Alternative Delivery Methods

Both Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) and Progressive Design+Build (PDB) are modern alternative delivery methods that enhance collaboration, cost control, and project efficiency. However, they have distinct differences in process, owner involvement, and risk management.

CMGC

CMGC - Construction Manager/General Contractor, is an alternative project delivery method that enhances collaboration, cost control, and efficiency in commercial construction. This approach allows the owner to engage a construction manager early in the design process, who later transitions into the general contractor role during construction. Unlike traditional design-bid-build methods, CMGC fosters a more integrated and flexible approach to project development.

CMGC is an ideal solution for complex commercial projects requiring flexibility, budget certainty, and efficient execution. By combining early contractor involvement with a negotiated cost structure, CMGC ensures that owners receive a high-quality, value-driven project with minimized risks.

How CMGC Works

Early Engagement – The owner selects a Construction Manager (CM) based on qualifications, experience, and approach rather than lowest bid. The CM joins the project team during the design phase to provide cost, schedule, and constructability insights.
Preconstruction Planning – The CM works alongside the owner and design team to refine project goals, evaluate risks, and optimize design for efficiency and cost savings.
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Agreement – Before construction begins, the CM provides a negotiated GMP, ensuring cost transparency and budget predictability.
Seamless Transition to General Contractor – Once the design is finalized, the CM transitions into the role of General Contractor (GC) to execute construction while maintaining the pre-established budget and timeline.
Efficient Project Execution – The continuity from preconstruction to construction minimizes disruptions, reduces change orders, and enhances quality control.

Key Benefits of CMGC

Owner Involvement & Control – The owner stays actively engaged throughout design and construction, maintaining greater influence over project decisions.
Cost Predictability – Early cost estimation and risk assessment reduce financial uncertainties and provide budget confidence.
Time Savings – Design and construction phases overlap, expediting project delivery without compromising quality.
Risk Mitigation – Early contractor involvement helps identify and resolve potential issues before they impact construction.
Enhanced Collaboration – A unified team approach leads to more innovative solutions and streamlined communication.

PDB

PDB - Progressive Design+Build is a modern approach to commercial construction that streamlines project delivery by integrating the design and construction teams early in the process. Unlike traditional methods that separate design and construction phases, PDB fosters collaboration, cost transparency, and efficiency from project inception to completion.

PDB delivers smarter, more efficient, and more cost-effective projects, optimizing the construction process from concept to completion.If you're looking for a streamlined approach that aligns vision, budget, and execution, PDB may be the right solution for your next project.

How PDB Works

Early Collaboration – The owner selects a design-build team based on qualifications rather than a finalized design or lowest bid. This ensures that the project benefits from expert input from the start.
Preconstruction Alignment – The team works closely with the owner to develop a preliminary design, establish project goals, and conduct cost analysis before committing to a final scope.
Transparent Pricing & Value Optimization – With continuous feedback on costs and constructability, the owner gains real-time insight into budget impacts and can make informed decisions.
Phased Project Delivery – The design and construction progress concurrently, allowing for flexibility, risk mitigation, and faster project completion.
Seamless Execution – By the time construction begins, the team has already aligned on project scope, reducing change orders, delays, and unexpected costs.

Key Benefits of PDB

Reduced Risk – Early collaboration minimizes surprises, scope gaps, and budget overruns.
Accelerated Timelines – Overlapping design and construction phases speed up project completion.
Cost Transparency – Open-book pricing provides clear visibility into cost drivers and budget decisions.
Higher Quality Outcomes – Early involvement of builders ensures practical, buildable designs.
Flexibility & Innovation – Owners have more input throughout the process, allowing for adaptive solutions.

CMGC vs. PDB : A Comparison

Key Similarities

✔ Early Contractor Involvement – Both methods engage the contractor early in the project to improve cost estimation, constructability, and risk assessment.
✔ Cost Transparency – Both models offer open-book pricing, allowing owners to see and control costs before construction begins.
✔ Flexibility & Risk Mitigation – Both allow adjustments during the design phase to minimize risks, reduce change orders, and improve project efficiency.
✔ Accelerated Timelines – By overlapping design and construction phases, both approaches can shorten project schedules.

Which Method is Best for Your Project?

Choose Progressive Design-Build if you want a fully integrated team with a streamlined process, fewer change orders, and a single point of accountability for both design and construction.
Choose CMGC if you prefer more control over design decisions while still benefiting from early contractor input and cost certainty before construction begins.

Both approaches provide significant advantages over traditional delivery methods, and the best choice depends on the project's complexity, budget priorities, and the level of owner involvement desired.

Key Differences:

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