---
title: Choosing the Right Construction Delivery Method for Your Project
description: Rice Companies works across Design-Build, CMAR, and Design-Bid-Build. Here's how each delivery method compares so you can choose the right fit for your project.
image: https://ricecompanies.com/hubfs/Blog%20Benefits%20of%20Tech%20(9).png
---

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# Choosing the Right Construction Delivery Method for Your Project

The delivery method you choose for a construction project shapes nearly everything: how the team is assembled, how decisions get made, who carries the risk, and how quickly work moves from concept to occupancy. Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk, and Design-Bid-Build are the three methods most commonly used in commercial and industrial construction today. Each fits a different set of circumstances.

 

**Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)**

***Best when collaboration is critical.***

CMAR brings the contractor into the project during design rather than after plans are complete. The construction team provides budgeting, scheduling, and constructability input throughout design — then commits to a Guaranteed Maximum Price before breaking ground.

**Choose CMAR if your project:**

- Has a complex or phased scope
- Requires aggressive scheduling
- Benefits from contractor input during design
- Needs cost certainty before construction begins

**Ideal Projects**

- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Healthcare and public buildings
- Complex utility or infrastructure improvements
- Multi-phase commercial development

 

**Design-Build**

***Best when speed matters.***

Design-Build combines design and construction under one contract, allowing both to run concurrently. Instead of managing separate relationships with a designer and contractor, owners work with one integrated team from concept through completion.

**Choose Design-Build if you:**

- Need to accelerate project delivery
- Want a single point of responsibility
- Need early pricing and procurement flexibility
- Want to reduce change orders and coordination gaps

**Ideal Projects**

- Commercial and industrial facilities
- Pre-engineered metal buildings
- Site development and infrastructure
- Fast-track owner-driven project

 

**Design-Bid-Build (DBB)**

***Best for clearly defined projects.***

The traditional model. The owner completes design with a separate architect, then bids construction competitively to a general contractor. The lowest responsive, responsible bidder is typically awarded the contract.

**Choose Design-Bid-Build if you:**

- Have completed construction documents
- Require competitive bidding
- Are delivering a publicly funded project
- Have a clearly defined and stable scope

**Ideal Projects**

- Publicly funded buildings and infrastructure
- Government and municipal projects
- Projects with defined procurement requirements

 

**Which Delivery Method Is Right for You?**

The best method depends on your project's goals — not simply its type.

Need the fastest schedule? → **Design-Build**

Want early contractor collaboration? → **CMAR**

Require competitive bidding or public procurement? → **Design-Bid-Build**

Need a single point of accountability? → **Design-Build**

Want cost certainty before construction begins? → **CMAR**

 

![CONSTRUCTION GUIDE (2)](https://44480598.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/44480598/hubfs/CONSTRUCTION%20GUIDE%20(2).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=CONSTRUCTION%20GUIDE%20(2).png)

## Frequently Asked Questions

###### What is the difference between Design-Build and CMAR?

Both involve the contractor during design. The difference is contract structure. CMAR maintains separate contracts with the designer and construction manager. Design-Build puts both under one contract with a single entity.

 

###### Which method is fastest?

Design-Build, because design and construction can run concurrently and long-lead materials can be procured before design is complete.

 

###### When does Design-Bid-Build make sense?

Publicly funded projects with competitive bidding requirements, fully defined scopes, or owners with internal capacity to manage the two-contract structure.

 

###### Is Design-Build more expensive?

Not necessarily. Schedule compression, early procurement, and fewer design change disputes can reduce total project cost. Cost depends on scope, market conditions, and the team selected.

 

 

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