TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
(scroll over each topic and click)
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What are the key differences between traditional design-bid-build and Design & Build?
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Design & Build has a reputation for being more functional and less ‘design’ oriented. Is this true today?
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What are the steps to follow for a successful project and a satisfied client?
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So is there still a case for the traditional method?
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How can D&B firms successfully manage cost cutting and value engineering?
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What is the good part about D&B?
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Where does environment sustainability fit in? Is it a priority in the fast paced world of D&B?
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Where is the future headed – towards traditional processes or the D&B method?
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“The main difference is that with Design & Build, all processes fall under one roof, and one company handles everything for you. This makes things simpler for the client who gets the gist and updates from one entity, as opposed to multiple sources.”
Our participants explain that the key hurdles in this method particularly within this region is dealing with all the stakeholders. Furthermore, there is a lack of trust from the clients’ side. Trusting your chosen firm is imperative for a good end result. The issues that most D&B designers deal with is managing client expectations whilst staying within the budget .
“In D&B, the client meeting is more akin to a workshop – they all work together towards one goal, with no difference between the project manager or contractor or client.”
“You have to educate the client, as they tend to be a bit of the designer themselves, mainly due to social media – instagram, pinterest, etc. They come with a picture and want just that, which may not be the best solution for their project, location or climate.”
On the other hand, we learn that collaboration from the start in a D&B project leads to better teamwork. “Just attend a meeting to see the difference between a traditional and D&B method. In the traditional style, quite often the various stakeholders are pointing fingers and ‘passing the buck’, so to speak,” mentions a designer who handles large scale projects in the region. “In D&B, the client meeting is more akin to a workshop – they all work together towards one goal, with no difference between the project manager or contractor or client.
