Design Build

Design build is a process that has become very popular in recent years, mostly with architectural firms and professional designers. The general principle is one that typically removes two of the three components from the build process, or more accurately combines the three components into one.

The Conventional System

Lets say a couple wanted to build a home on an existing piece of property. They would start by finding an architect/ designer to design their home and apply for all the appropriate development and building approvals as well as create any documentation necessary to convey their wishes to potential builders (specifications/ plans/ details). Potential builders would then bid on the project and a builder would be chosen.

This creates a somewhat interesting three-way relationship. The owner has a vision of their home, hopefully shared by the architect/ designer, but not necessarily. The architect/ designer who is supposed to represent the wishes of the customer may also have an agenda, as most creative people do, to build in his/ her image in an effort to get more work that he/ she can build in their image. The builder, also has an agenda, to build the best possible building so that he/ she can get more work building. But more importantly he/ she is mostly concerned with making a profit, and has probably bid the project as low as possible in order to get the project. So whenever there are discrepancies between any of the documents, no matter whose fault it is. The builder is going to want more money, the customer is going to feel ripped off, and the architect/ designer is going to feel as though the end vision is being compromised. Enter design/ build.

Design/ Build

Design build is a concept where, for the most part, all three parts in the equation are amalgamated into one entity. The project is conceptualized, initiated, and owned by the architect/ designer, essentially the creative component. Any he said she said conversations are eliminated. Construction is streamlined, due to professionally empowered (and accountable) decision makers. Construction documentation and budgetary related issues are dealt with in a creative way by highly invested individuals, resulting in a higher overall quality of finished project and integrity of initial design concept.

Design build project stay on budget, are truer to their initial vision, and are completed in a fraction of the time of the conventional stream.

They are however not for everyone.

The finished project is usually put up for sale upon completion, and is at the whim of the market place (profit is not guaranteed). These types of projects can be very cash intensive for an architectural/ design firm to carry through to completion. Consequently financing or investment help is often required to facilitate this sort of business model. And finally, and possibly ironically, while staying truer to their vision. A firm cannot involve themselves in as many projects, ultimately lowering their corporate profile.

It comes down to a business decision to be made ultimately by the principles of the firm. I believe in this system and work within it’s framework whenever possible. It gives me creative freedoms that would never be realized otherwise.