Detail-Oriented
Your guide to Design-Build
Why Choose Design-Build?
by Marc Brahaney, April 15th 2025
The design-build approach fosters true collaboration between homeowner, architect, and builder — an ideal setup for those planning renovations, additions, or new home construction.
Traditionally, homeowners seeking renovations collect quotes from several contractors based on a prepared set of design documents. While this might seem like a fair bidding process, it often results in confusion. Each contractor interprets the documents differently, leading to a wide range of prices. With price as the only clear differentiator, homeowners are left to compare apples to oranges. Many contractors, knowing this, may artificially lower their bids, resulting in subpar work or costly change-orders down the line.
After years of participating in this traditional process, our clients — and our own experience — pushed us to try something different. That’s how our architecture firm and construction company came together to offer a more integrated, effective approach: design-build.
The beauty of design-build is that it brings together the architectural designer, estimator, production manager, and many others, working together on a daily basis.
With design-build, we partner with our clients from the very first meeting to the final nail. Here’s how it works:
First, we listen. We help you distinguish between must-haves and wish-list items. Then we talk about budget expectations. By aligning your vision with your budget early in the process, we can set realistic goals and avoid costly surprises later on.
Unlike the design-bid-build method — where the architect and contractor often operate independently — the design-build model provides a single point of contact for design, project management, and construction. This unified approach brings several key benefits:
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Efficiency:
With everyone on the same team, decisions are made faster and more effectively. -
Cost Control:
No duplication of work, fewer delays, and designs tailored to your budget from day one. -
Reduced Stress:
No more navigating disputes between your architect and builder. Everyone is on the same page, working toward the same goal — your dream home.
Because the contractor is involved from the beginning, they gain a detailed understanding of the design intent, and the architect can design around the systems and materials that the builder knows to be the most efficient and cost-effective. The result? No unexpected change orders due to oversights, conflicts, or unclear documentation.
The design-build process is built around your needs, your budget, and your timeline. It’s not just about getting the job done — it’s about making the journey enjoyable. Building or renovating a home involves hundreds of decisions. Having a trusted team working together from start to finish turns what could be overwhelming into something empowering and exciting.
Ultimately, a strong, comfortable working relationship with your builder and design team is the most important factor in a successful home project. With design-build, that relationship is built in from the start.
