Services

The Design-Build method is what we believe is a win-win for our clients. Getting projects done on-time and on budget has always been a priority for owners; however, today’s difficult economic times have made these two challenges more important than ever. Even before the current recession, many owners had become dissatisfied with the traditional Design-Bid-Build (low-bid) project delivery method in which price is the only selection criterion.  All too often, using this delivery method has failed to deliver the quality or value and change orders and claims often lead to added costs and delays. In the Design-Bid-Build approach, design and construction are split – separate entities, separate contracts, separate work resulting in limited collaboration between the two critical building processes. Design-Build is an alternative to Design-Bid-Build.Design-Build is a method of project delivery in which ONE entity – the design-build team – works under ONE single contract with the project owner to provide streamlined design and construction services. One entity, one contract, one unified flow of work from initial concept through completion. According to Design-Build Institute of America, the markets share of non-residential Design-Build construction was over 40% as of 2010. The increase is due to the win-win environment created for all parties involved. Studies show that on design-build projects there is typically a 6 – 10 percent cost savings and a project completion rate that is 33 percent faster compared to traditional projects. An additional benefit to saving money and time is also transforming the relationship between designers and builders into an alliance, which fosters collaboration and teamwork.Over the past 15 years, use of design-build has greatly accelerated in the united States, making this delivery method one of the most significant trends in design and construction today, successfully building projects with superior results.

Design-Bid-Build is a time-tested method of construction, where completed construction documents are required prior to setting a price for your project. Typically, the selection of the General Contractor is based on a price derived from competitively bid or negotiated subcontractor bids. The contractor is responsible for construction, schedule, selection of subs and suppliers, and safety. The architect prepares the plans and serves as an agent of the Owner but usually has no construction budget responsibility.

This delivery method is well suited for incomplete or unknown project scopes or extents of work. Typically, a percentage fee is negotiated up front, and then the CM begins to provide valuable services to the owner. The services begin with preconstruction services: advice on project planning, constructibility consulting and budgeting. Construction Management may also be combined with design-build, and in this case, the design work is also a pre-construction service. Once designs are complete, final pricing for the project is established. As CM during construction, SSi has the responsibility for critical supervision, safety, field scheduling, cost controls, value engineering and administration of construction contracts. Post construction services include project close-outs and warranty management.

                                                                                                                                                           SSi’s foundation in design-build delivery services over the last 45 plus years gives us the in-depth knowledge coupled with our skilled project management expertise to bring together the architectural, engineering and construction disciplines required. The Construction Management delivery method is an outstanding way to fulfill the owner’s requirements while at the same time saving the owner time and money, as well as instilling confidence that the project will be managed with their best interests as the top priority.

Sustainability continues to make a big impact in the way we approach all of our construction projects. We’re proud to have completed a number of green-accredited buildings. As a member of the United States Green Building Council, (USGBC), SSi has LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited personnel on staff.