Architect-Led Design-Build (ALDB): A Different Architectural Approach Worth Considering
For millennia, architects and builders were one and the same— Shelters and public spaces were designed and built by the individuals who needed them and used them. In the last century, however, the trend has been to separate the processes: Hire a firm to design your space, and hire another to build it. This has led to prescriptive work that fits into a more traditional mold, which is not always adaptable to a project’s specific needs.
What is Architect-Led Design-Build?
Architect-led design-build is the reactive approach to this trend. Within an architect-led design-build project, the design-build firm is fully licensed as an architecture and general contracting firm. The same firm takes the lead from design to completion, navigating the client through every step of the process.
The architect-led design-build process synthesizes strategy and craft, connecting problem solving to physical outcome. This approach places a design at the center, where decisions are informed and improved by the knowledge of fabrication options, tools, and techniques. By using “brains on” design activities and “hands on” construction activities, the project adheres fluidly to the client’s objectives.
In architect-led design-build projects, the leading architect:
Serves the owner directly, rather than through the contractor
Respects the contractor’s craft expertise and time
Facilitates a profitable project for all
Reclaims their own value, and draws on knowledge from a project to feed it back to the profession
How does tres birds workshop incorporate ALDB into its method?
tres birds workshop (tbw) has taken this approach since its founding 18 years ago, completing more than 70 projects throughout North America. Many of the projects taken on in the last two decades are reclamation— meaning, they begin with an existing building, and approach through a lens of discovery.
“We make no assumptions when we begin a project,” says Mike Moore, founder of tbw. “We start with a discovery period to establish the rules and intentions of the client and discover the routines and lifestyles of who will inhabit the space. We then design specifically to address those intentions. Because we’ve been there since the beginning, we’re in an empowered position, much more informed and much more nimble, allowing us to make good decisions, and one that aligns with the client’s intentions.”
The tbw team leads via progressive iterations during the design–build process instead of producing sequential, schematic, design, construction drawings and construction administration documents. These continuous feedback loops allow the team to produce the most informed design. Each iteration is progressively informed by budgets, continuously improving information and the most efficient construction techniques.
“One of the advantages of working with our firm is that we have always worked in an architect-led design-build format. As a result, I am personally on every project from start to finish, and so are our project managers. Because we are in charge of everything from start to finish, we can make decisions quickly and efficiently without weeks of delay and multiple change orders.”
Moore continues, “From business standpoint, the design-build process has always been appealing to the employees, so our turnover is virtually non-existent. We have an incredibly strong team that has developed a seasoned rhythm of working together. Ultimately the client benefits from this teamwork.”
Advantages of Working with tres birds workshop as a Design-Build Firm
Time budgeting, efficient communication, and accountability are paramount among other variable reasons to choose a design-build process. In a generic building scenario, the client more often than not serves as a middle man between their architecture firm and their general contractor, taking on the responsibilities of reviews and approvals, communication between all three parties, and often the oversight of the entire process. With an architect-led design-build firm, the relationship becomes collaborative.
The firm is accountable for the project, therefore eliminating the gray zone where mistakes can be made or processes become grayed in translation. tbw streamlines the process by comprehending, prioritizing, and designing according to specific intentions and needs, developing a project that balances scope and budget, quality and time.
"I have had the pleasure to work on multiple projects with tres birds workshop over the years. Their architect-led design-build (ALDB) capabilities are a large factor in our decision process to continually choose them as a development partner, particularly for our newly adapted old warehouse turned sophisticated office space," Jonathan Alpert, Managing Partner at Westfield Company and Founder of Treehouse Development and Imagine Infill states. "Outside of tres birds' highly creative approach, their ability to comfortably execute on the build process while keeping the design intent and overall look at the forefront, was an integral piece of the project puzzle that allowed us to reach our vision. Additionally, their ALDB capabilities allowed for increased efficiency, better communications, a streamlined design process, and a decrease in budget waste. The only way we could have done this is if the design team was a collaborative part of the construction team.”
Higher Quality and Elevated Creativity
“tres birds workshop was one of the first ALDB firms we’ve worked with, specifically for our new distillery, The Family Jones,” Paul Tamburello, owner of GENERATOR Development states. “They bring a high level of design expertise that is unmatched, particularly in their ability to incorporate art into the architecture in a real and important way. As an ALDB firm, their capability to manage every component of the project greatly streamlined the build process and was refreshing to have one point person dedicated to project management and communication. They did a great job at listening to our vision, then interpreting our conversations into a work of art.”
Photo Caption: The Family Jones Distillery