For decades, the design-bid-build model has been the standard for construction projects in the U.S. It provided clear divisions of responsibility, competitive pricing, and countless successful builds. Yet as the industry evolves, many leaders argue that this traditional model no longer meets the demands of modern construction.
Robert Brown, president and CEO of GCM Contracting Solutions in Southwest Florida, believes the industry needs to pivot toward design-build. “The challenges we face now are different from the ones we faced 20 or 30 years ago,” Brown said. “Facilities are more complex, labor is tighter, supply chains are unpredictable and extreme weather is a constant concern. These conditions demand a delivery model that emphasizes speed, integration and adaptability.”
Owners today face pressure to deliver projects faster without sacrificing quality. Under design-bid-build, handoffs between architects, contractors, and subcontractors often create bottlenecks. Design-build, on the other hand, unites the entire team under one contract and one set of shared goals, which helps streamline decisions.
“The best value decisions are made before a shovel ever hits the ground,” Brown explained. “Value engineering in a design-build model is not a one-time exercise at the end of design, but a continuous process that runs throughout the project.” This early integration allows teams to evaluate structural systems, materials, and layouts in real time, reducing overruns and protecting budgets.
In storm-prone regions, resiliency is no longer optional. Owners want buildings that not only survive but recover quickly. “Design-build gives project teams the ability to plan with that reality in mind,” Brown said. From ordering long-lead materials earlier to aligning schedules with weather risks, integration provides flexibility that keeps projects moving even in disruptive conditions.
Traditional models can slow decisions as stakeholders debate who is responsible for unexpected issues. “Design-build shifts the mindset from ‘who is responsible’ to ‘how do we solve this together?’” Brown noted. That collaborative culture is especially important for projects that rely on automation, specialized infrastructure, and advanced equipment. With engineers, builders, and equipment providers all at the same table from the outset, misalignment is minimized and performance is safeguarded.
Brown also highlights the community benefits of design-build. Early involvement of local subcontractors, engineers, and suppliers improves project quality and supports regional economies. “It improves the quality and reliability of the finished project and it strengthens the economic impact by keeping more work and jobs in the community,” he said.
As owners demand more than just on-time, on-budget delivery, design-build offers a framework that addresses long-term value, resiliency, and adaptability. “After more than 40 years in this business, I have learned that the most successful projects are the ones that balance innovation with reliability and vision with discipline,” Brown said. “Design-build gives us the ability to strike that balance. It is not simply about finishing projects faster. It is about building them smarter and stronger so they stand the test of time.”
Originally reported by Robert Brown in Construction Dive.
.webp)
