DESIGN-BUILD. Dispute Avoidance/Management Surveys have shown that Design-Build produces fewer design-related disputes during the construction phase than Design-Bid-Build. One reason is the collaboration between the design and construction disciplines required in the Design-Build delivery system. Another reason is the single point responsibility and control inherent in Design-Build. Thus, Design-Build normally avoids design- related disputes involving the owner. Design Phases Because of the single point responsibility, there are some major differences between Design-Build and the other project delivery systems during the design phase. Sources of Design Information One of the primary differences between Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build is the source of design information. Once the owner's requirements are defined, design proceeds in Design-Build as in other delivery systems. Design documents may not be brought to the same level of completion as in the bid package in Design-Bid- Build, however. Design-Build encourages performance requirements rather than the detailed prescriptive design specifications common in Design-Bid-Build. This may be a concern to the owner unless a complete, final set of “as-built” or record documents are required as a part of the Design-Build agreement. Depending on the selection type and contract, the owner may have less control over the details of the design as compared to other delivery models. The owner provides a program of requirements to the design-builder, which then transfers these requirements into construction documents. Many times these requirements are performance-based, not prescriptive. Consequently, the design-builder is expected to use its experience and knowledge to produce acceptable documents. In addition, the designer of the project has no direct contract with the owner. Consequently, the owner cannot expect the traditional relationship with the architect/engineer and may not have as much direct access to the design professionals. Design Process Another difference in this delivery method is the way the design process is impacted. By definition, the constructor is on board during the design phase and can offer input. Depending on the delivery method and basis of reimbursement used, however, one of the key elements is the owner's ability to make changes in the design after design responsibility has shifted to the design-builder. For example, if the owner creates a set of bridging documents and procures the design-builder 211