Construction & Project Delivery

Project delivery continues after design documents are issued. This section explains KDG’s role during bidding and construction, including contractor coordination, submittal review, field questions, design changes, quality reviews, closeout, and protection of the design intent.

Construction & Project Delivery Process FAQs

What project delivery methods can KDG work within?

KDG can work within design-bid-build, construction-manager-assisted, construction management, and design-build structures. The available approach depends on licensing, contracts, and the selected team. The agreement should define roles, communication, document responsibility, and decision authority.
Can KDG work with an owner’s construction manager or selected contractor?

Yes. KDG regularly coordinates with owner-selected contractors and construction managers. Early collaboration can improve estimating, scheduling, phasing, procurement, and constructability, while the architect maintains its defined professional responsibilities.
What is the architect’s role during bidding and contractor selection?

During bidding, the architect can help issue documents, answer bidder questions, prepare addenda, review substitutions, compare bids for scope consistency, and advise the owner on technical qualifications. The owner remains responsible for contractor selection and commercial decisions.
What is the architect’s role during construction?

During construction, the architect interprets the design documents, reviews submittals, responds to requests for information, evaluates proposed changes, observes the work at agreed intervals, and reviews applications or completion items as defined in the agreement. The architect does not control the contractor’s means, methods, or site safety.
How are questions, substitutions, and unforeseen conditions handled during construction?

Questions are documented through the project’s communication procedures, and proposed substitutions or changes are reviewed for design, technical, code, cost, schedule, and approval implications. Unforeseen conditions are recorded, investigated, and resolved with the owner, contractor, consultants, and agencies as required.
Can KDG work on design-build projects?

Yes. KDG can work within a design-build team, with its professional services and relationship to the design-builder clearly defined. Early alignment on performance criteria, owner expectations, pricing milestones, design review, and document responsibility is essential.
How does KDG help maintain the design intent during construction?
What quality reviews occur before construction documents are issued?

Before issue, KDG performs internal reviews appropriate to the project stage, checking coordination, code and accessibility, key details, consultant interfaces, schedules, specifications, and document completeness. Quality review reduces errors but cannot eliminate every construction question or concealed condition.
How does KDG coordinate changes that affect cost, schedule, or historic approvals?

Proposed changes are documented and reviewed with the owner, contractor, consultants, and, when needed, historic or regulatory agencies. The team identifies effects on design, code, approvals, price, schedule, procurement, and completed work before the owner decides whether to proceed.
Does KDG provide support through project completion and occupancy?

Yes, when the agreement includes those services. KDG may support substantial completion, punch-list review, closeout documents, agency submissions, and final furniture installation. Selected post-occupancy services may also be available. The agreement defines KDG’s responsibilities and the limits of each service.

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Supporting Projects Through Completion

KDG remains engaged beyond design, helping owners navigate the realities of bidding, procurement, contractor coordination, and construction. Our team works to balance design quality, constructability, schedule, and budget while providing timely guidance as questions and challenges arise throughout the building process.

Our approach emphasizes:

Early collaboration with contractors and construction managers
Clear communication between project stakeholders
Responsive review of submittals, shop drawings, and product data
Evaluation of substitutions, field conditions, and proposed changes
Coordination of technical, design, and regulatory considerations
Ongoing quality reviews to support project goals
Protection of critical design priorities during construction
Comprehensive support through closeout, occupancy, and project completion

Whether delivering a new building, managing a complex renovation, coordinating a historic rehabilitation, or supporting a phased construction effort, KDG helps clients move from approved plans to successful built outcomes through thoughtful oversight, collaboration, and problem-solving.