What is Design Build?  

     Design-build is a system of project delivery that allows design and construction to be done simultaneously,  rather than completing the design phase before the  construction begins. A design-build team works together from the planning stages until completion. The flexibility that each team member displays in the early stages of the project will result in time and cost-saving measures later in the project. 

     Cost control is a frequent reason for selecting the design-build method. In a traditional delivery system, the owner may not know the total cost of a project and fears that the cost will compound once the client’s needs are identified. 

      The design-build process starts with the owner contracting a design-build firm to draw up preliminary plans and estimates for a project. Using this information, the owner can determine whether the project suits the program and the budget. Once the conceptual design and roughly one-third of the contract documents are completed, a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) agreement is produced. GMP is a written promise that the cost will not exceed the stated figure, provided the project stays within its original agreement. The strength of the design-build concept is the ability to begin construction once the conceptual design is complete, without waiting for final documents to be completed. 

     The team work and intensive communication that takes place in the design-build system eliminates the cumbersome decision-making stage. A design-build team works together through each phase of the project, continually gathering information from the people who will ultimately use the facility. 

Selecting Subs 

     The team approach to any project extends to the relationship the owner has with its subcontractors. This is important because the owner should not only consider low bids, but also the knowledge and expertise of the subcontractors. The owner who participates becomes comfortable and appreciates how valuable the partnership of client, subcontractor and 3D/Group really is. 

     3D’s project management team works closely with its subcontractors because they can offer valuable feedback as the project progresses, allowing the team to foresee and prevent potential problems. Traditional delivery systems that separate the parties involved probably will not achieve the required flexibility. 

Cost Savings 

     Team work and flexibility usually result in substantial savings. 3D/Group’s project management team continue to plan throughout a project so that they can outline cost saving measures that make design sense, which enhances quality rather than compromising it. 

     Based upon previous facilities engineering and renovation experience, 3D/Group, Inc. has discovered that design-build is the best method suited to manage projects that require speed and flexibility while remaining within the budget. 

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For more information on 3D/Group, Inc., you can contact us via email, regular mail, telephone, or fax as follows:

3D/Group, Inc.
266 North Fourth Street, Suite 200
Columbus, Ohio 43215-2565
email: 3dinfo@3dgroup.com
phone: (614) 464-3600
fax: (614) 464-9331

Copyright & copy; 2005 3D/Group, Inc.