An empirical study on the problems of running design and build projects in construction

The drawbacks of the traditional design-bid-build procurement system (design then build) have led project participants in the construction industry to opt for alternative procurement systems, like design-build (D&B) (design and build) to deliver their projects. Previous research reported the better time performance of the D&B method and the benefits of the single-point contact from the contractor. While D&B has been popularly used in some western countries, the identification of problems in running D&B projects can arouse the concern of project stakeholders, namely, clients, contractors and consultants, especially in countries where D&B is at a germinating stage. This paper presents the empirical findings on the problems of running D&B projects from the perspectives of clients, contractors and consultants. Inter-group comparisons reveal that there is generous consensus in problem ranking in the client-consultant and contractor-consultant groups, while significant differences exist between the clients and the contractors on the ranking exercise. Based on a better understanding of the problems faced by the major participants in running D&B projects, the authors suggest further research on identifying the critical success factors for D&B projects in order to enhance the well being of the construction industry at large.