A Guide to Project Delivery Methods

2016/7/14 – We often are asked by our clients about the different ways to contract the design and construction of a building.  Below is a brief introduction on each of the primary methods:

Design-bid-build:  The traditional method of delivering a project.  Typically involves three sequential phases – design, procurement and construction.

Construction Management at Risk:  A delivery method in which the Construction Manager acts as a pricing/construction consultant to the Building Owner in the design phases while the Architect team designs the building.   During construction the Construction Manager bids out all trade subcontracts and keeps an open record of the cost for owner review.  The Construction Manager is paid a percentage of the overall construction cost.

Design-Build:  A project delivery method where Architect/Engineer and Contractor are under a single contract and on the same “team”.

Integrated Project Delivery:  A delivery method where all primary parties – owner, designer, and builder are under one contract – so that the risk, responsibility and liability for project delivery are collectively managed and appropriately shared.

Each of these delivery methods carries a different level of risk for the owner. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and no delivery method is right for every Owner or project.

The differences between these methods can be confusing if you don’t work in the Design and Construction Industry  – give us a call if you have additional questions or want to discuss in more detail.   The selection of a Project Delivery Method is one of the first and most important decisions a Building Owner will make during the design and construction of the building.