In today’s fast-paced construction and development landscape, delivering a corporate project on time and within budget is table stakes. As the industry shifts towards more integrated and efficient project delivery methods, design-build is gaining traction and reshaping how owners experience the construction process.
According to FMI Consulting, the design-build method is set to account for 47% of construction spending by 2026, with growth projected to reach 22.5% despite the market’s inherent volatility. So, what makes design-build such an appealing option for owners, especially those embarking on complex corporate projects?
Streamlined Responsibility: One Team, One Goal
The heart of design-build lies in its unified structure. With this approach, the design and construction teams work together from the outset, guided by a single contract. This means owners no longer have to juggle between separate designers, contractors, and subcontractors, allowing for smoother communication and faster decision-making.
Take, for example, the Kinsale Insurance North Headquarters project. The relocation of their corporate headquarters to a 267,000 square-foot Class A office was a massive undertaking, which involved renovating the aging Anthem North building, built in the 1960s, into a modern space that could support Kinsale’s 900 employees. Through design-build, Hourigan and the architect worked in partnership with Kinsale, ensuring that every decision was aligned with their vision. Major changes to the building, currently underway, include a reimagined façade, relocated entrance, 3-story monumental stair, new elevators, raised-access flooring, and MEP updates. This single point of accountability ensured a smooth, coordinated effort from start to finish.
But it’s not just about reducing complexity for clients—it’s also about risk mitigation. Design-build shifts much of the responsibility for cost overruns, delays, and design inconsistencies from the owner to the design-builder, giving owners the confidence that their projects will stay on track without unexpected surprises.
Faster Delivery with Cost Savings
Another key benefit of the design-build approach is its ability to accelerate project timelines. Unlike traditional methods, where construction only begins after design is fully complete, design-build allows for concurrent design and construction phases. This overlap helps minimize delays and ensures that projects stay on schedule.
Take the Feed More project, for instance. The nonprofit’s new facility needed a complex blend of office space, commercial kitchens, freezers, and community areas—all coming together in a very tight timeline. The design-build team worked tirelessly to ensure that the layout of plumbing and other utilities was aligned with equipment needs, from kitchen fixtures to warehouse freezers. The early collaboration between design and construction teams allowed for creative solutions to the challenges presented by the tilt-wall construction, ensuring that the project was delivered on time and on budget.
Enhanced Collaboration and Expertise
One of the defining characteristics of design-build is the early collaboration among architects, engineers, and contractors. This integrated approach ensures everyone is aligned from day one, working towards a unified goal. For owners, this means there’s no need to act as intermediaries—every team member is on the same page, driving the project forward efficiently.
This enhanced collaboration is particularly evident on the Springline Office project. This five-story, 150,000-square-foot new construction office building benefited immensely from the power of design-build collaboration. From the early preconstruction phase through to the final tenant improvements, the team worked hand in hand to ensure the design was both visually striking and functionally efficient. The result? A cutting-edge office space, complete with advanced building systems and rooftop amenities, all delivered on an accelerated timeline.
What makes design-build especially powerful is the careful selection of team members who bring specialized expertise to each phase of the project. For complex corporate projects like Kinsale’s headquarters, Feed More’s corporate and distribution hub, or the Springline Office, the best professionals are handpicked for their deep knowledge of the building type and their ability to manage the specific demands of the project. This ensures that each phase is led by experienced individuals who understand exactly what is needed to achieve success, meeting the unique requirements of every client.
A Proven Approach to Success
Design-build continues to gain momentum because it works. Whether it’s delivering large-scale renovations, like Kinsale’s headquarters, or specialized projects like Feed More’s community-focused facility, the benefits are clear. Faster delivery, cost savings, reduced risks, and higher client satisfaction—these are the results owners can expect when they choose this integrated approach.
By consolidating design and construction under one contract, design-build simplifies the process, enhances communication, and reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes. It allows for greater flexibility, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and challenges are addressed proactively.
For owners looking to minimize risks, maximize efficiency, and ensure that their projects are completed on time and within budget, design-build is the solution. As the construction industry continues to evolve, it remains a trusted method for achieving superior outcomes and ensuring long-term value for both owners and communities.
