What document confirms that design elements comply with the project criteria and standards?

The design commitment is the document that formally indicates that the design elements meet the established project criteria and standards. This document serves as a key reference point, confirming that all aspects of the design have been thoroughly evaluated and are in alignment with the requirements set forth by the project specifications.

In a design-build context, the design commitment is essential for ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on the design approach and that the proposed solutions meet the necessary guidelines. It typically indicates that the design has been vetted through various checks and has received the necessary approvals, which is critical for the subsequent phases of the project.

While design risk assessments analyze potential design-related risks, and design audits assess compliance with broader regulatory standards, neither document confirms design element compliance with specific project standards as the design commitment does. A design review report may summarize feedback and findings about the design, but it does not serve as a definitive confirmation of compliance in the same way that a design commitment does.