The conventional tendering system — where an architect designs a home and then sends it to multiple builders for quotes — is broken. After analysing our records, I found that 65% of architectural plans designed this way never get built, because the design comes back over the client's budget.
The Problem with Conventional Tendering
- Going to a designer who can't give you a total project budget
- Avoiding real conversations about budget until the builders' quotes come in
- Approving plans you can't visualise and making changes during the build
- Taking advice from the wrong people — friends, family and inexperienced designers
The ABC Method: Aligned Build Collaboration
The ABC Method brings the architect and builder together to work with clients from the first design meeting. This keeps everyone in the loop and drastically reduces the chance for miscommunication. Cost is checked at key milestones throughout the design process — not as a nasty surprise at the end.
A Tale of Two Clients
Client 1 (ABC Method): Belinda and Dominic had a $700,000 budget. Using the ABC Method, the project manager costed the plans at two points during design, and architects made adjustments. Design took six months, construction eight months. Final cost: $730,000.
Client 2 (Conventional): Scott had the same $700,000 budget but spent 18 months with an architect designing plans separately. When quoted, the estimate came in at $1,900,000. He was forced to cut half his house and add $250,000. Final cost: $950,000, three-and-a-half years later.
Three Ways to Implement ABC
- Design & Construct company: Architect and builder under one roof (like Davies + Align)
- Builder engages architect: You appoint a builder and ask them to engage an architect
- Architect engages builder: You appoint an architect and ask them to engage a builder
Whatever you decide — don't get an architect to design your home without a builder's advice on cost.
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Read moreAbout the Author
Luke Davies
Luke is the founder of Davies Design & Construction and author of Dream Home. He writes about home design philosophy, lean construction, and building businesses that put people first.
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