In design-build, the majority of responsibility for completeness, accuracy, and integration of design and construction processes is transferred to the _____.

• A. Owner
• B. Design-Builder
• C. Architect
• D. Contractor

Answer: (B)

In design-build, accountability for making the design and construction work together smoothly is placed on the design-builder. This entity is responsible for the complete, accurate design and its seamless integration with the construction plan, managing all design disciplines, coordinating trades, addressing constructability, and aligning schedule and budget with the owner’s performance goals. Because the owner contracts with a single design-builder, there is one clear point of responsibility for delivering a coherent, buildable solution.

The owner still shapes requirements and approves outcomes, but the integration and execution burden falls on the design-builder. The architect remains a contributor to the design, but not the party responsible for coordinating the entire design and build. The contractor in this model isn’t a separate entity taking on integration alone; in design-build, the contractor role is embedded within the design-builder, which is why the design-builder is the correct answer.