Despite the increasing popularity of design build as a method of project delivery in the United States, the work has been mostly controlled by contractors. Mark C. Friedlander, Esq., a lawyer who has specialized in representing design professionals for over 20 years and is currently a leading member of the Design Build Institute of America, outlines the benefits of taking a different approach. Once fearful of risks and liabilities, unaware of specific construction techniques, and ignorant of specific contractors, now using an architect-led design build business model allows for a renewed sense of project ownership with the added benefits of controlling projects.

The architect’s pitch: on top of all the other design skills and expertise I’ve just shown you, I’m prepared to guarantee to you that the project will occur on time and on budget. And on top of that I’m willing to put that guarantee in writing and sign it as part of my contract, but only If I build the project as well, because I can only guarantee my own construction work, not somebody else’s.

This presentation instructs architects on how to structure their businesses to contract directly with owners as the prime member of a design build team, subcontracting the actual construction to a general contractor teammate. The benefits can be seen by architects and contractors, in addition to the consumer.

There are many potential opportunities in taking a collaborative approach to design build. For the architect, potential benefits extend to reduced construction risk, increased direction, more consumer trust, and a higher profit margin. For the contractor, it means a steady workflow without the need to advertise. Between the two, it allows for much closer collaboration as the creative process becomes more intimate and streamlined, with communication throughout project development, versus a more competitive method of contractor controlled building. And due to this, the consumer benefits with a better product and a lower cost.

In this podcast, Mr. Friedlander constructs a concise and provocative picture for when the architect leads the team, and follows through by explaining how.