Design Build and Design Assist are two services with engineering roots that differ in design responsibility. Here’s a brief comparison of these two distinct service sets, so you have a better understanding of what works for your next project.
Design Build is all in the name
On Design Build projects, we’re involved on the ground floor, where we own the engineering behind the electrical designs of your space. We work with the owner and the architect directly and assume responsibility for the layout of all the space’s electrical functions including lighting, circuits, distribution, plugs, and all mechanical needs.
As a Design Build partner, we look at your specific lighting needs for how your space will function with a human factor. For example, there are significant decorative versus operational lighting differences between an open office space and a manufacturing floor. Proper lighting for an office worker looks different than what may be required for an assembly line worker performing highly detailed production. On the other hand, even within the office, we take into account the overall design of the space to provide proper look AND lighting to ensure both form and function are met.
Once the drawings are complete, they must be reviewed and stamped by a professional engineer. This process ensures the drawings are code-compliant and provides you a single source for the design and the build.
Design Assist is a fresh set of eyes
Think of Design Assist as more of a collaborative relationship. While we aren’t the engineer of record, we’re able to participate in the development of the drawings alongside the engineer to help find efficiencies in the preconstruction phase—and provide informed solutions based on our engineer-led expertise with your best interest in mind.
A trusted partner by any name
So, what works best for you? Having FZ as your Design Build partner eliminates the need for additional A&E providers. FZ is the engineer of record and performs all installations on the jobsite. From start to finish, you’ll have a single point of contact under one roof. Should issues arise from the plans to the build, you know exactly where the responsibility rests. Design Assist gives you the option of having another knowledgeable voice on the project looking for added value or oversight.
In either capacity, we provide robust solutions and innovation. Whether we’re designing and driving the project from its inception, or providing input and expertise along the way, you can count on us to get the job done right.
Interested in hearing more about our Design Build capabilities? Reach out to us!
