Concerns with Safety in Design/Build Process

Abstract

Since the time architecture and construction were separated from a master-builder concept, the issue of construction safety has plagued the architect, owner, and contractor relationship. What should be a process to ensure the adequate completion of a project often becomes a struggle between all parties involved. The construction process has become a haven for litigation, with owners routinely shopping for the cheapest designer. This designer is often the one who becomes the “low bidder” by shorting the design services, such as coordination of disciplines, cost estimating, field supervision, or adequate shop drawings review. Contractors bid work with the intent of being responsible for “means and methods,” but many court cases have determined that the issue of construction safety cannot be their sole responsibility. There exists a need to foster synergy among participants in the construction process. Developing a cohesive idealogy, through design/build, has shown itself as a vehicle to institute lines of communication, which stimulate productivity, unifying parties and sharing risk. The resolution of risk-shifting is important to those who design, construct, and use architecture.