Architect led Design-Build

We guide you through a three step process that saves time and adds value.

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step 1

Preliminary design drawings, budget, & schedule

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step 2

Construction Drawings, final budget, & schedule

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step 3

Construction

There are several inherit advantages with our Architect led Design-Build:

  • Better cost control - we have a better handle on costs than the typical architect. This allows us to design to your budget and avoid delays that might otherwise occur for value engineering.

  • Better quality control - design minded individuals are on site on a regular basis

  • Better ability to adapt - we all know there is no such thing as a perfect set of architectural drawings. When issues arise on the job site as a result we can adapt/respond quickly because we and our clients are not dependent on a 3rd party to weigh in.

  • Single source - only one point of contact throughout the process

  • Design savings - when you engage us for design-build services we can offer savings on architecture fees.

 

Architecture Only

A great design is unachievable without a firm grip on the client’s needs.  We understand this at CREATE and this is why we talk at length with our client before we ever put pen to paper.  These pre-design meetings give us the opportunity to ask key questions and establish/understand your program and budget.  We can offer full service architecture, custom builder sets, or anything in between.  

 

Not All Design-Build is Created Equal

Many home builders offer design-build services, however; you should examine them closely as not all design-build services are created equal.  Some of our competitors are leading the process (Contractor led design-build) by subcontracting with a designer/architect.  In many cases the designer/architect provides a fairly minimal set of drawings sufficient for city permitting and not much else.  This keeps cost down for the builder, and gives them a greater ability to influence the direction of construction because the drawings lack necessary information.  The designers/architects in these scenarios generally do not provide construction oversight so there are no checks and balances.  This could leave the contractor to make critical design decisions.  While we have no doubt there are plenty of successfully executed projects which have gone through this process, we don't believe it has the client's best interest in mind.