3 PROJECT DELIVERY MODELS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR PROJECT
Every design and construction effort follows a predetermined process. To meet the ever-changing needs of clientele, the building industry has created a number of project delivery models, refining each to add value and increase efficiencies.
The following presents two of the most common models, along with TONO Group’s innovative and highly collaborative project delivery process. As with any designed system, there are pros and cons to employing each one. Take time to review all three and consider which would be a good fit for your next project.
What is Traditional Design Bid Build?
As its name suggests, the traditional Design Bid Build project delivery model is broken up into three distinct phases. In the first phase, a client contracts with an Architect to design a space and prepare construction documents. From there, interested contractors review the construction document specifications and produce construction cost estimates. In the final phase, the owner reviews the bids, chooses a builder to perform the work, and enters a separate contract with them to construct the project.
PRO: This method is common (and thus well-understood) and clearly defines the roles of all parties involved.
CON: Lack of coordination between designer and builder can leave room for error in material selections and constructability, while disjointed phasing lengthens the project timeline.
What is Design-Build?
Design-build differs from the traditional project delivery process in that a client enters a contract with a single source of responsibility. The contractor/construction manager and architect act as a unified team from the outset, ushering a project through each phase of design, documentation, and construction, together. Oftentimes, the builder will lead the effort, overseeing the architectural team and taking responsibility for professional design services. The idea is to provide valuable recommendations for the client (i.e. saving time, money, and resources) and to prevent any critical errors down the line. Consequently, a culture of collaboration is crucial to any successful design-build effort.
PRO: The owner only needs to contract with one entity, and the project delivery process is more efficient, as there are fewer project phases and generally fewer changes to the final design. Ultimately, the project delivery timeline is significantly shortened.
CON: Requires significant confidence in the capabilities and transparency of the hired design-build entity, particularly when solidifying services agreements.
What is TONO Group’s Collaborative Project Delivery Process?
Taking the design-build model even further, TONO Group is able to complete a project in its entirety, from start to finish. Ours is a turnkey process which, from a project’s inception, can engage a unified team of architects and builders, in addition to interior designers, curators, and real estate brokers and developers. By allowing owners to spend minimal time and energy juggling a myriad of service professionals and personalities, TONO and its integrated team are capable of overseeing a building project and turning it over entirely ready for owner use.
PRO: Key project contributors are identified at the start, and an owner can rely on one entity to manage every stage of project completion and ensure his or her vision is fully executed.
CON: Requires a mutual sense of trust between owner and collaborative project delivery team, along with a keen understanding of the team’s capabilities.
Interested in learning more about TONO Group and its project delivery model? Learn more about our family of companies or contact us to get started on your building project.