Design-Build
A single-contract project delivery method where the same contractor handles design, permitting, and construction.
What design-build actually means.
In a design-build contract the homeowner signs one agreement that covers architectural design, drawings, permitting, and construction. The contractor coordinates internally between designers, engineers, and trade subcontractors rather than the homeowner mediating between independent parties. The result is faster cost-discovery (the builder is at the table during design), tighter change-order handling, and a single point of accountability. The trade-off is reduced architectural independence vs. the traditional architect-bid-build model where the homeowner contracts the architect separately.
- AIA contract documents — design-build delivery method
- Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) best-practices documentation
Adjacent definitions.
- General Contractor (GC)
The licensed entity responsible for executing a construction project, coordinating subcontractors, and pulling permits.
See the definition - Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)
A construction contract pricing structure that caps the total project cost while sharing visibility into actual costs with the owner.
See the definition - Substantial Completion
The contractual milestone at which a project is sufficiently complete that the owner can use it for its intended purpose.
See the definition