KHArchitects invests in providing timely delivery of quality architectural products along with attentive client services; we focus on developing positive, long-term client and contractor relationships. Providing commitment and value to our clients and their projects is our principal goal.

Breakdown of Architectural Services

Project Delivery Methods: Bid/Spec – vs – Design/Build

Bid/Spec:

Bid/Spec is short for Design and Bid with Specification. In this method, the Owner contracts with the Architect directly and places him/her in charge of the process of designing a facility, contracting engineering consultants, and creating construction documents along with a written specification to be sent out for competitive bid by multiple contractors. This system provides a much greater definition of the overall scope of work and creates the most advantageous way to select competing contractors on an apples-to-apples basis. The Bid/Spec Method has been the primary project delivery method until recent years, as Design/build has become more prevalent.

KHArchitects is comfortable with this process, but it needs to be known that this service can typically increase all consultants fees by 10-30%, will add roughly the same percentage range increase to the project schedule, and offers less control over construction costs through completion.

Design/Build:

The Design/Build method is a growing format for project delivery, whereby the owner typically contracts with a general contractor who then contracts with the architect and additional consultants to design the project. A derivative of this process, sometimes referred to as D/B Negotiated Format, allows the owner to contract with the architect--who may recommend contractors who, then, negotiate with the owner based on the contractors' qualifications. Both of these formats allows the owner to control costs by allowing the G.C. to provide bids & pricing at various stages of the design process; in many cases, the contractor can provide many consultant services through their sub-contractors--saving the owner money on some of the engineering design fees.

KHArchitects understands and appreciates the Design/Build Process, when applied properly and with the right general contractor, as being extremely beneficial to the owner—allowing greater control over project costs, speeding up project delivery, and ultimately expediting a completed project. This is the magic ingredient that creates a favorable account of the architects' and contractors' services.