Design and Build

Our team specializes in the Design Build Process. There are lots of nuances to how this works, but in general, Design Build assures that all members of the Design and Build team are working for the Owner and the success of the project from the very beginning, and in partnership with each other, with the Architect leading the team.

Design

The Architect develops the design with the Owner's program, site, and budget in mind. However, this process is unique because the General Contractor is also involved from the very beginning as well.

The Architect can work directly for the General Contractor, or the Owner, both project deliveries have their pros and cons.

Build

With the Contractor involved early, they are able to assist in constructability, material research, budget analysis, site analysis, zoning and land ordinance issues - and in some cased, can start preconstruction or demo activities before the design process is complete.

The Contractor will often charge a small fee for these services, called "preconstruction fee" that is often reimbursed or credited back to the budget when the project is approved for construction.

Budget V Bidding

In this process, the Owner contracts with the Contractor well before a budget is known, and the final cost is not bid to a competitive market. The Contractor and the Owner will agree upfront to the Contractor's fee or profit, the General Conditions, and Cost of The Work. Often, the Contractor will provide a "conceptual budget" for the Owner to use in financing, for sales projections, and budget purposes.

Team Approach

Unlike the traditional "Bidding Process", where the Architect develops plans in a vacuum of input from the General Contractor, in this process, a General Contractor with Design Build experience can add significant value to the design process.