
In both cases, the contractor takes on more risk, but streamlines communication among stakeholders and removes the potential of bureaucracy.Īn EPC contract, however, is generally used on turnkey projects where the contractor turns over a ready-to-use facility at project end. Similar to design-build, engineer-procure-construct (EPC) projects also use a single contract, with the contractor heading up the design component. Design-build contracts involve the subcontractors in the design portion so that all work is familiar to them-and often informed by them-before they arrive at the jobsite. Design-build vs EPCĭesign-build uses one contract-typically the AIA 141-for all aspects of the design and construction of the project, creating one responsible party. As a result, the owner has a single construction contract that covers all aspects of the construction process. With design-build construction, a single entity is responsible for both the design and the construction of the building. After the bidding process, the owner will have two main contracts: one with the design firm and another with a general contractor. Afterwards, owners use a bidding process to allow general contractors to compete to produce the design in the most cost effective way. With design-bid-build construction-also called the “traditional method”-the owner will employ a firm consisting of architects and engineers to produce a building design.

Unlike traditional construction delivery methods, which usually involve separate contracts with a design team and a construction team, design-build utilizes a single team that manages all aspects of the building process.ĭesign-build construction is best understood as an alternative to design-bid-build, which is also referred to as the traditional project delivery method.

Examples of design-build construction projects.Phases of the design-build construction process.
