Updated May 2025.
As the saying goes, you can hardly throw a rock without hitting a sign for 'design/build' construction.
When you're thinking about building a new home, or remodeling your current place, it's useful to know the basics of design/build. A little knowledge goes a long way in helping you choose the right team and what to expect in the process.
Design/build is a project management approach that involves designer and builder working together closely from the beginning of the project, whereas a more traditional project would bid out the design and construction phases separately.
- But what are the pros and cons of each approach?
- Is one approach more expensive than the other?
- Who advocates for the homeowner throughout the project?
These are great questions that we hear a lot. So, we've written up four blog posts - together they can provide you with a (free!) crash course in design/build basics.
Invest a little time to read through them, and you'll be ahead of the curve in knowing what you want and how you want it delivered.
Design/build basics
- How is design/build different from the traditional bidding process?
- A design/build glossary for homeowners - key terms, project stages, documents types and more.
Design/build in-depth
- Is design/build more expensive?
- How design/build contracts work (or should)
- How to choose your design/build firm
- Value engineering in design/build: getting the most for your money
- Nine awkward questions homeowners sometimes want to ask
Let us know which posts you find most helpful, and what other questions you have.
GMT is proud of nearly three decades' experience working in New England architectural design. See our design/build services for homeowners page to learn more about how we can help get your ideal project up and running.
We've also written up a walkthrough specifically about the architectural design process and why it makes sense to start your project with a designer who can help refine your vision and bring it life.
About the author: GMT Home Designs founder Glenn M. Travis has 30+ years' experience in architectural design. Learn more about our design/build services for homeowners and for contractors.