Don’t Be Fooled By The Term “Design-Build”
Full transparency: The term “design-build” is a lie in the building industry. Lately, you may have noticed builders marketing themselves as a “design-build” firm, but don’t be fooled. This could be a huge red flag for your custom home process.
Before we dive into why this is, let’s back up with a little history lesson. A century ago, when we began the modern era of home design and building, architects used to be called the “master builder” because they designed and built the building. Over time, this changed. Architects decided to pass off the building part, possibly to push off some of the responsibility so they could focus on the fun part: designing. Over time, this turned into two separate processes—until recently (kind-of).
What’s Considered a True Design-Build Firm?
Builders are now promoting themselves as “design-build.” Spoiler alert: They’re not “design-build.” These days, builders aren’t actually builders anymore—they’re contractors. The general contractor subs out all of the plumbing, electric, framing, etc. Well, they also sub out a draftsman, and voila! They call themselves “design-build.”
Unfortunately, this doesn’t get to the heart of what “design-build” really is. In theory, “design-build” means that the group that’s designing the building is actually involved in and in charge of the building of it. That's what we do at Springhouse now. Although we may not be onsite with our boots on, hammering away, we are contracting, supervising, and approving all of the building.
What you're looking for in a true “design-build” are integrated services, where the architect is working within the building process, and vice-versa. At Springhouse, for example, while we're designing, our construction manager is in every single weekly meeting. The contractor is involved in design all the way through the building process, and then the architect designer is in every single weekly meeting on site and involved all the way to wrap-up.
What Are the Advantages of an Architect-Led, Design-Build Firm?
“Architect-led, design-build” is what we consider ourselves at Springhouse. The entire design-build process is led by architects. In fact, our construction manager is educated as an architect, although not licensed. One of the biggest advantages of having a true architect-led, design-build process is that the homeowner’s details are not lost in translation. As hard as we try, and as many pages upon pages of architectural detailing we do, you cannot get every single question answered on paper.
On the contrary, a fake “design-build” process is when the architect designs, puts it on paper, gets the permit—and then leaves. What happens next? The builder takes over. Unfortunately, this means that the builder has to make a lot of assumptions and decisions on the homeowner’s part, even if that's not what the homeowner paid for in the design of their building.
Another advantage to using an architect-led, design-build process is that you’ll save time and money. Having an integrated process from the very beginning ensures that from the design through construction, you’re getting all questions answered quickly. When the construction manager is involved in the design process, they’re able to bring up questions that the designer may not have thought of, which makes planning ahead much more streamlined. This also saves the team from making mistakes. When questions go unanswered, which happens in a fake design-build firm all the time, the contractors make their best guess at interpreting the drawings, and then it usually needs to be redone - or worse, just gets pushed through.
An architect-led, design-build firm guarantees that the architect, builder and homeowner are all fully engaged throughout the entire process. This will, no doubt, save the homeowner money in the long run. The best part? It makes for a better project that’s more fulfilling and interactive. Don’t get us wrong, it’s not perfect. Mistakes are sometimes made, but everything always gets resolved without pointing fingers.
At the end of the day, make sure you’re not being tricked into thinking you’re working with one company just because they label themselves as “design-build.” Do your research, and you’ll have a much faster, smoother process.
Have any questions?
Although we covered a lot in this post, you may still have some other questions about finding a true design-build firm. Whether you’re involved in the custom home process now, or even just considering it, join our free Facebook group—we’ll help you answer any questions you might have! Also, feel free to invite anyone that you think would benefit from this collaborative. You’ll not only get advice from me, but from other people who have been through this, too.
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When it comes to designing and building a custom home, nothing beats having a trusted, experienced team of architects on your side. Let’s set up a call to meet, discuss your goals, answer your questions, and settle your fears. We can’t wait to meet you!