In Design-Bid-Build, who controls the details of the design?

In the Design-Bid-Build project delivery method, the owner has significant control over the details of the design. This structure separates the design and construction phases, allowing the owner to work directly with the designer (often an architect or engineer) to create a comprehensive design before soliciting bids from contractors.

In this scenario, the owner collaborates closely with the designer to define the project’s scope, requirements, and design aesthetic, ensuring it reflects their vision and expectations. The designer then develops detailed plans and specifications based on the owner's inputs, but if any changes occur or additional details are needed, it is typically the owner who decides and communicates these to the designer for execution.

This division of roles helps clarify responsibilities and provides the owner with a strong influence over the project's final appearance and function before construction begins. The contract awarded to the contractor is based on the finalized design, making the owner's role pivotal in shaping the project's direction.