In the world of construction, risk is unavoidable, but how it’s managed can make or break a project. At MFS Construction, we believe that the design-build project delivery method offers one of the most effective ways to control and minimize risk throughout the lifecycle of a project. Whether you're a client exploring design-build for the first time or a seasoned industry professional looking to optimize delivery, understanding where risk arises and how to proactively manage it, is key to achieving successful outcomes.
Understanding the Risk Landscape
Every construction project comes with its own set of risks: cost overruns, scheduling delays, miscommunication between stakeholders, regulatory changes, unforeseen site conditions, and more. In traditional design-bid-build models, these risks are often fragmented across multiple parties, owners, architects, engineers, and contractors, creating opportunities for blame-shifting and finger-pointing.
In contrast, design-build brings all project stakeholders under one contract, aligning teams from the start and streamlining decision-making. But that doesn’t mean risk disappears, it just shifts. And if you don’t manage it strategically, you can still face challenges.
So how do we at MFS navigate this environment?
1. Single-Point Responsibility: Reducing the Blame Game
One of the biggest risk-mitigating features of design-build is single-source accountability. That means less coordination burden for you and less risk of miscommunication between separate entities.
This unified approach allows us to make informed decisions quickly, avoid duplication of effort, and respond swiftly to changing conditions. And if a challenge does arise, you don’t have to worry about finger-pointing between designers and contractors, we own the solution.
2. Early Collaboration, Fewer Surprises
In traditional delivery methods, contractors often join the project after design is completed, making it harder to identify constructability issues early on. This late-stage involvement can result in costly changes, delays, and frustration.
With design-build, the construction team is involved from the start. At MFS, we collaborate early with our architects, engineers, and field personnel to anticipate potential roadblocks, evaluate alternative solutions, and optimize materials and methods, all before construction begins.
This integrated planning not only minimizes surprises, but also helps us build smarter, saving time and money while protecting the quality of your final product.
3. Cost Certainty Through Real-Time Estimating
Budget uncertainty is one of the most significant risks for any construction project. In a design-bid-build scenario, cost estimates are typically developed late in the process, leading to potential overages or scope cuts. Design-build flips that script.
At MFS, we use real-time estimating during the design phase. That means we continuously update costs as the design evolves, giving you greater visibility and control. You’ll know early on if you're trending over budget, and you’ll have time to adjust scope or materials, rather than making compromises after the fact.
4. Streamlined Communication = Fewer Delays
Poor communication is a top cause of project delays, and a major risk in any delivery model. In design-bid-build, messages can get lost in translation between multiple entities.
Design-build solves this with streamlined communication and shared objectives. Our in-house teams at MFS operate as a cohesive unit, sharing updates, feedback, and decisions in real time. With everyone at the table from day one, issues are resolved quickly and collaboratively.
5. Managing Regulatory and Environmental Risk
In complex markets like New Jersey, New York, and Puerto Rico, construction projects must navigate a maze of permitting, zoning, and environmental compliance issues. These external risks can derail timelines if not handled proactively.
Our experience in these regions gives us a strategic advantage. We stay ahead of regulatory requirements, integrate permitting timelines into our project schedules, and coordinate closely with local agencies.
6. Lessons Learned = Smarter Projects
We believe that risk management doesn’t end when a project is complete, it’s an ongoing process of learning and improvement. At MFS, we conduct post-project reviews to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how we can apply those lessons moving forward.
This feedback loop strengthens our processes, refines our designs, and ensures that your next project benefits from everything we’ve learned along the way.
Take a moment to view some of MFS Design Build Projects:
GSA Building 185 Repair and Renovations
One World Trade Center Freedom Tower Room Expansion and Alteration Project
NPS San Juan National Historic Site
The Risk of Not Choosing Design-Build
While no delivery method eliminates risk entirely, design-build offers a uniquely effective framework for managing risk holistically. When you partner with an experienced firm like MFS Construction, you gain not only efficiency and accountability, but also peace of mind.
We’ve delivered successful design-build projects across a wide range of sectors, from infrastructure and disaster recovery to commercial renovations and facility upgrades. Our integrated approach, local expertise, and client-first mentality are what set us apart.
If you're exploring design-build for your next project, or simply want to better understand the risks involved, we’d love to talk. Let’s build smarter together.
Contact us today!