The Design-Build method for construction has been around for decades, but only recently has it made its way into the Security Industry.
History of Design-Build
The term “Design-Build” started being used in the early 90s to better describe the integration of design and construction as a project delivery method. The concept has been around for thousands of years but was referred to as being a “Master Builder” or “Master Mason”.
Following the industrial revolution, the need for design specialization grew with the increased complexity of construction and engineering. As the different disciplines evolved over the past 100+ years it made sense to separate tasks in the project delivery process.
Fast forward to the 21st century and the building systems have become highly technical with modern engineering practices. Design and construction are needing to collaborate more frequently to deliver the best solution, on schedule and on budget.
How Does the Design-Build Process Work
The Design-Build approach replaces the traditional method of awarding separate contracts for design and construction. The owner works directly with one point of contact instead of the traditional method of working with all parties including the designer, contractor, subcontractor, consultants, and potential suppliers. With the Design-Build model, the singular team is better equipped to solve problems and put the focus on the outcome a facility owner desires.
 Traditional Project Delivery With the traditional method, the building owner manages two separate contracts. Often this has the potential of creating an adversarial relationship between the designer and contractor. When there’s an issue that arises during the project, it’s not uncommon to have a lot of finger-pointing between the designer and contractor. Historically this method is typically less accurate on the estimating and budget side and delays in schedules are far too common.
|  Design-Build Project Delivery With the Design-Build model, the building owner manages only one contract and has one team of responsibility. The designer and contractor collaborate with each other from the start of the project. By being unified in their approach, a Design-Build team can deliver a more precise budget, accurate schedule, fewer change orders, and can pivot to address problems more quickly. Working as one, the Design-Build model leads to more innovation and a more predictable outcome. |
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What are the Benefits of Design-Build for Security?
We know that the Design-Build method simplifies the building process through better communication, collaboration, and expertise. Unfortunately, most architects and engineers are not experts on the security portions of a project. To be fair, they are not expected to be highly knowledgeable about security threat analysis or physical security design best practices. As a result, many projects that are built can be at risk of having unforeseen vulnerabilities down the road.
Perimeter Security designs that involve fencing, gates, barriers, access control, and intrusion detection will vary from site to site and there are many details that are glossed over. The installation is generally hired out to local concrete subcontractors, fence companies, and technology companies to install independently. This can be a problem because they don’t always have the knowledge needed to install properly, may overlook important details in the design drawings, or realize that the design is missing a key component to complete the installation.
Over the past several years, Sloan Security Group has adopted a Design-Build process (called SloanSecure™) for constructing hardened perimeter security and installing access control technologies. The shift to this method for security specifically has closed a gap that has existed between designers and contractors, who previously had worked in silos. Sloan’s certified installers collaborate with their own designers and project managers to ensure the design details are refined so the installation goes smoothly and as expected.
Here’s a list of benefits you get when you use a design-build security company like Sloan Security Group.
Safer Security
The Design-Build method for security unboundedly creates a safer facility. Having security designers and installers on the same team results in a design being constructed with more precision and manufacturer’s products being installed as they were intended to be used. Sloan Security Group also has in-house engineering capabilities to run (BIM) Building Info Model, Vehicle Vector Analysis, and more.
Less Risk to Owner
The Design-Build method for security reduces a lot of risk for facility owners. A Design-Build security firm like Sloan has created a repeatable project plan or procedure (called SloanSecure™). They adjust things slightly or customize as needed, but the outcomes are more predictable making it less risky for the owner.
Better Project Management
The Design-Build process makes security projects simpler to manage because all members are working together on the same team. Project managers are made aware of issues, changes, or delays in the project sooner and can stay more up-to-date with the day-to-day progress.
More Accurate Budgets
By having a security design team involved from the beginning, there’s a significant opportunity for cost savings. Fewer design changes and consistent communication with the build team can help estimates be more precise to the actual end costs.
Faster Project Completion
The Design-Build method for security can lead to faster project completion. With the entire project simplified and managed by one team, there will be fewer contingencies planned in the schedule. The Design-Build method produces a more predictable schedule and is almost always completed sooner than the traditional design-bid-build process.
Fewer Change Orders
One of the best benefits of using the Design-Build method for security is the reduction or elimination of change orders. Change orders can raise the project cost and delay the schedule and are far too common with the design-bid-build method.
Innovation and Expertise
With the Design-Build process, there’s more collaboration that happens between teams which lead to better innovation and customization on projects. When security projects become complex, having builders, engineers, and designers a part of the same team can unify expertise to deliver the outcome the facility owner desire.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why Design-Build works so well for security projects. Not only will the process be smoother, but it will also lower costs, save time, reduce the risk for owners and ultimately deliver a safer security solution.
Sloan Security Group is also a member of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). To learn more about Design-Build with Sloan Security Group contact us today.
About Sloan Security Group, Inc. Sloan is quickly becoming the global leader in safe and effective perimeter security for distinctive brands and institutions such as Facebook, DoD, and DoS. Sloan specializes in crash-rated barriers, access control, and intrusion detection.
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Media Contact
Terin Pickett
Marketing
Sloan Security Group, Inc.
6828 W. Melrose St.
Boise, ID 83709