Communication issues in design-build project delivery method

Design-Build (D-B) is a project delivery method in which the owner procures both design and construction services in the same contract from a single legal entity referred to as the design-builder. Having both design and construction in the hands of one contractual entity allows for a single point of responsibility and, in turn, provides improved project performance. There is a limited study on how communication among all parties involved influences the success of D-B projects. This paper investigates the modern-day communication issues that affect the D-B delivery method. A questionnaire was developed to collect data from professionals across the nation with an average of 22 years of experience related to D-B in commercial construction projects. The authors conducted five structured interviews to verify and validate the results from the survey questionnaire. The findings of this study indicate that the primary communication issues that have an effect on D-B are: (1) establishing the clear points of contact throughout the D-B communication process, (2) providing clear and understandable information among stakeholders during the D-B process and (3) the timely sharing of information to all stakeholders. It is recommended that further improvement strategies be implemented which include coordinating, clarifying, documenting and decision-making in order to better achieve project success. Understanding these communication issues will help professionals not only mitigate risk and uncertainty, but also enhance the likelihood of the success in D-B contracts.