Interesting architectural design isn't usually the first thing that springs to mind when people think about industrial warehouses. This, however, does not have to be the case. Industrial warehouses do not have to be large, boring concrete structures. Concrete, like many other building materials, may be modified, utilised in unusual ways, and combined with other materials to produce unique and cost-effective designs. Every structure, even the most functional, has the potential to tell the story through its form, materials, and human experience. The architectural possibilities for industrial buildings are unlimited, whether your warehouse is for cold storage, assembly, distribution, or even flex industrial space.

Dwindling budgets and the need to accomplish more with less are regular challenges for industrial businesses in manufacturing, distribution, and storage activities. This is especially true when it comes to keeping your facilities in good working order so that you can optimise production, manage inventories, ensure efficient distribution, and maintain your security certifications. It is more critical than ever for the industrial sector to plan and construct facilities that support growth while also ensuring compliance.

A proven method to achieve this goal is to embrace the new standard in architectural design and construction: design-build. This construction approach combines all parts of project planning, architectural design, permitting, and building into one package.

The Design Build Renaissance

Design-build isn't a new concept. Using different design and construction crews is the non-traditional approach from a historical standpoint. Contractors have been the principal architect, engineer, and builder for generations. The efficiency and precision of this concept can be seen in well-known constructions such as the Taj Mahal and Greece's Parthenon. Integrated design-build has been used to construct American monuments such as the Empire State Building and the Pentagon in recent years.

These skilled craftsmen took complete ownership of their projects, blending intellectual design with the technical constraints of construction. This process disappeared to a large degree during the industrial revolution. The ability to cut building timeframes and save money has led to a strong renaissance of design-build for large industrial projects.

The Power Of An Integrated Construction Approach

The close working relationship of your design-build team results in greater productivity, cost savings, and less liability. Other construction approaches are routinely outperformed by this strategy, with industry experts predicting design-build to be used in 75% of new constructions. Here are some notable advantages:

1) A single point of accountability - You get the whole team with a design-build firm, from early planning, concept drawings, final construction plans, and permits. This prevents the architect and general contractor from miscommunicating. When it comes to your architect drafting for a certain budget and your contractor being able to build what the blueprints require, this team approach has significant advantages.

2) Project management by experts – Your design-build firm acts as an adviser to your senior managers allowing you to make well-informed decisions that will benefit your industrial construction project.

3) Savings — With some of the more orthodox construction processes, you don't know how much your building will cost until you put out the blueprints for bid, leaving less budgeting flexibility. During the building phase, design changes to bridge the gap between planning and construction realities can be highly costly. With design-build, costs are calculated throughout the design process, allowing the architects and construction team to confirm expenses.

4) Smooth delivery – The design-build approach allows for quick and efficient delivery since design and construction take place simultaneously. This approach eliminates the time-consuming bid stage that typically bogs down new projects.

The design-build delivery process is effective for both new building and renovation projects for numerous reasons. Start a conversation with Fusion Projects to learn more about design-build and how it might be a good fit for your next project.

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