A construction market increasingly driven by tight schedules and tighter budgets requires getting subcontracting specialists engaged earlier in the design process. They have become invaluable in controlling costs and managing schedules.

Combining design/build and design/assist practices takes full advantage of the knowledge and experience of subcontractors who specialize in complex electrical and mechanical engineering.

Where design/build requires the specialty subcontractor to perform the design and installation, design/assist uses a consulting engineer and specialty subcontractor, with equal status, to partner in design and construction development.

In such agreements, the consulting engineer drives the design development phase with the subcontractor serving as a consultant. The subcontractor then drives the construction development phase, with the consulting engineering serving as adviser.

Design/assist is most often used in health care construction. For example, a design/assist electrical contractor will use its expertise to develop alternative lighting methods, efficient sequencing of work with other trades, power distribution methods, optimal raceway and conduit design, and other electrical complexities.

An advanced form of design/assist is called Integrated Project Delivery, or IPD. It's a financial incentive that joins the architect, engineer, contractor and subcontractor to work in concert by sharing the risks and rewards of a project. Each will lose money if project goals aren't met. Each will earn more money by creatively delivering project savings without compromising quality or safety.