What is Design-Build & How Does it Benefit You as the Client?

1/1/2022

We recently announced that our studio is transitioning from design only to design-build, and we couldn’t be more excited. This transition is not only great for us, but for our clients as well because now the entire renovation process can be done under one umbrella.

For those that don’t know, design-build means that both the design and construction teams work together throughout the renovation process. By transitioning to a design-build studio, we now handle both the design and construction project management. We like to call this a one-team approach, and we feel it comes with many positive benefits for our clients.

Picture from above of a group of professionals talking about floorplans that they're looking at.

When partnering with a design-build studio on your project, the same group responsible for the design is also responsible for the construction. Therefore, more attention is given to constructability and earlier and more accurate cost estimates. Collaboration between the design and build teams early in the project allows for real-time updates to the investment amount and reduces the likelihood of change orders, preemptively mitigating additional costs.

Picture of a white, modern bathroom, going from a drawing on one side to a finished bathroom on the other.

Another positive is that there is continuity through the entire project life. Instead of breaking the project into two distinct phases (design and construction), one integrated team is established right at the beginning which enhances the communication for more efficiency and value.

There is also a single agreement between the client and the design-build studio, which removes the separation of responsibilities, creating a more collaborative environment. The design-build model removes the frequent finger-pointing that are characteristic in the typical renovation model whereby the designer and contractor are separate agreements.

Picture of two professionals looking at paint colours and floor plans.

Design-build also means empowering the client to be as active in their project as they desire, and to have a single point of contact to ensure their renovation goals are being accomplished. Clients are more informed about costs and design alternatives, allowing them to make real-time educated decisions throughout the process.

So essentially, our job is to help you through the entire renovation process, and by having one team taking care of the entire process, it allows for a seamless transition from the design to construction phase.

Have any questions or comments about design-build? Drop them below; we’d love to hear from you.