Design-Build
Streamlining your project from concept to completion with a unified, collaborative approach.
What is Design-Build?
The design-build method integrates both design and construction services under one contract, for a single point of accountability. This project method allows owners to work collaboratively with their design and construction teams to deliver fast, cost-effective and lower-risk projects.
Speed
Design-build projects are faster due to the streamlined communication and decision-making processes between the design and construction teams. The integration of design and construction services under one entity speeds up projects compared to traditional delivery methods.
Single Point of Accountability
The design-builder is the single point of accountability, meaning the owner avoids refereeing disputes, managing multiple contracts or paying for unnecessary change orders. Fewer disputes make for smoother projects.
Cost Certainty
The design-builder provides early input on costs so the owner can make informed decisions about the design. This helps the team avoid unexpected budget overruns, identify cost savings, and set a final budget that the design-builder will stick to.
Design-Build
Design-Bid-Build
The Latest From Brady
How Design-Build Drives HUB Participation
Design-build project delivery enables greater participation by Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) by emphasizing early engagement, flexible collaboration, and values-driven procurement. This approach helps owners move beyond compliance to create more innovative, inclusive, and successful projects.
Top 3 Barriers to Successful Design-Build Implementation—and How to Overcome Them
Design-build is on the rise, but many owners still face real-world challenges that can derail project success. In this blog post, we break down the top three barriers to effective design-build delivery—based on findings from the 2025 Design-Build Utilization Study by FMI and DBIA—and offer practical strategies to overcome them. Whether it’s limited understanding, perceived loss of control, or collaboration struggles, we’ll help you navigate the roadblocks and build stronger, more efficient project outcomes.
Blueprint for Success: Navigating the Design-Build Market
As the design-build market gears up to exceed $500 billion, the landscape is primed for growth and innovation. Embrace the benefits of design-build to lower costs, effectively manage risk, and drive your projects towards success in North Carolina’s dynamic market environment.
Case Studies
Design Build Renovation Thomasville City Schools
Thomasville City Schools partnered with Brady Services for a design-build project aimed at improving HVAC and indoor air quality using federally-funded resources. The project involved an evaluation of HVAC needs across the district to develop a capital plan. Liberty Drive Elementary emerged as a priority due to its need for a comprehensive HVAC upgrade that aligned with the district’s budget.
A Successful HVAC Upgrade at Robeson Community College
Robeson Community College (RCC) partnered with Brady Services on a design-build initiative with the goal of enhancing indoor air quality and reducing energy consumption. The college allocated Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) funding to high-needs indoor air-quality improvements. The project centered on the replacement of the outdated multi-zone air handling units in the core campus facilities spanning Buildings 1-7. RCC looked to Brady Services to meet their time and budget requirements set by HEERF federal funding.
A Comprehensive HVAC Renovation at Polk County High School
Polk County Schools sole high school was built in the early 1990’s with a two-pipe HVAC system that struggled to maintain proper humidity and temperature control throughout the year. With the building’s water-cooled chiller at its end of life and obsolete building controls, it was time for a comprehensive upgrade of the building’s systems. Polk County Schools decided to use the design-build method to select a partner who would help identify the best solution, establish a fixed lump-sum price with no change orders, and own full responsibility for the design and construction of the project.