Design / Build
Design-build has been used for custom fab, i.e. exhibits, EG’s, and general construction too, for decades in Canada. I expect this is a cycle of the trend, like all things. Tendering each step costs more with added documentation by design and process, for the client. And the idea that your are saving with ‘best/lowest price’ with a tender process is typically false, lowest price usually means lowest quality, lowest … Price points tendering helps supports the idea of fairness and credibility but how credible is the evaluation by the client? The client is typically not an authority of either design or build but the prime decision maker, therefore huge risk. Ultimately my only concern is who is leading the design-build ‘parade’ and where their biases and talent reside. I believe in design-build when I and select credible/ethical others, are leading the process. The client is the client, and its our job to assist and lead because the accountability for the whole picture resides with us. A great topic. :+>