ABSTRACT
Historically, designing and building were closely aligned as a delivery model in the built environment. The model is now being re-established as a legitimate practice option. Design-build firms find they can manage the highest level of quality projects and maintain efficiencies of time and costs. Firms such as Future Green and First Nature take an egalitarian and team-centered approach and work in a collaborative process that stands open to client participation. In contrast to the more common design-bid-build model, in the design-build model the designer, contractor and client or owner collaborate from project inception through construction completion. They address problems as they emerge, creating efficiencies and a higher degree of trust among the team. The adaptable design-build model can be structured in many configurations that support fabrication. The collective practice model, a form of design-build, is common in Europe. Firms such as ConstructLab bring people together across disciplines to explore new ideas of placemaking. Design-build firms address rising and important issues of ecological and sustainable ethical practices and social justice.
