Benefits and Challenges of Design-Build - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 9

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Benefits and Challenges
of Design-Build
Jennifer S. Shane, PhD, Iowa State University, and
Susan M. Bogus, PhD, PE, University of New Mexico
INTRODUCTION
Design-build (DB) and design-bid-build (DBB) each offer specific benefits and challenges
as project delivery methods. Design-build, unlike DBB, has a unique structure for an
integrated project delivery method. For example, the integration of design and construc-
tion services under a single contract can lead to improved communication, because there
is a single point of responsibility; however, structuring procurement to meet the own-
er's needs within the confines of restrictive local procurement laws can be challenging.
Understanding the potential benefits and challenges of DB is the first step in deciding on
an appropriate project delivery method.
BENEFITS OF DESIGN-BUILD
Several benefits of DB project delivery are presented and discussed in the following
sections.
Single Point of Responsibility
The DB project delivery method is characterized by a single point of responsibility between
the owner and the design-build firm. As illustrated in Figure 2-1, the design-build struc-
ture has a single contract between the owner and the design-build firm that covers both
design and construction services. By comparison, the design-bid-build project delivery
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