What Is A D & B Contract In Construction?

A D & B contract is a 'design and build' contract, often used in very large projects.
The D & B method of building is slightly different from the traditional method because the project whilst under construction is not run by an architect who is representing the client, but rather by a contractor (who usually appoints their own architect).
Thus the contractor takes the basic 'shape' of a building which has been designed in a rudimentary form and then takes on the detailed design of the building, as well as its construction.
Those for D & B contracts say that it is easier to build with only one party responsible for the project and they can often be built more speedily than in the conventional method.
However, opponents feel that the contractor's dual role of being both the designer and contractor means that cost is often the driving force behind the project and architectural influence and good design can suffer as a result.