FLWB Architects

March 22, 2024

The Advantages of Design-Build for Large-Scale Commercial Projects

For owners and developers undertaking large-scale commercial projects, the choice of project delivery method has a profound impact on cost, schedule, and quality outcomes. Increasingly, our clients are recognizing the value of the design-build approach — and for good reason.

A single point of accountability

In traditional design-bid-build delivery, the owner sits between two separate contracts: one with the architect, one with the contractor. When problems arise — and they always do — each party can point to the other. Design-build eliminates that gap by placing full responsibility with a single entity.

Faster delivery

Because design and construction can overlap in a design-build project, the overall schedule is typically compressed compared to sequential delivery. This means earlier occupancy, earlier revenue, and lower carrying costs for the owner.

At FLWB, our design-build projects consistently demonstrate these advantages. If you're planning a large commercial project and want to understand whether design-build is the right fit, we'd welcome the conversation.