View all news

Leveraging People, Process and Technology in Design-Build Construction Projects

Introduction

The design-build method has rapidly become a preferred approach in the construction industry, offering seamless collaboration, efficiency and innovation. According to the Design-Build Institute of America, nearly 50% of all U.S. construction spending will be delivered through design-build by 2028, totaling $2.6 trillion within the $5.5 trillion total construction forecast for assessed segments. At Harris Company, the heart of successful design-build projects lies in the effective integration of people, processes and technology. This article explores how these three pillars contribute to project excellence and why their synergy is essential for achieving optimal results for Harris.

People: The Driving Force Behind Design-Build

In design-build projects at Harris, people are the foundation. This includes architects, engineers, contractors, project managers, owners and of course our internal Harris Design Studio Professionals (Engineers, Digital Designers, Virtual Construction Delivery Managers, Virtual Construction Constructability specialists, Virtual Construction Trade Coordinators, VDC Technologists, Virtual Fabrication Specialists). The design-build approach fosters a collaborative environment, breaking down traditional silos, both external and internal, while encouraging open communication. By assembling multidisciplinary teams early in the project lifecycle, ideas flow more freely, risks are identified sooner and solutions are developed collaboratively that are sustainable and streamline the conceptual design through best practices for construction and installation.

Statistics highlight the impact of people-centric collaboration:

• Projects using design-build are delivered 102% faster than traditional design-bid-build methods. [dbia.org]
• 63% of project stakeholders believe digital tools have improved communication clarity, further enhancing team effectiveness. [wifitalents.com]
• 78% of firms report that digital training has improved worker productivity. [wifitalents.com]

At Harris, we have observed project completion rates that are consistently faster (often exceeding 100% improvement over traditional design-bid-build approaches) while also experiencing cost growth reductions. Our client satisfaction scores have also risen, reflecting the benefits of early collaboration and integrated project teams. We continue to find that strong leadership and trust among team members are crucial for maintaining alignment and ensuring that project goals are met. Owners who actively participate in early design meetings often see their vision realized more accurately, as their input shapes the project from the outset.

Process: Streamlining for Efficiency and Quality

The process in a design-build project is distinctly different from traditional methods. Instead of a linear progression from design to bid to build, design-build integrates these phases. This unified workflow reduces delays, minimizes miscommunication and allows for real-time adjustments.

Supporting statistics:

• Design-build projects experience 8% less cost growth, ensuring more reliable budgets. [dbia.org]
• 68% of projects utilizing digital tools reported fewer cost overruns. [wifitalents.com]
• 65% of construction firms report that digital tools have reduced project delivery time. [wifitalents.com]

Clear processes for decision-making, documentation and change management keep the project on track. Best practices such as regular coordination meetings, standardized workflows and quality assurance protocols ensure that each phase transitions smoothly into the next, reducing the likelihood of costly errors and rework.

Technology: Empowering Innovation and Collaboration

Tools like Revit work-sharing, Autodesk Fabrication and project management platforms such as Autodesk Build and Autodesk Construction Cloud allow teams to visualize designs, share updates instantly and coordinate tasks seamlessly from any location through integrated, cloud-based collaboration

Key statistics on technology’s impact:

• 48% of building industry professionals agree that BIM (Building Information Modeling) has significantly improved collaboration. [wifitalents.com]
• 73% of construction companies are adopting digital transformation strategies to improve project efficiency. [wifitalents.com]
• 80% of firms implementing digital transformation reported improved project safety. [wifitalents.com]
• The adoption rate of cloud-based construction management software increased by 34% between 2020 and 2023. [wifitalents.com]
• 42% of construction companies increased their use of drones for site inspections. [wifitalents.com]

Technology aids in identifying clashes early, optimizing schedules and tracking budgets in real time. The use of drones, 3D scanning and mobile devices on-site further enhances safety and productivity. By leveraging these technologies, design-build teams can deliver higher quality outcomes, reduce costs and achieve faster project delivery.

The Synergy: Achieving Greater Project Success

While each pillar (people, process and technology) is powerful on its own, their true potential is realized when integrated. Skilled people drive efficient processes and maximize the value of technology. Streamlined processes empower teams to collaborate effectively and respond to challenges swiftly. Advanced technology provides the tools and data needed to inform decisions and facilitate innovation.

Industry-wide, the results are clear:

• 69% of construction companies have seen ROI from digital investments within the first two years. [wifitalents.com]
• 85% of industry leaders agree that digital transformation drives innovation. [wifitalents.com]
• 82% of building industry professionals see digital transformation as a way to improve customer satisfaction. [wifitalents.com]

On a recent Harris design-build project, early collaboration between the owner, architect and contractor made it possible to incorporate modular construction techniques. The team used Autodesk Software to model the systems and complex supporting structures, coordinated logistics through cloud-based software, streamlined fabrication through pre-fabrication, tracked installation progress with mobile devices and provided as-built models for turnover. This integrated approach resulted in a project delivered on schedule, on budget and incorporating last minute changes along the way, all testament to the power of synergy.

Conclusion

Design-build construction projects thrive when people, process and technology are thoughtfully balanced and integrated. By investing in skilled teams, robust processes and innovative technologies, organizations can realize faster delivery, better quality and greater client satisfaction. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing this triad will be key to delivering successful projects that meet the demands of the future.