Design-build is a method of project delivery in which one entity - the design-build team - works under a single contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services. One entity, one contract, one unified flow of work from initial concept through completion. Design-build is also known as design/construct and single-source responsibility. Across the country and around the world, design-build successfully delivers office buildings, schools, stadiums, transportation and water infrastructure projects with superior results. Design-build is an alternative to design-bid-build. Under the latter approach, design and construction are split - separate entities, separate contracts, separate work.
Design-build, design-bid-build and construction management are the three project delivery systems most commonly employed in Africa. Over the past 7 years, use of design-build has greatly accelerated in South Africa, making this delivery method one of the most significant trends in design and construction today.