The Difference Between Hiring A Design-Build Company vs An Architect

When planning a new custom-built home or significant renovation, one of the first steps is finding the right people to help bring your vision to life. Considering the task at hand, you basically have two choices: hire a design-build construction company that takes care of the whole process or choose to work separately with an architect. Not sure which one is right for you? Let’s delve into the differences between the two approaches and their pros and cons.

What Is A Design-Build Company?

A design-build firm offers a more comprehensive one-stop solution, or in other words, they offer full project management that encompasses design, planning, and construction services. These firms are generally made up of professionals with various skills, including builders, architects, quantity surveyors, and project managers etc. This provides a more overall streamlined approach to the entire construction process as you are dealing with the same company throughout the entire process from concept to completion.

The design-build method has become an increasingly popular and effective way of completing residential construction projects. This is primarily due to the advantages of the ‘one contract’ complete responsibility approach, where the completion of both the design and build steps of a construction project are all managed by the one company, which can be a big time saver.

The services that design-build firms offer do vary from firm to firm, for example, some may specialise in more complicated architectural builds and some in mass new development builds, so it is still important to choose your design-build company to match your project.

Benefits Of Working With A Design-Build Team

Seamless Collaboration. Perhaps the most significant advantage of hiring design-build companies is the seamless collaboration between the entire team, including the designers, builders, and project managers. In the design-build method, these contractors are all quite used to working together as a cohesive, unified team with a greater understanding of their part in the process.
Reduced Risk Of Miscommunication. The high levels of collaboration between the design-build team members greatly reduces the potential for miscommunication, conflicting priorities and the resulting project delays, overall providing a more efficient build/renovation process.
Greater Time Efficiency. Design-build firms excel at maximising efficiency and minimising downtime. Their highly unified approach allows for an integrated and overlapping approach to the construction process. Saving on time and money.
Simplified Approach. With no separate contracts, no additional fees, and no additional negotiations, design-build firms really are a one-stop shop for getting your build completed quickly and efficiently. The fact is the design-build option simplifies both organisational and financial aspects by consolidating the various services into one contract.
Greater Cost Efficiency. Clients who hire design-build companies generally have greater control over their upfront budget and may have the additional option for fixed price contracts. Their streamlined approach also tends to keep overheads lower and costs down.
Greater Accountability. Acting as a single point of contact throughout the entire project, there are less likely to be conflict or dispute resolution issues making for a less complicated build process.
Greater Flexibility/Ability To Adapt. Navigating unforeseen challenges in an ever changing build landscape, design-build firms are generally better equipped to make the necessary adjustments and engage in real-time discussions (especially if they involve several contractors), ensuring the project stays on track.

Drawbacks Of Working With A Design-Build Company

Limited Customisation. The potential for tailored designs is still there however, too much customisation may negate the cost/time savings associated with hiring design-build companies.
Less Detailed. It is possible that design-build companies might not be as detail-focused as an architect-led approach. This might mean there are aspects of the build that are overlooked or the time needed to address complicated design challenges is not allocated.
Perceived Lack Of Control. Sometimes, when working with design-build teams, there is the perception that you might have less say in the design process than when working directly with an architect.

What Is An Architectural Firm?

An architect or architectural firm offers guidance and services related to the overall design of your home. They tend to take a big-picture type of approach, taking into consideration all aspects of the building, including sizing, features, natural light, internal and external environments, the orientation and location of the building and more.

Licensed architects undergo substantial training to develop the skills needed to understand, interpret and apply spatial design principles, construction techniques and the use of various build materials, ultimately “translating” the homeowner’s unique needs and wants into aesthetically pleasing, functional and liveable spaces.

Generally speaking, once your architect has completed the designs and formal plans, homeowners must also hire a builder separately to complete the actual physical construction work. (The exact services an architectural firm provides differ from firm to firm; some may also have a list of preferred builders or work in conjunction with other build contractors).

Benefits Of Working With An Architect

Highly Customised Design. Architects specialise in the detail, they work best with tailoring plans to meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients. Their primary focus is usually on unique design principles and incorporating interesting build features.
Strong Level Of Professionalism. Architects are experts in drawing up house plans and should be good at ensuring the harmonious combination of legal compliance, functionality and aesthetic appeal. Some architects will also offer their services to oversee the project during the construction phase, however this is at an additional cost.
Able To Hire Preferred Contractors. When working with a separate architect, this means you able to assemble your own ‘construction team’. This can be especially important if you want to hire people you know or are familiar with, or your build is particularly challenging and you want to hire highly specialised builders. Hillside construction is a good example here, where some builders specialise in hill construction projects and others do not.
Added Insight. Since you hired the architect, their insight on the construction offers assurance that the build is going according to the plans. An independent set of eyes is always helpful!

Drawbacks Of Working With An Architect

Additional Costs. The independent input that a separate architectural team brings to the job does tend to come at a premium (it will cost extra in most cases). Plus, architects may include materials, concepts, and ideas that are more difficult to work with/construct/source, which can add to build costs. Plus, the collaboration between and hiring of various different stakeholders and the communication delays/misunderstandings will likely raise costs.
Build Estimate Blow Outs. Most architects will not have an up-to-date understanding of build costs or aren’t as familiar with the current pricing of various materials, which means it is likely you might get a bit of a surprise when the designs/plans are costed up by your builder.
Potential Lack Of Responsibility. When something doesn’t quite go according to plan or turn out how you’d expected, this can lead to a situation where both the architect and the builder might refuse to take responsibility as they are separate entities (they might potentially place the blame on each other leaving you with little or no recourse).
Additional Time Involved. Although architects play a crucial role in the design phase of a project, their involvement can sometimes significantly extend the project timeline. Design-build firms tend to incorporate architects into their services and are able to design a project and obtain approvals in more reasonable time frames.
Separate Contracts. Working with an architectural firm and a construction team means managing separate contracts, which can result in miscommunication, conflicting priorities, and a longer overall project timeline, potentially leading to discrepancies between the intended design and the final outcome of the build.
Over Complication. For smaller build projects, having multiple players on the team can sometimes be a bit overkill. Generally speaking, for straightforward builds, you don’t need highly specialised teams or the services of both an architect and a design-build team.
Greater Potential Communication Issues. When working with two teams that don’t usually work together every day, you will almost certainly encounter different approaches or goals, which can result in communication challenges causing delays.

When choosing between an architect and a design/construction company, your decision will ultimately come down to personal preferences and the individual build requirements – but considering both options is always a good idea! Need more info? Take a look at our top tips on where to begin when building a new house here.