Design-Build Project Delivery: Risks & Rewards for Architects
Learn how architects can take on principal or shared leadership roles in design-build delivery—navigating risk, cost transparency, and contracts while strengthening their ability to advocate for design excellence.
About the live course
As owners, constructors, and architects, all parties share professional, legal, and financial interests in the success of a project. This course explores how architects can transition from a potentially subordinate position to a principal or shared role with co-managing authority within design-build (DB) delivery. A panel of industry expert architects from the design and construction sector within the federal, state, and local government will present and explore focused remarks about architects' roles in design-build project delivery. Participants will gain insights into navigating the technical and financial risks inherent in DB agreements, such as managing contingencies and ensuring cost transparency. By focusing on early engagement and clear project criteria, architects can better advocate for design excellence while mitigating professional liability and contractual gaps.
Based on the article, The role of architects in design-build project delivery: A crucial conversation about opportunities and risks, published in 2025 by the Project Delivery Knowledge Community (PDKC).
- Evaluate project governance structures to secure a principal or shared role with a co-managing authority rather than a subordinate position.
- Identify legal, technical, and financial risks within design-build agreements during the contract administration phase, specifically regarding the standard of care, contingencies, and payment for scope changes.
- Discuss and explore career potential for architectural practice for design excellence, and build relationships with owners and builders.
- Align project program, budget, and schedule through early involvement in progressive design-build to reduce risk and increase stakeholder satisfaction.
Presented in partnership with Project Delivery Knowledge Community.
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