DESIGN-BUILD

Design-Build is where the architect works under a contractor who has a contract with the owner. Working as a team, the contractor and architect provide both design and construction services. Typically, architects and contractors join forces before interviewing for a project as they can self-select each other based upon previous relationships and experience. In some situations, the client may directly consult an architect-contractor team. Patel & Milewski has experience working with multiple architectural and engineering firms in Design-Build relationships.

Pros & Cons

Design-Builds are known to foster collaboration between architects and contractors and improve efficiency. Designers and contractors can work as a team to develop the most efficient solutions, compare alternates, and select materials while estimating costs and schedules. The method can also speed up design and construction by fast-tracking the bidding process. The drawback is that the Design-Build team has to be selected early in the design process.

“Susteon is very impressed with Patel & Milewski Construction's execution of our recent Design-Build laboratory project. As a decarbonization focused technology startup that is inventing new ways to help the climate, we are in a continuous stream of new ideas and experiments to run. This often leads to changes which inevitably impacted the construction process. A contractor that is accommodating and flexible is vital to firms in our position and Patel & Milewski Construction proved their adaptability from the start.”

- Shantanu Agarwal, SUSTEON, President & Co-Founder