Roles & authorities
Design-builder
A design-builder is the single party that contracts with the owner for both design and construction in design-build delivery, instead of the owner holding separate contracts with a designer and a builder. The design-builder carries both the design professionals (or their contracts) and the construction work under one agreement, so a single entity is responsible when design and field don't line up. What the design-builder controls, and how design changes get approved, is defined by that single contract.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Construction quality control plan
12 items · 15 photos required
Why it matters
With one party holding both sides, a field conflict doesn't turn into a fight between designer and builder: the design-builder resolves it internally and stays accountable for the outcome. That single point of responsibility is the main reason owners choose the method.
It doesn't remove the licensed roles. A design-build project still has an architect and engineers of record who stamp the design and stay responsible for it; the design-builder holds their contracts rather than replacing their professional obligations.
How it shows up on site
Because design can still be developing while construction runs, keeping the as-built matched to the current design matters more than usual. Inspections, hold points and photo gated checks tied to the latest approved drawings are what keep a fast-tracked design-build job from covering work that a later design revision changes.
Checklists that put design-builder to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- General contractor (GC)The contractor who holds the prime construction contract and is responsible for delivering the whole project: trades, means and methods, and completed work.
- Architect of recordThe licensed architect whose seal is on the construction documents and who carries responsibility for the design through the build.
- Engineer of record (EOR)The licensed engineer who stamps a design discipline and stays responsible for its intent through construction.
- Construction manager (CM)The manager who plans, coordinates and oversees construction, tying trades, schedule and budget together for the owner.
- MEP engineerThe engineer responsible for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing design and its coordination with the rest of the building.
- Geotechnical engineerThe engineer who evaluates soil and subsurface conditions and sets the requirements for foundations, earthwork and site preparation.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
30-day trial · No card required