Some of the significant lessons learned that were mentioned during the interviews and questionnaires, and from additional references are noted as follows:
• It is important to understand all aspects, implementation issues, time to develop, & re-engineer the Design-Build model according to local practices. FHWA & US DOT (2006) and Koppinen & Lahdenpera (2004) are resources for understanding Design-Build and model improvements
• There is a large gap of understanding, expertise, and knowledge with Design-Build models amongst the client organization's experts, especially at the regional level. Even greater differences were noted between the regional offices
• Develop Performance-based specifications. (Performance-based specifications have a strong relationship with Design-Build and their other variations)
• Limiting the amount of design development before tender (greater advantages with less)
• Co-location of Design-Build team with client (Quicker decisions and efficiency)
• Use partnering and teaming concepts
• Develop systems to measure Alternative Technical Concepts (ATC)
• Risk matrices and analysis should be developed and incorporated into DB model
• If possible, bundling several small DB projects
| METHOD | BENEFITS | DISADVANTAGES |
| Design-Build | • Reduced Administration • Single-Source Responsibility • Quality Equal or Better Than D-B-B • Innovation Potential • Savings Potential • Projects Completed Faster • Improved Risk Management • Early Knowledge of Total Costs • Accountability • Constructability Optimized • Early Partnering Potential & Trust Building • Integrating Design & Construction • More Risks Transferred to the Design-Builder • Design Reflects Contractor Strengths & Ability • More Rewards/Profit for Contractors • Usually Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) • Contractor Responsible for Design Errors & Omissions • Contractor has Better Capability to Plan & Manage Project • Contractor has More Flexibility and Freedom from Strict Client Idiosyncrasies • Opportunity for Contractor to use product development | • New Method & Unfamiliar With Process - Lack of know-how • Not taking advantage of the DB model in limiting Design development to under 30% (This is where the innovation potential is maximized) • Still too many technical and rescriptive requirements for model effectiveness • Client Needs to Make Quicker Decisions • Initially difficult to develop and change the cultural acceptance. (Design Professionals - resistance) • Transformation to QC by the Contractor is slow • Client learning process - especially different practices from region to region. (Many offices have differing interpretations and practices of DB & misunderstandings continue to plague the DB model) • Client difficulty in approving alternative technical concepts, - more in DB projects • Limiting the Competition • Higher Tendering Costs |
Updated from Source: Pakkala (2002)
Table 4 Design-Build Advantages & Disadvantages