June 12, 2025

Ahead of the Curve: The Strategic Shift Toward Design-Build Delivery

It is projected by 2028 that Design-Build (DB) projects will account for nearly half of all construction spending. This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of projects, the need for efficiency in project delivery, and the desire for cost and schedule certainty. The DB method is particularly gaining traction in industries such as transportation, healthcare, higher education, and industrial facilities, as it offers an integrated approach that reduces project risks and enhances collaboration.

The Growing Adoption of Design-Build

DB projects will continue to grow in every region, with the Midwest, South, and West regions seeing the most significant adoption rates. Owners are increasingly turning to DB because it allows for a streamlined process where design and construction teams work together from the outset, reducing inefficiencies associated with traditional project delivery methods. This growth is further fueled by infrastructure investment programs and the need for sustainable, resilient buildings that can withstand evolving environmental and regulatory challenges.

Key Factors for DB Project Success

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An analysis of multiple DB project case studies has highlighted two major themes that contribute to project success:

Creating a Relational Project Culture – Owners who prioritize a culture of trust, communication, and collaboration among all stakeholders are more likely to see positive project outcomes.

Repeated Use of the Same Designer and/or Builder – Establishing long-term relationships with experienced DB teams helps streamline workflows and improves overall efficiency, leading to better project performance over time.

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Additionally, assembling the project team early is critical for a project’s success. Many projects today are initiated directly by contractors working with end users, so selecting and integrating the right design partner as early as possible in the process is essential. Early collaboration between the owner, contractor, and design team allows for informed decision-making that aligns with project goals from the beginning.

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Benefits of Early Design Collaboration in Design-Build

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Improved Project Quality – Early design collaboration helps identify design flaws and inconsistencies before construction begins. This leads to fewer errors, reduced rework, and more streamlined communication throughout the pre-construction and construction phases, ultimately enhancing the quality of the finished project.

Time and Cost Savings – Early collaboration enables the identification of constructability issues that could cause delays later in the project. Additionally, involving contractors in the design phase provides more accurate cost estimation, reducing budget overruns and avoiding costly changes during construction.

Increased Stakeholder Satisfaction – Bringing together owners, architects, engineers, and contractors early in the process ensures all parties are aligned with project objectives. This fosters a collaborative working environment, improving communication and stakeholder satisfaction with the final product.

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The Role of Contractors in Early Design Collaboration

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From a contractor’s perspective, working with a design partner early in the process fosters innovation and enhances project performance. Understanding the strengths and expertise of the entire project team allows for:

More informed material selection and construction methodology decisions.

Improved risk allocation by assigning responsibilities to the parties best equipped to manage them.

Enhanced project feasibility by aligning design intent with construction reality.

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Architects and engineers rely on contractors to bring their vision to life, but real-world conditions often require adjustments to designs. Early contractor involvement allows:

Constructability Reviews – Identifying potential challenges with building systems, materials, and design layouts before construction begins.

Value Engineering – Evaluating alternative materials or methods to enhance project efficiency and cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.

Schedule Optimization – Developing a realistic construction timeline that accounts for labor availability, supply chain constraints, and project phasing.

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Overcoming Challenges in Design-Build Collaboration

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Despite the advantages of DB, challenges can arise when multiple stakeholders work together. Common obstacles include:

Conflicting Priorities – Owners, architects, and contractors may have different goals, leading to potential disputes.

Communication Gaps – Without structured collaboration, misunderstandings can result in delays and added costs.

Ego Clashes – Effective leadership is required to foster an environment where all voices are heard and respected.

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To address these challenges, leadership teams must facilitate open discussions where constructive problem-solving takes precedence over finger-pointing. Establishing trust and rapport between architects and general contractors early in the process strengthens relationships and encourages productive collaboration.

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Alternatively, as the market is shifting, there are more and more organizations that now offer both design and construction services all under the same roof. This offers a combined value proposition with benefits that include a single point of responsibility for a client, streamlined team communication between design and contractor, removal of the tensions that can exist between separate entities, cost savings of redundant project managers, accountants and administrative staff, and speed to market with the inherent synergies of a single team that knows each other and are working towards the same end goal of a successful project for their client.

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The Future of Design-Build: Trends Shaping the Industry

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As DB continues to expand, several emerging trends are shaping its evolution:

Digital Integration & Building Information Modeling (BIM) – More projects are leveraging BIM for enhanced collaboration, real-time design adjustments, and improved project visualization.

Prefabrication & Modular Construction – DB teams are increasingly incorporating off-site construction techniques to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Sustainability & Resiliency – The push for greener buildings is driving DB teams to implement energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials.

AI & Data Analytics in Project Management – Predictive analytics and AI-driven tools are being used to optimize scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) – More government agencies are turning to DB for large-scale infrastructure projects, promoting collaboration between public and private sectors.

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The DB project delivery method is rapidly becoming the preferred approach for construction projects due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and collaborative benefits. With nearly half of all construction spending expected to be DB by 2028, industry professionals must embrace early design collaboration and integrated project teams to maximize success.

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Contractors, architects, and owners who work together from the beginning of a project will experience improved quality, reduced costs, and enhanced stakeholder satisfaction. As technology, sustainability, and collaboration continue to shape the future of construction, the DB approach will remain a driving force in delivering innovative, high-performance projects.

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By leveraging early engagement, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships, DB teams can deliver high-quality projects that meet the demands of today’s fast-evolving construction landscape.

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