What does “collaboration” mean in the context of design-build?

In the context of design-build, "collaboration" refers to the active and cooperative engagement of all project stakeholders—such as designers, builders, owners, and potentially others like contractors and subcontractors—to work towards shared objectives. This collaborative approach is fundamental in design-build projects as it facilitates open communication, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and fosters an environment where all parties contribute their expertise. By aligning their efforts from the onset, stakeholders can streamline project timelines, improve design solutions, reduce conflicts, and ultimately produce a higher quality product that meets the needs of all involved.

The emphasis on working together highlights the contrast to more traditional project delivery methods, where roles are often more isolated and adversarial. Hence, collaboration in design-build is about integration, teamwork, and achieving common goals through mutual effort and communication among all participants in the project.