Design/Build

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March 2004

Issue

AIA Washington Council recognizes the design and construction process must respond to changing circumstances in the construction industry. Alternative delivery methods should be considered when appropriate for public sector projects. Any delivery system needs to address assignment of responsibilities, including responsibility for professional liability. Determination to use any delivery system should be based on evidence that the system provides good value.

Projects which are simple, generic, repetitive, and do not require significant user input may be suitable for Design/Build. In this process, a single architect, engineer, and contractor team responds, with a fixed price, to an Owner-developed building program. The criteria used to evaluate submittals should be objective, include total project cost, consider the architect’s ability for appropriate design and consider the contractor’s qualifications and experience. The Council encourages engaging an independent architect, using RCW 39.80, to act as an advisor for development of the bu8ilding program and request for submittals, submittal evaluation and review of the final building design and construction.