068 - Project Delivery Methods: DBB, Design-Build, CMAR, and More

Project delivery methods define who holds the contracts, who carries the risk, and how the architect's role changes on every construction project. This episode breaks down all six major methods so you know exactly how each one works.

Emily walks through Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Construction Manager as Agent (CMa), Multiple Prime, and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

You'll learn why the architect works for the owner in some methods and for the contractor in others, what a GMP contract actually does, and how to match the right delivery method to a project scenario on the ARE.

This topic shows up on three different ARE exams and the CDT exam. If you invest the time to learn it now, it pays off on every exam you take.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Design-bid-build: the traditional sequential method

• Design-build: one team, one contract, architect works for the contractor

• CMAR and GMP contracts: how the CM shifts from advisor to constructor

• CM at risk vs CM as agent: who holds the subcontracts

• Fast-tracking: a scheduling technique, not a delivery method

• Progressive design-build, design assist, and bridging

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) What Are Project Delivery Methods

(2:48) How Delivery Methods Hit the ARE

(4:39) Design-Bid-Build Explained

(6:16) DBB Pros and Cons

(7:22) Who Holds the Risk in DBB

(8:24) Design-Build Explained

(9:36) Architect's Role in Design-Build

(10:18) Fast-Tracking in Design-Build

(12:33) DB Pros and Cons

(13:32) Progressive Design-Build

(14:11) Design Assist and Bridging

(16:03) Construction Manager at Risk

(16:55) What Is a GMP Contract

(17:38) CMAR Phase Shift Explained

(19:54) CMAR Pros and Cons

(22:05) CM at Risk vs CM as Agent

(23:11) Construction Manager as Agent

(27:44) Multiple Prime Contracts

(30:28) Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

(33:18) How to Choose a Delivery Method

(36:12) ARE Study Resources

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE Project Delivery Methods study notes

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual courses:

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• AIA Contracts 101

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)