What is design-build construction? In its simplest form, design-build construction means that the design professionals are contracted directly by the construction manager as opposed to the owner. This varies from the traditional method (design-bid-build) where owners hire an architectural firm to oversee the design and then contracts separately for the construction. The traditional approach requires that the owner manage and negotiate multiple contracts of various professionals with sometimes competing interests. It also includes an added burden of managing what can be arduous communication process to make sure everyone is moving in the same direction and that all critical information is clearly communicated and not overlooked. Most importantly, it generally means that the owner can confidently predict the project cost and schedule only after the building has already been designed.