However, design-build procurement also requires you to trust and respect the design-builder, and to give them some autonomy and flexibility in their work. You also need to communicate and coordinate with them effectively and frequently, and to provide them with clear and timely feedback and input.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?