Chapter 5

Design-Build
Combining Designer + Contractor

What is Design-Build?
A single entity is responsible for
designing and building a project.

What is History of Design-Build?

Some portions of all buildings are usually
design-build.
For example: Sprinkler Systems.
It is common for mechanical, electrical,
lighting and computer systems to be
design-build contracts on small to medium
size private projects.

The Design-Build Process

Owner may consider:

Design-build teams staff and competence
Quality of proposers work on past projects
Design-builders project plan
Preliminary design executed by design-build
proposer if project is complex
Selection process can be either competitive or
negotiated.

 Competitive design-build procurement for

government-financed projects
Design-builders are evaluated on weighted
average of cost, qualitative factors, and technical
approach.

Negotiated projects
Mainly in the private sector
Laws typically require competitive procurement
One-step or a two-step procurement process
Best value procurement

The Request for Proposal (RFP)

Prepared by Owner, Consultants or CM.
Provides clear understanding of work scope and
required outcomes.
Defines technical details that competing designbuilders must address.
RFP includes:
General information
Site information
Project requirements
Design-build requirements
Requirements for proposal

Preliminary Designs Included in the RFP

Percent of design that must be prepared before a
design-build RFP can be issued varies.
Design criteria design-build project: 1020% of
design is complete.
Preliminary design design-build project: More than
20% of design is complete.

Hayward
City Hall

DPR Construction with Heller Manus Architects

San Francisco Airport

Terminal 2
Turner Construction/Gensler Architects

Legal Risks for Contractors with

Design-Build Contracts
In traditional contract, Architect is responsible for
design.
In Design-Build contract, Contractor is responsible for
both design and construction.
Assumes responsibility for the plans .
Warrants plans and specifications are accurate
and suitable.
Must carry special coverage for design defects
errors and omissions.

THE END