Design-Build System Overview
Uploaded by
Anas Bin ShamsudinDesign-Build System Overview
Uploaded by
Anas Bin ShamsudinDesign and Build
Introduction:
Design-build or abbreviated as (D-B) is a project delivery system that has been used
years ago. In fact, this system is not a new system as it has been implemented by the Egyptian
when they were decided to build the Pyramid according to some discoveries. Even the Eiffel
Tower also used D-B delivery system. Technically, D-B delivery system is a method to carry out
a project where the design and construction services are combined and contracted into a single
entity which known as the Design-Builder or Design-Build Contractor. In other words, the owner
will agree upon only one contract with a single point of responsibility where the designer and
contractor are on the same team.
Design-Build Sub-
Owner
Entity Consultants
Advantages:
1. Single point of responsibility
As D-B delivery system establish a contract where it combines design and construction
quality, cost and schedule into a single point of responsibility. D-B contracts also
encourage the team to be working together which in turn may increase the quality of the
project. By establishing a single point of responsibility, the design-build team can avoid
unnecessary potential adversarial relationships.
2. Guaranteed costs can be calculated earlier
As the D-B delivery system combines both design and construction, contractor that has
been selected by the owner can establish total cost of the project earlier. This allows for
the owner to make a few changes to improve the quality of the project in terms of budget,
time or request additional features before the substantial design is complete.
3. Speedy timeline
As the architect and general contractor are on the same team, they can communicate more
efficient compare to when they have to contact each other through Requests for
Information of RFIs. In RFI, both of architect and general contractor need to follow
some procedure in order to get information which then slowing the transfer of
information. Not only that, D-B delivery system also allow design and constructions to be
overlap which help in reduce the time need for project completion.
Disadvantages:
1. Less competitive
It is hard for each company to provide a good and effective design-build team and it may
be harder to secure performance and payment bonds on this type of project.
2. Can be costlier
In D-B delivery system, the owner must have earlier idea on what is required in order to
carry out the project. Compared to traditional design- bid-build delivery system,
whenever the owner is feeling uncertain on the functional or aesthetic requirements, all
this problem can be clarify during designing phase unlike with D-B system, post-award
changes can be expensive.
Scenario:
As D-B contract consists of single point of responsibility, there are only one firm to be
blame if there are anything going wrong. Therefore it is easier for the owner to deal with the
problem. The owner also must take in consideration to appoint consultants and act as advisor to
provide some advice regarding the preparation of construction requirement. Adequate time is
provided for the consultant to do such works effectively.