As part of our ongoing discussion of building for the tenant of the future, it’s important to pay attention to a commercial construction model that’s used throughout the world, with the hopes that it will become more widely adopted here in New York City. The design-build approach uses a single entity to provide both design and construction services for the client. For property owners and developers who are interested in getting their projects completed efficiently, the design-build model makes sense.
A Single Point of Responsibility Makes Sense
Commercial construction projects are complex. Throughout the process, there will be questions that need answers, problems that need solutions, and decisions that need to be made. The design-build model’s greatest strength is that it consolidates all project oversight responsibilities into a single entity. This saves time, reduces confusion and miscommunication, and increases accountability – no one can say ‘it’s the other guy’s fault’ when there is no other guy!
Design-build Makes Meeting Tight Deadlines Easier
Not every New York City commercial construction project needs to happen on an accelerated timeline, but many do. Additionally, many builds must be completed without disrupting the other occupants in the building or their businesses. Because the design-build model uses a single entity to provide all necessary design and construction services, collaboration and communication processes are significantly streamlined. According to the Design-Build Institute of America, an industry trade group, design-build projects are 30% faster to market than projects built using multiple firms.
Significant Cost Savings Boost Project Profitability
We’ve known for some time that the design-build model saves money. As reported by Crains New York in 2011, the city researched the issue and found design-build projects to be 27% less costly; in the interim, the development of other construction technologies and lean project management mean that greater savings can be realized.
Innovation & Quality of Construction
Throughout Europe and the parts of the US where the design-build model is the norm for commercial construction projects, a higher degree of innovative design and quality construction has become the norm. As we strive to build New York’s best possible tomorrow, today, it’s time to push forward with the widespread adoption of the design-build model for commercial construction here.
Learn More About Building for the Tenant of Tomorrow
People change, but property doesn’t. Learn how today’s leading NYC commercial construction firms are adapting and innovating to meet the demands of a changing workforce here.
