FAQs

If you have any questions that we haven’t covered here, please contact us and we’ll do the best we can to answer them.

  • The Design and Build (D&B) method is often more cost-effective than traditional construction methods for several reasons. This integrated approach simplifies the construction process by providing a single point of accountability, which helps to streamline communication, reduce project delays, and minimise the risk of cost overruns.
    Cost Efficiency and Budget Management In the D&B model, the design and construction phases are managed by a single entity, which can lead to significant cost savings. This unified approach allows for more accurate initial cost estimates and comprehensive planning, reducing the likelihood of unexpected expenses.
    Improved Teamwork and Accountability The D&B approach fosters better teamwork by ensuring that the contractor and designer work closely from the outset. This collaboration can lead to more productive and cost-effective solutions, as the team can address potential issues together, often using standard collaboration tools for efficiency. Total accountability within a single team means that all aspects of the project, including pricing and scheduling, are considered from the beginning, leading to more accurate quotations and reducing the risk of cost overruns.
    Continuity and Expertise Having the same team involved from start to finish adds to the process's efficiency and effectiveness. This continuity ensures that tasks and schedules are planned more effectively, with a harmonious team dynamic that boosts productivity. Design-build firms employ professionals skilled in both design and construction, providing comprehensive expertise that benefits the project.
    Time Savings and Streamlined Communication The design-build method often results in a quicker turnaround for projects. With the designer and builder on the same team, hundreds of timelines need to coordinate in lockstep, allowing for more rapid progression from design to completion. This approach also promotes honest and more frequent communication within the team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and facilitating a smoother project flow.
  • The main advantages include streamlined project management, a single point of responsibility for quality, cost, and timing, and the potential for a faster completion schedule. This approach often leads to reduced costs and improved communication between the design and construction teams.
  • In the Design and Build process, the client contracts with a single entity that manages both the design and construction phases of the project. This entity, the D&B contractor, works closely with the client to develop the project from initial concept to completion, ensuring a unified approach throughout.
  • Inclusive design fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It sends a message that the company values and respects the unique contributions of all employees, promoting a sense of belonging and community.
  • Solutions include wide pathways, adjustable desks, accessible entrances, and technology-driven aids like voice-activated systems. These features ensure that employees with mobility challenges can navigate and use the workspace effectively.
  • Yes, inclusive design can significantly support neurodiverse employees by offering quiet areas, flexible workstations, and clear signage. These elements accommodate different cognitive styles and preferences, enhancing productivity and comfort.
  • Designing for sensory inclusivity involves managing noise levels with sound-absorbing materials, providing quiet zones, optimising lighting to reduce glare and eyestrain, and minimising strong odours to create a comfortable environment for everyone.
  • Technology can make workspaces more accessible through tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software, and adjustable workstations. Assistive technologies ensure that employees with disabilities can perform their tasks efficiently and comfortably.
  • Proper lighting is crucial because it affects comfort, productivity, and mood. Inclusive design prioritises natural light, minimises glare, and provides options for personal control of lighting levels, accommodating those with specific visual needs.