A new eBook by HeadLight is putting the spotlight on the fact that 44 percent of all infrastructure projects in 2021 are expected to be design-build – a deviation from the traditional design-bid-build model which has been the more widely-used construction delivery method in the U.S. The comprehensive eBook details the undeniable shift that is occurring within the public and private construction industry, as owners demand that designers and contractors work collaboratively to meet aggressive schedules while mitigating project risks and reducing costs. This emerging trend is changing the dynamic of construction projects, leaving behind the design-bid-build model that involves managing separate contracts for designers and contractors and the pain points that come with that process. As teams consider their innovation investments they must create an advanced digital construction management system flexible enough for these workflows.

The eBook details the rise of the design-build model, which is projected to grow by 18 percent from 2018 to 2021 – totaling $320 billion in construction projects in 2021. The gold standard of construction has long-been the design-bid-build method, which will continue to be a good option for certain projects. However, this process is quickly losing its appeal due to the many pitfalls it presents – including the combative relationship that typically exists between the designer and the contractor, often leading to blame, an increased chance of something going wrong, project delays and more.

So, is design-build the new gold standard of construction? HeadLight’s eBook makes the case that it is, pointing out that collaboration under a single contract offers accountability, a speedier schedule, less risk, and substantial cost savings. The owner is dealing with a cohesive design-build unit working together from the very beginning to achieve a common goal.

Advances in technology can be attributed to the shift from design-bid-build to design-build construction projects, with the time-consuming process of sitting at a drafting table traded for the more efficient AutoCAD that allows for quick design changes. That being said, this monumental shift can have a positive impact on companies that are adapting and leveraging the right technologies to deliver on design-build contracts, while companies that resist the change risk losing their share of the construction market.

HeadLight’s eBook explains how legacy technology systems traditionally used for the design-bid-build method lack the flexibility and metrics needed for design-build, therefore companies that want to remain competitive need to adopt new platforms flexible enough to capture real-time inspection and verification data. Efficient visual-based inspection technology, such as HeadLight’s solution, is one way to future-proof your business as design-build’s reach grows.

Download the full eBook to get a more complete picture of how owners and engineering firms can use technology to support design-build projects.