What defines the role of the owner in the Design-Build delivery method?

In the Design-Build delivery method, the design-builder is a single entity responsible for both the design and construction of a project. This approach streamlines the project delivery process and promotes collaboration between the design and construction teams. By having a single point of accountability, the design-builder can effectively manage both the design and construction phases, ensuring that the vision of the owner is realized efficiently and cohesively.

This model allows the owner to minimize their involvement in the technical details of the design, as the responsibility for both aspects falls on the design-builder. The owner primarily focuses on defining the project requirements, establishing budgets, and setting timelines but delegates the tasks of design and construction to the design-builder, who brings in the necessary expertise.

While collaboration between the owner and contractors is certainly important—especially in discussing project goals and progress—the key feature in the Design-Build method is that the design-builder assumes full responsibility for delivering the complete project, making it distinct from other delivery methods where owners may manage aspects of design or construction themselves.