What does the Design-Builder (D-B) do?

The Design-Builder (D-B) oversees all aspects of the commercial construction project from start to finish. 

A D-B is responsible for managing nearly every phase of the commercial construction project, from preconstruction and design to construction to the closeout of the project.  This often includes the design phase process, project schedule development and monitoring, estimating services, cost and change management, and more.  Over the course of the project, the D-B will engage an architect of record to develop the contract documents based on the criteria provided by the owner (and possibly a criteria architect), provide full-time field supervision conducting all daily job duties, and monitor quality and safety control. Throughout the project, the D-B is to keep the owner informed on the progress of the project and prequalifies the trade contractors to help produce a successful project completion. 

The D-B conducts several critical services including, but not limited to:

  +  Developing and monitoring a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the design and construction work

  +  Supervising the scheduled activities and responsibilities of the trade contractors to meet the schedule requirements

  +  Assisting with contract development by preparing scopes of work and assembling insurance and other safety documents

  +  Reviewing designs to help avoid or resolve design issues, as well as any potential or actual construction issues

  +  Providing insight on construction costs, construction alternatives, and constructability

  +  Coordinating the many different team members involved in the process

  +  Communicating between the design team, contractors, governmental entities, accounting, and the owner

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