Design-Build: How to Increase Its Usage and Its Impact on Architects and Contractors in Singapore

Florence Ling

doi:10.5130/ajceb.v6i1.2965

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways to increase the usage of design-build (DB). The scope covers how project managers (local and foreign) can play a role in increasing DB usage in Singapore. It is found that owners would adopt DB if their requirements can be properly met. This is achieved by having clear and comprehensive bid documents, having sketch designs prepared by client appointed consultants, and engaging experienced DB contractors. Clients also need to engage project managers and consultant quantity surveyors to manage the DB projects, but the liability for design rests on DB contractors. Clients want DB contractors to provide warranty for fitness for purpose. The conclusion is that clients welcome the use of DB if some concrete steps are taken to make it meet their needs better. This study also concludes that consulting and contracting companies welcome DB, as this procurement method does not have a significantly negative impact on them.

Highlights

Several studies have been conducted to compare design-build (DB) with a number of different types of procurement routes available for clients to choose from
They were asked to state their level of agreement with the solutions suggested on a 5-point scale (1= totally disagree; 5= strongly agree). This is to ensure that future projects could include the suggested solution so as to make DB procurement more suitable for owners and contractors
The conclusion is that owners who are not familiar with the construction process do not want to be precluded from DB procurement system

Summary

Introduction

Several studies have been conducted to compare design-build (DB) with a number of different types of procurement routes available for clients to choose from. In the USA, Konchar and Sanvido (1998) compared the performance of projects using DB, traditional design-bid-build (DBB) and construction management routes. They found that DB projects perform better than design-bid-build projects in all the three aspects: schedule, cost and quality. In the UK, Bennett et al (1996) discovered that DB projects‟ performance is not worse than design-bid-build projects. In Singapore, Ling and Leong (2002) investigated the perceptions of clients, architects and contractors on DB procurement system. Clients and contractors supported DB because they perceived DB projects have high functional, architectural and technical quality, shorter in project time, and lower project costs

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion