Since opening in 1957, Merit has prioritized working with our project owners and design members as a true team. We have always felt that the better relationship we have with the design team, the better product we are able to deliver to our client. Our Team Build process was implemented because we knew that if we could get involved at the earliest point, and work alongside architects, our Owners would be far better served. When we start the project as a team, we can understand the goals and budget of a build and do what is most efficient from the onset.

Team Build, often referred to as Design Build, has historically only happened in the private market. However, there has been a slight shift, and we are starting to see it as a preferred build method in some public jobs as well.

Progressive Design Build, is the Team Build of the Public Works sector. (RCW 39.10) The projects start with a General Contractor/Architect Team being chosen based on qualifications or best value selection for a certain project. This is followed by a process whereby the owner then “progresses” towards a design and contract price with the team. A huge benefit of Team Build, or Progressive Design Build, is it simplifies and streamlines the procurement process and puts a schedule to the project. This is a big change from the public sector’s “lowest bidder” model, and we are excited for this market to reap the benefits Progressive Design Build offers. Merit has been utilizing Team Build since pioneering it during the construction of the Tacoma Dome and it is encouraging to see other people recognizing the value in it.

Our most successful builds have always been with Architects who are not only onboard with the Team Build Model, but truly believe in it and come to the table ready to collaborate and are solution driven. When talking to Randy Cook, Principal at TCF Architecture, who has performed multiple Progressive Design Build projects, he says, “teaming up with a General Contractor that has the Team mentality is so important, so everyone has an opportunity to bring as much value to the project as possible.”

Big questions that often come up are what will it cost and how long will it take. When taking the Team Build or Progressive Design Build approach, it offers transparency to the owner into the design builders proposal (initial) cost (including for risk and contingencies) and then the ultimate cost for final design and construction. While doing this, it also shortens the overall project schedule and allows for opportunities to use early work packages in phasing the work.

We believe the biggest attribute outside of time and cost for this process is TRUST. Merit spends countless hours building relationships with the best architects and sub-contractors in the industry to have the ability to bring the best team members to any project.  When you combine years of experience, trust, and the right team, Progressive Design Build or Team Build is the absolute best way to deliver the highest quality product.