Collaborative Services (Design-Build)

Design-Build is a process that reflects the ancient tradition of the “master builder”—one individual, or group, directly responsible for both the design and the construction of a project. It stands in contrast to Design-Bid-Build, whereby the initiator of the project—the client—hires a designer and a contractor separately. In recent years, CDS International has noted a trend back to the Design-Build approach, especially for government and military projects.

Design-Build is not just a question of accountability or workflow; it requires a different approach by the designer, necessitating even closer than usual attention to practical considerations such as schedule, budget, and constructability.

The Design-Build philosophy dovetails with CDS International’s collaborative approach, and our reputation for practical-minded design. The firm has been lead design firm on several design-build teams, in cooperation with contractors and other key players. Recent design-build projects include Air Force and Navy schools on Guam, Marine Corps housing complexes, and the adaptive re-use and historic rehabilitation of a former Navy officers’ quarters into a hotel. Another recent project is a new high-rise dormitory at the University of Hawai‘i Manoa Campus.

Please read about some of our projects here.