Design-build (or design/build, and abbreviated D-B or D/B accordingly) is a Project Delivery System used in the construction industry. It consists of a procedure to deliver a project where, in contrast to “design-bid-build” (or “design-tender”), the design and construction aspects are contracted by a single entity known as the design-builder or design-build contractor. This system is used to minimize the project risks for the employer and to reduce the delivery schedule by overlapping the design phase and construction phase of a project.
The traditional approach for construction projects consists of the appointment of a designer on one side, and the appointment of a contractor on the other side. The design-build procurement route changes the traditional sequence of work. It answers the client’s wishes for a single-point of responsibility in an alleged attempt to reduce risks and overall costs. It is now commonly used in many countries and forms of contracts are widely available.
Design-Build is sometimes compared to the “master builder” approach, one of the oldest forms of construction procedure.
Design/Build is frequently confused with “Fast Track”, in which Design and Construction may occur in parallel with each other. While a Design/Build project may be Fast Track (parallel), it may follow the construction life cycle in serial form as well.