Expert Design-Build and Construction Management

Common delivery methods include design-bid-build, construction management at risk, agency construction management and design-build. Each method assigns responsibility and risk differently and can affect schedule, cost control, contractor involvement, and owner participation. The best approach depends on the project’s complexity, funding requirements, timeline, risk profile, and the owner’s preferred level of involvement.

Design-build places design and construction responsibility under a single contract. Architects, engineers, contractors, and trade partners collaborate as one team from the beginning of the project. For the owner, this creates a single point of responsibility and can improve communication, accelerate procurement, and allow construction considerations to inform the design as it develops.

A Construction Manager as Agent acts as the Owner’s trusted advisor during the project with a concentration on construction execution. Services may include estimating, constructability reviews, scheduling, bid evaluations, coordination of designers and contractors, management of trade contractors on-site, evaluation of requested change orders and project close out procedures. This role can be especially beneficial on projects with tight budgets or schedules, projects with significant complexity and when an Owner may not have technical expertise or availability.

Under agency construction management, the construction manager advises the owner but does not typically hold the trade contracts or guarantee the construction cost. Under construction management at risk, holds the trade contracts, and may commit to a guaranteed maximum price. The appropriate structure depends on how the owner wants to allocate cost and performance risk.

Preconstruction services begin during the design process and may include estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, phasing plans, logistics, subcontractor input, material evaluations, and procurement planning. Early contractor participation can help identify cost or schedule concerns while the design is still flexible enough to respond efficiently.

Construction administration is typically performed by the architect and engineers to evaluate whether the work generally conforms to the construction documents. Construction management has a broader focus on coordinating the construction process, budget, schedule, logistics, contractors, and project controls. Although the responsibilities may overlap, each serves a different role in protecting the owner’s project objectives.