Design Assist
Design assist is a project delivery method in which the construction team is engaged by the owner to collaborate with the architect or engineer during the design phase. It is intended to reduce the cost and time for construction, improve constructability and add value.
Some of the benefits of design assist are:
It allows for early involvement of contractors, who can provide valuable input and feedback on the design, as well as expertise on specific systems or materials.
It fosters a collaborative and cooperative approach to design and construction, with the experts in each element of the project working together to achieve a common goal.
It can help avoid costly changes or rework later in the project, by identifying potential issues or opportunities early on and resolving them before construction begins.
Some of the challenges of design assist are:
It requires a high level of trust and communication between all parties involved, as well as clear roles and responsibilities for each subcontractor.
It may increase the complexity and scope of the project, as more disciplines and systems are involved in the design process.
It may require additional resources and coordination efforts, such as hiring additional staff, equipment, or consultants.