Back to the Future

A design/build format is a team approach, with all team members being in the same boat and rowing in the same direction. With the sophistication of today’s medical facilities, a team should minimally be composed of the following technical disciplines: architectural; mechanical; electrical; plumbing; civil; structural; and construction. Good communication between these team disciplines is paramount. The left hand must know what the right hand is doing at all times. All technical disciplines must be involved and have input into the development of design/build projects from the outset. This integration has proven to reduce construction costs and save owners both time and money.

A true single-source design/build firm will offer an owner a “guaranteed” cost to develop the owner’s project. The design/builder will be the owner’s single point of contact throughout all stages of the project’s development process. The owner will have one firm to communicate with, depend upon and hold accountable for complete project development. There will be no finger pointing during the construction process. If the design/build firm makes an error or an omission, the company will correct it with absolutely no additional cost to the owner.

If history is really repeating itself and we are going “back-to-the-future,” no one should be surprised by the recent resurgence of the design/build approach. After all, many great architectural and engineering feats, like the Pyramids, Great Wall of China and Taj Mahal, were developed by the “master-builder” who utilized the design/build delivery system.

John Wodoslawsky is vice president of Albany, N.Y.-based BBL Medical Facilities. He can be reached at jwodoslawsky@bblinc.com.