Design-Build & Design Build Methods
Design-Build & Design Build Methods
(OP)
Hello all,
I met a fellow engineer on the commute who really had a lot to say about design methods that were performance based.(sounded more like a blend of performance and prescriptive but anyway..) He claimed he could really get the cost down by competitive bidding to meet his specifications. Then spends more time reviewing shop drawings, simulating a lot more, and checking calculations thoroughly for feasibility. He claims he can control quality and lower the price. He went on to say that the design method would be perfect business model for a design-build engineering firm he wants to start, because he can control costs and ensure quality.
What does everyone think of this business plan?
I met a fellow engineer on the commute who really had a lot to say about design methods that were performance based.(sounded more like a blend of performance and prescriptive but anyway..) He claimed he could really get the cost down by competitive bidding to meet his specifications. Then spends more time reviewing shop drawings, simulating a lot more, and checking calculations thoroughly for feasibility. He claims he can control quality and lower the price. He went on to say that the design method would be perfect business model for a design-build engineering firm he wants to start, because he can control costs and ensure quality.
What does everyone think of this business plan?





RE: Design-Build & Design Build Methods
I am not sure what he is describing is a business model unless he is "design-builder", and subbing it out for less than his bid, and making money off the subs - like a contractor.
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Design-Build & Design Build Methods
I think that is his point, to operate like a general and sub-out the actual work. I think the idea of the minimum above the code, he would want to leave open in order to allow for possibly allowing for alternatives to prescriptive requirements.
I guess my question is how do performance codes work, in terms of affecting the AHJ, owner, and contract documents? Then how does that affect things like E&O insurance, liability, pricing, etc?
RE: Design-Build & Design Build Methods
You have a duty to meet the minimum requires of the code, which the AHJ enforces through plan review and inspections.
You have a duty to try to meet your client's needs, so you create the project documents to do that.
Perhaps the drawings are not detailed, mostly schematic or conceptual, and require details through shop drawings to verify it meets the contract requirements. This is pretty typical for storefronts, trusses, sprinklers, and fire alarm systems. Sometimes HVAC systems, where the main trunk and runouts are sized, the air-handlers and coils are sized, but the specific equipment must be submitted for approval. Lighting would be generalized with no specific design.
I guess when it comes to electrical, since the NEC is a pretty prescritive code (except portions allowing engineering supervision), the only creative portion would be sizing and routing of conduit to minimize costs.
Looking at the lighting example, if I am reviewing a set of documents that say provide a lighting design for 50 fc at desktop (and code requires 10 fc at floor level for occupiable spaces), I would issued a partial approval and require the lighting design be submitted for approval. In addition to the minimum of 10 fc, the code limits the amount of lighting as well so the design must be completed and submitted for approval.
Perhaps that is an example of the AHJ and Owner question.
I am not sure how E&O is affected except you are spreading design risk out but taking on construction risk. My carrier ensures that I understand I do not do construction management. Liability for design is similarly spread out but now you pick up construction risk.
Pricing - you have to be willing to eat some construction costs for your mistakes so you need to make sure you cover that in your price.
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Design-Build & Design Build Methods
Some of the contractors in the area are just too eager to give someone a buid in their "design build" job.
JIM
RE: Design-Build & Design Build Methods
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com