Designer-Led DESIGN+BUILD
Depending on our client’s goals for their project, we offer Designer-Led Design-Build construction services. Most Design-Build projects are led by contractors rather than designers. Since many details are determined during the “build” process the design choices are not made by designers and usually have unfavorable results. As both a California licensed architect and general contractor we offer all of the benefits of Design-Build, but from a design perspective rather than build. Below are some benefits of having arketype architects inc and David Ferrin General Contractor provide Designer-Led Design-Build services:
Single source of responsibility:
The design-build approach allows you to work with a single trusted source for your entire project that is responsible for controlling design, cost to value benefit, quality assurance, schedule adherence, and performance of the finished project.
The Designer-Led Design-Build method enables the each facet of construction to be implemented from a design perspective. This allows the architect and the owner to consider not only cost to value benefits but also achieving the design goals.
In the classic design-bid-build method the owner must select an architect, bid the project, select a contractor, and then act as an intermediary between the architect, contractor and other consultants. Having these separate entities causes an inefficient multi-level decision-making process that results in undesired costs and has the effect of delaying the project. The design-build method fosters teamwork and lends itself to cooperation. The relationship built during the design phase helps to ensure that the stage is set for a successful construction project.
This structure allows the client to exercise their desired degree of control over the design and construction process through a single entity.
Budget Management:
Budget estimates during the design phase helps to keep the projects within a realistic budget. Often the design drawings are established without a cost estimate and, when the bids come in, the client realizes that the design needs to be changed due to cost overrides. Communicating the cost implications during the design process ensures that the owner plays a key role in arriving at the final project price.
Budget management during the construction phase helps to prevent cost overrides and reduces the cost of change orders. Traditionally general contractors charge a percentage of the construction cost as a fee for overhead and profit. Once construction begins this method provides no incentive to reduce costs since the contractor is paid more for cost increases. With our service, overhead and profit is built-in to our hourly rates. This way there is incentive for getting our client a better value for their money. Since change orders usually involve the architect and the contractor, having one entity manage change orders reduces administrative costs, delays to the project and allows the best cost to value benefit to be found.
Enhanced communication:
Specific design and construction details are being developed throughout the entire process and the focus stays on owner “value”. The communication benefits of working with a construction expert and design professional at the same time ensures that potential problems are discovered before the project starts.
Faster project completion:
Design-build projects can be completed in a shorter amount of time because bid time is reduced, scheduling for the project can begin before design is finalized, potential construction problems are uncovered early and enhanced communication keeps everything moving.
Quality Control:
The Designer-Led Design-Build method helps to remove ambiguity that may arise in material and construction specifications. Since the architect, engineers and builders are all controlled from a single entity, the focus remains on protecting the client’s interest.
Because of its inherent flexibility, Designer-Led Design-Build lends itself well to a variety of project types. By combining design and construction experience onto one team, the owner realizes the benefits of “one stop shopping” at its best.