The Progressive Design Build Delivery Method
What is a progressive design build project?
A progressive design build (PDB) project is an alternative project delivery method that combines design and construction services into a single contract.
Progressive design build projects are typically procured using a qualifications-based selection process; you, as the project owner, select the design-builder based on their qualifications and experience, rather than simply on price. This approach allows you to choose a team you believe is best suited to deliver the project on time, on budget, and to a high standard of quality.
The progressive design build process
The PDB process typically has two phases:
Phase 1: Developing the project scope and design
You (the owner) and the design-builder you choose collaborate to develop the project's design and budget. This phase is typically completed on a time and materials basis, with the goal of developing a clear understanding of the project's scope, cost, and schedule.
Phase 2: Finalizing the design and construction
The design-builder finalizes the design and constructs the project. This phase is typically completed on a lump sum or guaranteed maximum price basis.
Progressive design build vs traditional design build
The key difference between PDB and traditional design build (TDB) is the timing of the guaranteed maximum price. In a TDB project, the GMP is typically finalized once the design is complete. In a PDB project, the GMP is negotiated progressively as the design develops (i.e. into phase two). This enables more control over the cost and scope of the project throughout the design process.
Another difference between PDB and TDB is the level of collaboration between the owner and the design-builder. In a PDB project, the owner and the design-builder work together more closely to develop the design and budget.
PDB vs TDB comparison
Timing of GMP
Progressive Design Build: Negotiated progresively as the design develops
Traditional Design Build: Finalized once the design is complete
Level of collaboration
Progressive Design Build: High
Traditional Design Build: Medium
Risk Sharing
Progressive Design Build: More risk is shared with the design-builder
Traditional Design Build: Less risk is shared with the design-builder
Approriateness for complex projects
Progressive Design Build: High
Traditional Design Build: Medium
Appropriateness for projects with a high degree of uncertainty
Progressive Design Build: High
Traditional Design Build: Medium
Appropriateness for projects where the owner wants to have a high level of involvement in the design process
Progressive Design Build: High
Traditional Design Build: Medium
Progressive design build examples/case studies
San Francisco International Airport modernization
This $7.3 billion modernization program is being delivered using PDB. The project team has been able to identify and address potential design and constructability issues early on, which has helped to avoid costly delays and change orders later in the project. (source)
North Mason Regional Fire Authority’s new headquarters
Through the collaborative efforts of the single project team, the facility was delivered on time and within budget in 2022. The project’s success demonstrates the effectiveness and flexibility of PDB delivery on projects with a tight schedule and budget constraints. (source)
Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood
PDB was chosen as the delivery method here in order to reduce the cost of competition for design-build teams hoping to work with the university. The project owner commented that, in the progressive design-build environment, “it’s all about teamwork and collaboration. It’s important to know that you can trust your partners all the way up and down the scale.” (source)
Alternatives to the progressive design build delivery method
Agency CM
Agency CM, or Agency Construction Management, is a project delivery method in which the owner hires a construction manager (CM) to provide preconstruction services and to manage the construction of the project. The CM is usually hired early in the project planning process and works closely with the owner to develop the project design and budget. The CM also selects and manages the subcontractors who will construct the project.
Construction manager at risk (CMAR)
In a CMAR project, the owner hires a construction manager to provide preconstruction services and to manage the construction of the project, as in agency CM. The difference is that the construction manager also assumes some of the risk associated with the project.
Public private partnership (PPP)
A public-private partnership (PPP) is a contractual arrangement between a public agency and a private sector entity. In a PPP, the private sector entity provides financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a public infrastructure project. PPPs are often used for large and complex infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and water treatment plants.
Design bid build
Design bid build (DBB) is the most traditional project delivery method. Also known as traditional design build (TDB), in a DBB project the owner hires a designer to develop the project design and then hires a contractor to construct the project based on the design. The DBB process is typically competitive, with the owner selecting the designer and contractor based on their bids.
Alliance contracting
Alliance contracting is a collaborative project delivery method in which the owner, designer, contractor, and other stakeholders work together as a single team to deliver the project. The team shares all risks and rewards equally. Alliances are typically used for very large and complex projects with a high degree of uncertainty.
Integrated project delivery (IPD)
IPD is a collaborative project delivery method that brings together the owner, designer, contractor, and other stakeholders early in the project to develop a shared vision for the project. The team then works together to develop and execute the project plan.
Design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM)
DBFM is a comprehensive project delivery method that includes the design, construction, financing, and maintenance of the project. The design-build firm is responsible for all aspects of the project, from the initial concept to the final completion.