DESIGN/BUILD The Contractual Relationship flows from: OWNER CONTRACTOR ARCHITECT/ENGINEER AND SUBCONTRACTORS In the DESIGN/BUILD approach, the owner contracts with one firm to provide both design and construction services. It is often called a TURN-KEY contract. The design/build approach replaces the traditional method of awarding separate contracts for design and for construction. On a design/build job, the contractor and architect/engineer work together to serve the owner. The owner, contractor and architect/engineer work as a TEAM to design and build a project that meets the needs of the owner. There are several advantages of the Design/Build approach. You get early cost input from the contractor. A price is put on conceptual design ideas as they are developed. A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE can be determined early, right after the scope of the project is established. Time is saved because construction can begin before the design is completed. By example, the architect could be completing interior designs while the site and foundation work is underway. The need for high cost change orders is eliminated. Contractor, architectural and engineering fees are kept to a minimum and are determined from the beginning. Realistic completion dates are established by the contractor who will do the work. You get the best ideas from your team members due to the cooperative team spirit. This TEAM approach helps all involved to focus on solving problems in order realize a successful project for all involved.