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ARTICLE · 18 APRIL 2008

Is It Time To Abandon Design And Build?

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Ian McCann explores the benefits for developers who look beyond the safe option of the design and build procurement route.

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Ian McCann
Ian McCann

Ian McCann explores the benefits for developers who look beyond the safe option of the design and build procurement route.

For many years, the procurement route of first resort has been design and build as through this approach one contractor is responsible for the entire design and construction of a project. If anything goes wrong then one party is clearly liable.

As construction methods and designs have become more intricate and adaptable, then it may now be time for the contractual chain to reflect this. Always selecting the design and build route can be seen as defensive, with the prevailing mindset being "who will I sue if it all goes wrong?", when it could be, "how can we best work together to save me time and money?".

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