Masonry Magazine October 2000 Page. 7
president's
message
THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE
Design/build is a method to deliver a building project to an owner by executing a single contract with one company for architectural and engineering services, as well as the actual construction. As opposed to the traditional competitive bid or construction management approach, the design/build system has experienced increasing growth, making it a significant trend in the building industry. With only one entity responsible for the quality, cost, and schedule, the design-build approach offers singular responsibility for a project and I believe that is its greatest benefit.
Quality is often improved since the design/builder cannot shift problems to another party. Cost savings are another plus since the design and construction team are communicating early on, developing value, engineering and reviewing constructability. Time can also be saved by eliminating the bid process and possible re-designs created by budget considerations. The project owner is also relieved of coordinating and arbitrating between two separate design and construction contracts, reducing his administrative burden. Design/build, then, clearly has its merits.
Since the design/builder assumes more risk, he must communicate extensively with his client early in the design phase. Since he is ultimately responsible for the finished project, he must know considerable detail of the owner's needs, quality, and performance expectations. According to one of my customers, who specializes in design/build, their goal is to narrow the "perception gap" - that is, the difference between what everyone expects and what actually happens. He also reminds me that regardless of what the client thinks, design/builders are not really clairvoyant-they cannot actually see hidden conditions below grade or within existing walls. Or worse, they cannot read the minds of other people like clients, architects or code jurisdiction officials. A clearly written agreement between owner and design/builder is obviously necessary.
The Design Build Institute of America located in Washington, D.C. is a trade association which offers several standard forms for its members, which include not only contracts, but also typical requests for qualifications (RFQ's) and requests for proposals (RFP's). Understanding the design/build system, then, what does it mean to a subcontractor? Well, to me it means an opportunity to negotiate more work and not be subject only to the competitive bid process. But, also, it allows me an opportunity to participate in the design of masonry walls and become more of a "partner" of the design/build team. I have an opportunity to share my knowledge of a sometimes complex trade with my client. It offers the chance to eliminate poor masonry details and create cost-effective wall designs. To qualify for this design/build team we must maintain a reputation of quality, have the technical knowledge of our trade that comes with continuing education (available through the MCAA) and work with a spirit of teamwork while we accommodate schedules.
Aligning ourselves with design/builders offers us a great opportunity to not only increase our business but to do so in a less competitive situation which we must earn. The caveat, however, is to communicate early regarding the budget to determine if the project expects "standard" or "premium" style work. We must eliminate the "perception gap".
Design/build contracts are often led with minimal drawings and are based on early proposals. During the design development and completion of the drawings, it is not uncommon for a "standard" project to become very "premium" looking. The key, then, to eliminate misunderstandings and cost overruns, is to communicate early on in the negotiations and offer a clear scope of work in your proposal.
Lastly, the basis of design/build revolves around trust and integrity. To be chosen for a select list of subcontractors eliminates the frustration of the open bid process. Since the risks can be higher, it is not unusual that margins or fees can also be higher, but the owner is still well served by overall savings and receives far greater incremental value than the costs represented by such fees.
Richard M. Johnston,
President MCAA
MASONRY-SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2000 7