Design, build, manage contractor
In a typical design and build (D&B) procurement, the main contractor is appointed to design and construct the works (as opposed to a traditional contract, where the client appoints consultants to design the development and then a contractor is appointed to construct the works).
In a design, build and manage contract (DBM), the contractor – in addition to shouldering the risks of design and construction – also manages the construction process, sometimes providing operational services over and above building maintenance, such as supplying operational staff and cleaning.
The DBM may also appoint (and contracting with) different works contractors to see the completion of various parts of the project. The contractor therefore is also a project manager.
The client (or their representative) will generally appoint the DBM contractor early-on in the design process so that their experience can be used to improve the cost and buildability of proposals as they develop, as well as to advise on packaging and the risks of interfaces.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved contractor.
- CIS contractors and CIS sub-contractors.
- Commercial manager.
- Construction contract.
- Construction manager.
- Contractor's working schedule.
- Design and manage procurement route.
- Due diligence when selecting contractors or subcontractors.
- Management contractor.
- Principal contractor.
- Procurement route.
- Work package contractor.
- Works contractor.
Featured articles and news
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.