5 Benefits of Design-Build Construction for Commercial Projects
July 15, 2025 Commercial Construction, Design BuildsIn this article, we explore the benefits of design-build construction for commercial projects, from improved collaboration to faster delivery times and more.
Advantages of Commercial Design-Build Construction
Over the years, the design-build construction model has emerged as a top choice for commercial projects across every industry. Design-build construction is a project delivery method where one entity is responsible for both design and execution.
Rather than having to manage multiple separate contracts and points of contact, design-build projects bring everything under one roof. This means you have one contract for a full team of architects, engineers, builders, and subcontractors, and streamlined communication and project management.
This integrated approach is an alternative to the traditional design-bid-build system, where architects, designers, and general contractors are hired separately.
With these advantages in mind, it’s no surprise that by 2026, nearly 47% of all non-residential construction spending is expected to go toward design-build projects.1 This shift reflects a growing demand for faster timelines, stronger collaboration, and superior quality control.
Read on to take a closer look at what design-build means and explore the top benefits it brings to commercial construction projects.
1. Streamlined Communication and Collaboration
One of the primary advantages of design-build construction is that communication is streamlined from the very beginning. From day one, architects, engineers, and builders work together as one team with a shared objective. This helps break down traditional silos for a more collaborative approach to problem solving throughout the entire project.
Streamlined communication not only strengthens teamwork, but also helps keep all stakeholders up to date through every step. This reduces miscommunications and can even help avoid costly delays and schedule disruptions.
2. Improved Supply Chain Coordination
Nearly 37% of all construction delays are attributed to supply chain issues.2 These setbacks can slow progress and even eat into the budget when you factor in extended labor hours to make up for lost time, longer equipment rentals, and other financial consequences.
With DB construction, early coordination between designers and builders often allows materials and services to be secured sooner, addressing long lead times before they have the chance to become a bottleneck. This minimizes delays and helps the project remain flexible and responsive.
According to a survey conducted by the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), 83% indicated that design-build construction helps them with supply chain problems more than other delivery methods.1
3. Faster Project Completion
According to the DBIA, design-build construction is 36% faster on average than other delivery methods.3 With all parties working together from the start, it creates opportunities for faster decision-making, streamlined approvals, and early intervention for any identified roadblocks. This reduces delays and helps keep the project moving forward more efficiently.
4. Better Cost Control and Budgeting
When architects, engineers, and building experts collaborate during the planning phase, it allows for more accurate budget estimations since insight is offered from multiple perspectives. This close cooperation also allows the team to brainstorm cost-saving methods, materials, or design alternatives before ground is even broken.
Plus, the communication benefits of design-build construction can significantly reduce the risk of miscommunications and delays, which often make a serious dent in the project’s budget.
5. Enhanced Quality Control
Design-build makes it easier to keep quality in check. With one highly collaborative team united by the same goal, there’s less room for miscommunication and more opportunities to catch potential issues early on—before they escalate into bigger problems.
This can significantly smooth out the construction process, resulting in fewer defects, less rework, and a final product that meets everyone’s expectations.
Contact the Design-Build Construction Team at FDC to Bring Your Commercial Project to Life
The design-build construction model is an innovative approach that unifies all phases under one contract. This offers many benefits for project owners looking to streamline the commercial construction process, from shortened timelines to improved communication, and more.
At FDC, we bring over 40 years of design-build experience to every commercial project we take on. Our team of designers, architects, and builders is ready to ensure your goals are met efficiently and with exceptional quality.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us online or call (707) 523-1722 to get in touch with one of our experts today.
References
- fmiconsulting.com, DBIA, & FMI Corporation. (2023). DBIA Mid-Cycle Update Report. FMI Corporation. https://dbia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DBIA-2023-Mid-Cycle-Survey-Report-FMI.pdf
- Construction Supply Chain Risk Report 2023. (2023, July 17). WTW. https://www.wtwco.com/en-us/insights/2023/07/construction-supply-chain-risk-report-2023
- Research – DBIA. (2025, January 31). DBIA. https://dbia.org/impact/