We here at Mosaik use a design-build approach in our work, but what does that actually mean?

Design-build is an integrated approach that delivers design and construction services under one contract with a single point of responsibility. You might select design-build to achieve the best value while meeting schedule, cost and quality goals.

Design-build encompasses all projects from commercial to residential, including new build and remodeling. Nearly 40% of non-residential design and construction is created with this approach.

bathroom remodel closet

Before starting Mosaik Design, I owned another design-build firm and witnessed how successful the design-build method was with clients firsthand. So, when I started Mosaik Design it was a natural progression as design and construction are two important pieces that make up the greater whole or “mosaic.”

(For more behind-the-scenes details about how I started the company, check out a recent interview I did with Jessica Rust at Cake PDX. I talk about our early beginnings, the advice I wish I’d listened to, and where I get my inspiration. And if you’re a Portland entrepreneur and aren’t reading Cake PDX, you should be!)

remodeled bathroom

To illustrate the “design-build” method, we recently completed a small TV Lift project that illustrates this approach perfectly.

Our client wanted a beautiful, functional way to hide the TV in her family room.  So I began with the design first, which involved sourcing the correct mechanism for the lift and engineering niches into the wall to hide the cable box and misc. TV accessories.  We also discussed the mirror size, frame and strategy to mount it to the mechanism.  This took many conversations with the “build” side of our company as to what was feasible and what the cost would be in the end. This communication is very important as it heads off mistakes and upcharges down the road. When you have both disciplines within the same company, this communication and problem-solving is usually one of the driving principles.

The result is a remote-controlled unit with a gorgeous mirror attached that gently slides down when the TV is in use and back up when it’s not. It is both pretty and functional.

In this and other projects, the design-build strategy takes advantage of the overlap between the two major phases of your remodel, ultimately saving you time and money.

Why is a Design-Build firm the best choice for your next construction project?

1. Save time.

According to the Design-Build Institute of America, the delivery speed of a design-build project is one-third faster than projects completed through traditional contracting, including less chance of deadline extensions. Design-build helps you avoid the time-consuming process of getting multiple bids on every phase of a project.

2. Save money.

The cost of a design-build project is more than 6% less than a traditional project whereby first a designer is engaged and then a separate contractor with subs is brought in to build the original vision.

Additionally, design-build helps prevent additional costs being added on during the project due to better communication and commitment to your budget.

3. Decrease headaches.

Owners have a decreased administrative and management burden due to the single point of responsibility contract. Owners can focus on the project’s original intention and inception rather than managing disparate contracts with multiple points of contact.

4. Reduce litigation.

The integrated design-build team reduces the two primary types of construction litigation — cost overruns and construction defect — that come from lack of communication between the designer and contractor.

With design-build, contractors and designers work together to implement a plan to budget specifications so overages are not pushed to the owner. Contractors do not have to wait on a Request for Information (RFI) from the designer who is not on-site regularly when a question of construction protocol or design disparity arises, increasing timelines or resulting in an incorrect application of the design.

5. Increase innovation.

Owners benefit from an multidisciplinary team of architects, project managers and contractors working in concert. This cross-pollination of training and expertise brings best practices on all fronts, contributing to a project’s success.

Think a design-build approach is right for you? Call us at 503-726-2222 or send me a quick message today and let’s start talking about what you envision for your home!

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