Does Design-Build have a Future in Water Projects?
October 9, 2014

Laura Martin has written a terrific article that highlights the benefits of Design-Build for the construction industry, and in particular, the water/wastewater industry. It’s a quick read that nails all the reasons the Design-Build process should be an owner’s only consideration when constructing or remodeling water/wastewater treatment plants. The reasons public water utility owner’s don’t use Design-Build boils down to “they don’t realize they can or enabling legislation isn’t clear”.
I strongly believe Design-Build should be the primary consideration for all building owners undertaking a construction project as Design-Build encourages performance-based solutions in lieu of a “designed” solution that likely has flaws, errors, and omissions. The Design-Build process encourages innovation through a collaborative effort between the owner, designer, and builder. Costs are lower and timeframes are speeded up. Read Laura’s article for more details.
Jim is a results-oriented leader with 35+ years of achievements in the energy efficiency construction industry. Jim founded Energy Systems Group (ESG) in 1994, and expanded the company to 14 branch offices and 4 energy centers. Jim joined Performance Services in 2014 and leads the Texas-based team.
Jim Adams General Manager - Texas
Design, bid, build.
For years, those three steps have been the standard way to get a water or wastewater project accomplished. But an alternative project delivery method is gaining ground.
“Design-build in the water sector has grown steadily every year for the last six years,” said Lisa Washington, CEO for the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). “Design-build offers time savings, cost savings, and higher quality through increased innovations.”