A Better Way of Building: Proven Advantages of the SGA Design-Build Approach

Most people are familiar with the traditional design-bid-build approach to a construction project, where two separate entities (typically an architectural or design firm and a construction company) are responsible for their own unique specializations and perform different roles throughout the course of the project.

The designer operates under a separate contract and has separate conversations with the owner, develops initial designs, and creates construction documents for the building portion of the project. The contractors, in turn, enter the process at this stage, rather than being part of the conversation from the beginning. They bid for the construction phase of the project once construction documents are completed, operate under a separate contract with the owner, and are responsible for the building portion of the project.

This approach to either new construction or renovation projects results in separate responsibilities and split accountability. Unfortunately, design-bid-build can also lead to various pitfalls, including communication breakdowns and finger pointing when challenges arise.

Here at SGA, we have adopted a different approach to the building process, one that complements our overall approach to expansion opportunities for our clients. We call it SGA Design-Build, and it brings all the responsibility for the entire project, from start to finish, under one roof in order to simplify the entire process.

With the SGA Design-Build method, everyone reports to an SGA Project Manager. SGA holds a single contract with the owner for the entire project. This approach results in one point of contact for the owner throughout the design and construction phases and is especially helpful when questions or challenges arise.

Here are a few more advantages the SGA Design-Build process offers our clients:

1.  The entire team is established at the start of the project. This means all parties (architects, engineers, interior designers, and contractors) are on board from the very beginning, resulting in a process that promotes collaboration among all the stakeholders, including the owner. Everyone learns about project goals, budget, and deadlines from the get-go and works together as a team to meet those goals for the benefit of the project owner.

2. Finger pointing is eliminated. With SGA as the single source of responsibility and accountability, the entire team must work together to achieve the desired results, and everyone has a voice in design and construction to meet the project owner’s needs, including both the project scope and budget.

3. The owner has a single point of contact. Rather than tracking down designers and sub-contractors with questions or concerns, the owner can simply pick up the phone and call the SGA Project Manager, who can field questions and find answers, saving the owner both time and energy while also eliminating frustration and confusion.

4. SGA Design-Build offers the owner the chance to receive real-time updates and frequent evaluations. With our method, the project leader is integrated in every step of the process and provides oversight on construction management and design. This person can then give the owner feedback on the project in real time and head off decision delays.

5. SGA Design-Build mitigates hidden costs. No one like surprise “add ons” mid-stream. With SGA Design-Build, these hidden costs are reduced, since the contract feeds through a single entity who keeps an eye on the budget throughout, resulting in transparency and time-saving measures that speed the process through to completion.

When choosing a design-build partner, it’s important to select a proven leader, one who has years of experience in the field and who has established long-standing relationships with trusted industry partners, rather than resorting to a lowest bidder, who may or may not deliver the desired outcomes. For owners looking to branch out, SGA Design-Build offers expertise,  efficiency, transparency, and true collaboration. Want to learn more about SGA’s better way of building? Just give us a call!