Design-bid-build is the traditional path: design first, then bid the finished drawings, then build — two separate contracts in sequence. Design-build combines design and construction under one contract and overlaps them to save time. Design-bid-build gives you complete drawings and open competitive bidding; design-build gives you speed and a single accountable party.
How design-bid-build works
Design-bid-build (DBB) is the method most people picture. The owner hires an architect or engineer to complete the design, then puts the finished drawings out to bid. General contractors price the completed documents, and the owner awards the construction contract — often to the low bidder on public work. Design and construction are two separate contracts, handled one after the other.
Its strengths are transparency and control: the owner sees a complete design before committing to construction pricing, and competitive bidding on identical documents makes apples-to-apples comparison straightforward. That's a big reason DBB remains common on public projects.
How design-build works
Design-build (DB) collapses those two contracts into one. A single team takes responsibility for both design and construction, and the phases overlap — early construction packages can start while later design continues. The owner deals with one entity from concept to completion.
Its strengths are speed and accountability. Because one team owns both sides, there's no gap to fall through and no "the drawings said / the field did" dispute. Cost feedback happens during design, which can mean earlier price certainty and fewer surprises.
The trade-offs that actually matter
- Schedule: DB is typically faster (overlapping phases). DBB is sequential and usually longer.
- Pricing basis: DBB prices a complete, fixed design. DB prices a design that's still evolving, with the team managing cost as it develops.
- Change orders: DB reduces change orders caused by designer-builder gaps. DBB can see more of them, though complete drawings help.
- Owner control: DBB keeps the owner closest to the design. DB trades some of that control for speed and simplicity.
- Procurement: Public owners must confirm which methods their statutes and funding allow — not every method is available on every public job.
So which is right?
If you value a fully designed, openly bid project and want to stay close to your architect, design-bid-build is the traditional fit. If you value speed, early price certainty, and a single accountable partner, design-build is worth a serious look. Many owners also consider construction-manager-at-risk as a middle path — see our CM at-risk vs. design-build guide.
R. Chavez Construction works under all three. We'll give your team an honest read on which fits your project, your budget, and your procurement rules.
General information, not legal advice. Allowable delivery methods for public projects vary by statute and funding source.