Historically, the term ‘Architect’ traces back to ancient Greece, where it translates to ‘Master Builder.’ Indeed, for centuries, the Architect not only served as the primary designer of a building but also held primary responsibility for its construction, overseeing all the trade guilds. Early in the 20th century, these two intertwined roles—design and construction—were split into distinct professions. As with all changes, there are consequences.

Now, typically, an owner first hires an Architect to draw a building and then a contractor to oversee the subcontractors that will build the building. This separation is, at times, adverse to both the quality and cost of a building. It also shifts the burden of oversight to the owner, who is now responsible for the oversight of multiple contracts and entities.

Architect Led Design-Build—which is simply another way to describe ‘Master Builder’— is a project delivery method in which one entity, the design-builder, or design-build team, works under a single contract with the owner to provide integrated design and construction services.

With only one entity and one contract, workflow and communication are consistent from concept through completion, thereby reuniting the roles of designer and constructor and providing more accurate, efficient and well-resolved results.