Ferrara Buist’s process is built around bringing the right people into the conversation early, keeping them aligned through construction and staying accountable. From the first planning meeting to final turnover, we focus on practical guidance, clear communication and decisions that support the owner’s vision, budget and timeline. It’s a collaborative approach designed to reduce surprises, protect the project’s intent and create a smoother path from concept to completion.
Design-Assist-Build gives owners the best of both worlds: direct control of the architect relationship with the added value of early contractor input. By bringing Ferrara Buist into the schematic design process, the team can evaluate pricing, constructability, scheduling and material considerations before the project moves too far down a problematic path. Early collaboration helps reduce surprises, sharpen decision-making and create clarity before construction begins.
Design-Build can create a more streamlined process by consolidating design and construction under a single contract. Because the general contractor leads the design team, pricing and constructability feedback can be incorporated as drawings are still being developed, rather than waiting until the end of the design process.
The tradeoff is control. Since the architect works for the contractor rather than directly for the owner, the owner may have less direct influence over design decisions and may still be tied to the original contractor if the planning process becomes misaligned.
Design-Bid-Build gives owners a familiar, competitive path to construction. In this model, the owner works directly with the architect to complete the construction documents before inviting general contractors to bid. That creates a clear opportunity to compare multiple proposals and evaluate pricing options before selecting a builder.
The challenge is timing. Because the contractor is not involved during design, pricing feedback comes late in the process. If the bids come in over budget, the team may need to revisit the drawings, make revisions and spend additional time and money before construction can begin.
Ferrara Buist’s construction management approach is built on early collaboration, clear communication and practical leadership from the first conversation through final turnover. By working closely with the owner, design team and trade partners, we help define project goals, identify challenges early and guide each phase with the planning and accountability needed to move from concept to completion.
Successful projects start with thorough preparation long before the first shovel hits the ground. During preconstruction, Ferrara Buist works with the owner, design team and trade partners to evaluate cost, schedule, materials and potential challenges early, when decisions are still flexible. This upfront planning gives the team a clear path forward, fewer surprises in the field and a stronger foundation for construction.
Once construction begins, Ferrara Buist keeps the project moving with steady communication, disciplined coordination and a clear focus on execution. Our team works closely with owners, design partners and trade teams to solve issues quickly, manage field conditions and maintain momentum without losing sight of quality, safety or the project’s original goals. The result is a construction process built around accountability, problem-solving and getting the details right.
After construction is complete, Ferrara Buist stays engaged through closeout, turnover and follow-up to make sure the owners have what they need to move into the next phase with confidence. We take pride in finishing well, learning from every project and building relationships that last long after the ribbon is cut.
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