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Leveraging the design-build process throughout preconstruction

January 22, 2019
Jennifer Macks
 width=Through design-build delivery you can expedite projects, while meeting operational objectives and remaining committed to project cost. For the overall project to be successful, it’s important to recognize that the design-build process is different than traditional design-bid-build. Most importantly, the process requires a different level of collaboration and communication for the overall team to effectively meet the project’s goals.

What to keep in mind throughout the design-build process?

  • Create and foster an environment of trust. To establish this, allow everyone to offer their feedback on ideas without fear or concern. This is where the collective mind-trust can accomplish more than any one individual.
  • Make your priorities clear. Always communicate to your design-build team what specific details are important to you, such as materials, manufacturers or room layouts.  Early in a project, design documents are fluid. If you clearly communicate your priorities from the beginning, it’s easier for the team to respond and make changes based on what you value most.
  • Allow for creativity. Don’t assume that what you have today is exactly what you should have tomorrow.  Part of the beauty of design-build is the team has time to understand how you do business and help project how the building can facilitate your business in the future.  By having the designer and contractor at the table together, they can both help guide the most effective way to plan for today and for the future.
  • Hold on for the ride. Speed to market is one reason to utilize design-build. Because of this, the process moves quickly. This usually requires more meetings, earlier decision making, and earlier cost commitments. It may become overwhelming if there isn’t dedicated staff assigned to this effort.  For these reasons, find the time to support the process, especially during the early phases of design and budgeting. Investing this time will significantly benefit your project outcomes.

Design-build can be an amazing process. It can help realize your project vision quicker than you expected. It can also keep your project within budget, while remaining focused on the aspects you value most. By creating an environment of true collaboration, you’ll not only meet your goals for today, but also create a vision and roadmap for how you’ll use the building in the future. There may not be a crystal ball, but having the right people at the table, thinking about what the future might bring, might just be better!




About Authors
Jennifer Macks, PE, DBIA, LEED AP is vice president and director of design-build at Gilbane Building Company. In her role, Jennifer leads Gilbane Building Company’s design-build program, working in partnership with project teams across the company to deliver a seamless project experience for Gilbane’s clients from design through construction. With over 29 years in the construction industry, Jennifer has extensive experience, having delivered nearly $2 billion worth of projects. In 2018, Jennifer successfully completed the Design-Build Institute of America’s comprehensive education and certification testing program to achieve the design-build industry’s highest designation as a nationally certified Design-Build Professional.™
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