DESIGN/BUILD
Design-Build and Construction Management project deliveries share many common traits. You can refer to the
Pre-construction and
Construction Management pages for a description of typical services. The major difference lies in responsibility for design: in Design-Build all design, Civil, Architectural, Structural Electrical and Mechanical , as well as all construction is carried out under the aegis of the Design-Builder.
While many Design-Build firms elect to perform design using in-house staff, Fulcrum prefers to work with outside consultants. The reason is simple; projects vary widely in scope, technology and use. A design team that is adept at designing retail spaces may not be the right fit for a medical center or industrial plant. Fulcrum assembles a Design-Build team based on the unique challenges of your project.
Most Design-Build projects are constructed under a Stipulated Price contract. An Owner typically provides the Design-Builder with a programmatic description of the building it wants, specifying the size of the building, types of spaces and acceptable construction types and materials. From there, the Design-Builder prepares a firm, fixed price to design and construct the project. The Contract is typically on an at-risk basis, with the Design-Builder assuming all responsibility for cost overruns, and retaining all savings realized in the design and construction process. Design-Build works best for an Owner that needs the earliest possible price commitment with the least amount of available information.
Advantages of Design-Build
- Single point of contact and responsibility
- Saves time over both Design-Bid-Build and CM
- Earliest knowledge of firm cost
- Most efficient utilization of Owner's time
- Risks are allocated to parties best able to manage them
- Streamlined schedule, design and construction proceed on a parallel track
