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ABSTRACT:
The objectives of this article are to provide an overview of design-build as a project delivery system, including its evolution, definition, advantages, disadvantages, and the roles of the parties involved in a typical design-build project. The article defines the role of design-build in the construction industry, infers the viability of design-build as a project delivery system, and pinpoints the value of design-build in the future construction marketplace. The author concludes that the design-build approach accelerates design and construction, reduces costs and time, and minimizes the owner's efforts in managing projects.
Key Words: design-build, construction, contracts, procurement, licensing, insurance
The traditional method of designbid-build construction involves a separation of roles between the designer and the builder, with each being retained separately by the owner. This approach results in an extended project duration, since design and construction functions are conducted separately. In addition, money and time are wasted when disputes develop between these separate parties, and the owner is often placed in the position of becoming an arbitrator of disputes and claims. These problems have led owners to seek alternative construction delivery systems. The design-build system of project delivery combines the fragmented responsibilities associated with traditional design-bid-build into a single entity that provides both design and construction services for a project. This article concludes that the designbuild approach accelerates design and construction, reduces costs and time, and minimizes the owner's efforts in managing projects.
The objectives of this article are to provide an overview of design-build as a project delivery system, including its evolution, definition, advantages, disadvantages, and the roles of the parties involved in a typical design-build project. The author defines the role of design-build in the construction industry, infers the viability of design-build as a project delivery system, and pinpoints the value of designbuild in the future construction marketplace.
THE EVOLUTION OF DESIGN-BUILD
Most of history's great engineering feats, such as the pyramids at Giza, the Great Wall of China and Tai Mahal in India, essentially were design-build jobs. The concept of combining design, engineering, and construction services into one entity is not new. In ancient times, construction was overseen by an individual appointed by the king or ruler. This individual was in charge of both design and construction, with the...