The traditional design, bid, build workflow is widely practiced throughout the industry. Yet, this isn’t always the most effective or suitable method to get the job done.
As a construction company, we know the importance of making sure that the project designs are feasible. The design-assist model allows architects and contractors to work together from the early stages of a project. This means that the teams are more likely to produce designs that are practical – saving time and costs.
Design Assist Commercial Construction
The design-build construction process is another popular model. This approach hands the contractor the project reins to select the architect, engineering consultants, and subcontractors.
The design-assist construction process serves as an effective middle ground between design-build and the traditional bid scenario.
Contractors, architects, and other parties are still brought onto the project during the initial phases. But, rather than the contractor, the client holds the power. They can select the architect, consulting engineers, subcontractors, and other necessary parties.
This process generally operates within the comfort zone of clients. It also creates space for the client to further cultivate relationships between the parties that they have hired in the past.
Client’s may even request the consultation of contractors before introducing architects. This is common when the buildability, practicality, and budget are at the forefront of the client’s priorities. Architects will come on board after determining the feasibility and general costs of a project. Then, they will work with the contractor to finalize the design and plans.
The Benefits Design Assist Commercial Construction
Design-assist commercial construction has many benefits owing to the structure of the model. The process incorporates the contractor in the plans, drawings, and design of the project from the beginning.
The contractor’s position in this model allows them to give valuable input throughout the entire process. This can help to streamline the construction process and save costs as they can give a construction-based perspective.
This approach to the project includes benefits throughout various aspects of the development. These include:
Greater budget certainty
As the architect finalizes the plans for the design, the contractor creates a construction budget. In the design-assist approach, building systems are more connected and interrelated. This means that changing the design of a single element to alter the costs will likely affect the design and costs of the other connecting elements.
Contractors have greater insight on how overlapping costs function as well as how to cost between the systems. They are also able to provide insight regarding labor costs and costs related to the timeline of deliverables.
This expertise makes them perfect budget advisors throughout the planning and construction process. So, before construction even begins, the client will have an idea of the projected costs at the current marketplace figures. They can then agree to the design and there will be fewer unexpected costs that pop up throughout the project.
Reduced risk
Value engineering is common during a competitive bid process. If the pricing is greater than the client expects, they will task contractors with finding ways to decrease the costs of the project.
But, if contractors haven’t been a part of the planning, they won’t know what elements are most important to the client. So, there is a risk that this approach will affect the quality and function of the design.
Having contractors on board right from the beginning means that they will have a greater understanding of the project and what the client wants.
With design-assist, contractors and architects can work together right from the start. Having both perspectives during the planning phases will help to minimize risk and decrease costs. At the same time, they can create a design that the client will approve.
Streamlined collaboration
The design-assist model restructures the design process. It promotes a collaborative effort between the engineers, architects, and contractors rather than a competitive one.
Forming the team in the initial project stages creates space for effective collaboration from various expertise throughout its development. Ultimately, this produces a more suitable design.
From the project inception, the team can share and establish the desired project goals, budgets, and priorities. This minimizes the potential for conflict and sets goals for the team as a whole to work towards.
The model maximizes the efficiency of the process and makes the work more enjoyable for all involved.
Conclusion
As a construction company, our clients’ needs are always put at the forefront of our work. This is particularly important when considering the most suitable process for a project.
The design-assist process is a method that encourages collaboration between the parties involved. In many cases, this process produces more suitable designs within a more acceptable budget.
At Chad Fisher Construction, we have a team of architects, engineers, and contractors to work together on projects. By combining these perspectives right from the start, we can meet all your project goals within your budget.