Design/Build - What is it?

Design/Build is simply a method used to design and construct a building project.

There are two methods that exist today that go by the name "Design/Build".

    Method #1 (True Design/Build or Negotiated Design/Build)
       A customer has a need.
       He negotiates with a qualified Design/Build team based on a
           rate and mark up structure.
       He explains his need to his team.
       The team produces a solution, working together with the
           customer to ensure his needs are met.
       The solution is presented to the customer with a construction
           budget.
       If the budget meets the customers requirements the project
           proceeds.
       If not the solution is re-worked to meet the budget constraints,
           maintaining the need for balance of dollars vs. performance.
         
    Method #2 (Design/Build Bid)
       A customer has a need.
       He picks a space for his intended project.
       He brings in several Design/Build contractors and gives them a
           rough idea of his needs along with the space requirements.
       Each Design/Build contractor goes out and designs a solution.
           (Typically there will be as many solutions as contractors)
       The customer awards the job to the appropriate bidder.

With "True Design/Build" the customer knows what he is paying for in labor and markups.  He will get the result he is looking because he participates in the design process.

With Design/Build Bid, the designer with the least expensive idea wins and usually the customer loses.  The least expensive method will always deliver the "minimum" the customer asked for, but frequently, the customer doesn't know exactly what to ask for.

If you want a true Design/Build team, you can call on ICOM
Mechanical and we will meet or exceed your expectations.