What role facilitates the connection between design professionals and cost estimators within a design-build team?

The design manager plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration between design professionals and cost estimators within a design-build team. This position is responsible for overseeing the design process, ensuring that the design aligns with the project budget and cost estimates. A design manager coordinates the efforts of architects, engineers, and other design specialists, making certain that their work is informed by the latest cost data provided by estimators. This integration is vital for identifying cost-effective solutions and making necessary adjustments to the design throughout the project lifecycle.

By fostering this connection, the design manager helps to streamline decision-making, reduce misunderstandings, and ultimately lead to more efficient and successful project outcomes. In contrast, other roles such as the estimator typically focus on pricing and cost analysis, while the design lead is primarily focused on leading the design vision. The construction coordinator, on the other hand, is more involved in the logistics of construction rather than the nexus between design and cost.