Architect as Master Builder
The concept of architect-led design/build is not new, having been around since the design and construction of the Egyptian pyramids. From the Industrial Revolution on, the architect’s role in the construction process has been diminished. Today most “design/build” projects are led by a general contractor who hires a designer or architect.
Another form of design/build is an architectural firm who hires a general contractor for the construction of a project. While this is “architect-led”, they are still two separate entities, with their own interests driving the process.
Our approach is relatively unique, in that we are the architect and we are the general contractor. It is truly “single-source” responsibility, taking the tension and back and forth out of the process. The biggest plus with our design/build process is being able to establish a great working relationship and a high level of trust with our clients during design, that carries right through the construction process, to make the project delivery as painless as possible.
Traditional Method vs Design/Build
"Traditional" Design-Bid-Build
"Traditional" Design-Bid-Build
"Traditional" Design-Bid-Build
Owners must manage TWO separate contracts:
- The Architect is supposed to be the "arbiter of the contract", but the Owner typically becomes the intermediary, settling disputes between the Architect & the Builder.
- Often times, the Architect is left out of the construction process, as the Owner and Builder try to interpret the design intent on their own, thinking they are saving time and money, which is generally not the case.
- Builders estimate based on "completed" drawings created by a separate Architect entity. A Builder does not have first hand knowledge of the design and therefore details are inevitably overlooked, leading to change orders during construction.
Design/Build
"Traditional" Design-Bid-Build
"Traditional" Design-Bid-Build
Owner Manages only ONE contract with a single source of responsibility:
- Architect/Builder is working in the best interest of the client as a single point of contact for all aspects of the project.
- The Architect is not left out of design decisions during construction. On the contrary the Architect as Master Builder is involved in all collaborations and directing all decision-making.
- The Architect has first hand knowledge of the project, which makes estimating more accurate and limits the amount of non-owner driven change orders during construction.