Design & Build firms: What are they and why should I use them?

When planning a commercial fit-out or refurbishment, one of the biggest decisions is choosing a procurement route. While the traditional model – where design and construction are handled separately – has long been the default, design & build (D&B) is increasingly the preferred choice for landlords, asset managers, and businesses looking for efficiency, cost certainty, and risk reduction.

Housing the design, fit-out and project management under one roof, D&B firms are able to seamlessly deliver projects to businesses nationwide, with the ultimate goal of putting people first to improve the workplace experience for all.

Why appoint a Design & Build firm?

You may be wondering, can’t my business just do our office design & build in-house? Or you’re just not sure if there are any benefits of D&B verses the traditional route. However once you outweigh the benefits of using a D&B firm, we find that most landlords and businesses change their mind:

A single point of contact

One of the key advantages of D&B is its integrated approach. Instead of managing separate contracts for designers, consultants, and contractors, clients work with a single entity responsible for delivering the entire project. This significantly reduces administrative complexity and streamlines decision-making, which is particularly valuable for landlords overseeing multiple properties.

Perfection at pace

With traditional procurement, the design phase must be completed before construction begins, often leading to delays and cost overruns. In contrast, D&B allows for design and construction to overlap, reducing the overall project timeline. In fact, research from the Design-Build Institute of America found that D&B projects are completed 12% faster and have a 6% lower cost compared to traditional projects. For landlords looking to minimise void periods and maximise rental income, this accelerated approach can significantly improve ROI. At Interaction, it’s what we like to call perfection at pace.

Check out our Distillery case study for a project that completed in just 8 weeks from start to finish, and was ready to attract tenants from day one. That’s fast and efficient D&B at its very best.

Mitigate those risks

D&B contracts often transfer more risk to the contractor, protecting clients from unforeseen issues such as design errors or coordination problems. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, construction projects using traditional procurement methods frequently suffer from budget overruns of up to 80%. By contrast, D&B contracts provide clearer cost certainty from the outset, making them particularly attractive for fund managers who need to safeguard investments.

There’s also improved quality to think about. In a traditional approach, the separation of design and construction can lead to conflicts between the design intent and what is practical or cost-effective to build. D&B teams work collaboratively with a whole network of trusted suppliers and contractors from day one, ensuring that designs are both buildable and aligned with budget expectations.

Better for landlords and tenants

For landlords and asset managers, adapting to market demands is crucial. D&B allows for greater agility in tailoring spaces to specific tenant needs, whether that means incorporating sustainable features, flexible layouts, or smart technology. Tenants are increasingly expecting more from their spaces – wellbeing and exercise facilities, communal spaces, sustainability accreditations – and D&B is well-positioned to deliver these quickly and efficiently.

Integrated design, efficient project management

Design & Build companies typically have a multidisciplinary team with expertise in both design and construction. This integrated approach allows for seamless communication, efficient decision-making, and effective problem-solving. It also ensures that the design is executed in a way that aligns with the original vision and intent.

Working with a D&B firm provides an opportunity to customise the design to meet your specific needs and goals. The team can collaborate with you to understand your requirements, including the wider team, and tailor the design accordingly. At Interaction, your design team are involved throughout the project, regularly visiting the live site and checking in with you, meaning any ongoing design changes – big or small – can be actioned quickly and easily.

D&B companies also have established project management processes and systems in place. At Interaction, we use Autodesk, the all-in-one construction management software, to ensure efficient coordination of various tasks, timelines, and resources throughout the project. The streamlined project management approach minimises the likelihood of miscommunication, delays, and cost overruns.

Want to understand the process a little better? Read our Ultimate Office Fitout Guide for everything you need to know, from budgeting to choosing a location.

Combining creativity with technical expertise

Design & Build firms do it all. From initial concepts, to finishing touches, we are the experts. At Interaction we’ve got over 33 years of experience transforming commercial spaces. Every business we work with has a different level of input and experience; some come to us with no defined brief and others with existing designs and concepts. A D&B firm consists of many teams who each manage different project stages under one roof:

• Workplace Strategy: This is a service we offer which aims to help businesses determine their priorities and issues. This often includes utilisation studies, multi-office portfolio reviews, employee and leadership engagement and post-occupation evaluation. We aim to work closely with the team to understand their individual desires and requirements which ultimately influence every decision thereon.
• Shaping a Brief: A formal brief can be drafted to ensure all parties involved share the vision and priorities are clearly defined.
• Design: We work to produce high-quality spatial designs, including 3D, 360° and Virtual Reality (VR) visuals. The client has frequent opportunities to feedback on the design, make changes and express any thoughts, until a design is finalised and agreed upon.
• Contracts & Project Management: Our teams will manage all the suppliers, contractors, deliveries and finances of the project in a seamless and organised manner. We troubleshoot any potential challenges, ensuring your project is delivered on time and above expectation.
• Fit-out: Our experienced Site Team work above and beyond to skillfully deliver the physical space, turning your workspace from a vision to a reality
• Sustainability: With our in-depth knowledge of every commercial sustainability accreditation, as well as an in-house SKA assessor, we’re here to guide you and ensure that your workplace aligns with your environmental goals.
• Onboarding & Marketing: Our Marketing Team are on-hand to introduce your team to their new space, showing them its full potential and function. They’re not limited to internal events, if you want to show off your new space to local businesses, friends and partners, they’re happy to partner with you to throw a fantastic launch party. They’ll also work to get your new space out there in the press and build it’s online recognition post completion.
• Client Care: Our post-project Client Care Team are your first port of call for as long as you may need them, helping to source replacements, seamlessly eliminate any post-occupancy teething problems or deal with anything bigger.
• We Prize Partnerships: We love the opportunity to collaborate in various capacities, be it organising events, partnering on new projects, providing recommendations, or simply welcoming you into our network. Our dedicated Relationships Team would love to build a long-term relationship with you and your team.

Do you need the help of a Design and Build firm?

With rising construction costs and increasing pressure to deliver efficient, tenant-friendly spaces, D&B is becoming the go-to solution for commercial fit-outs. Its ability to reduce risk, improve speed to market, and control costs makes it an attractive choice for those managing property assets.

Whether you need help with workplace strategy, design or fit-out, we’re the experts. Give Charlie a call on 01225 485 600 or drop us a line. If you’d like to see more of what we do, take a look at our jaw-dropping case studies, or check out the rest of our insights.