Design-Build Construction in Ontario

Design-Build is a collaborative project delivery method where the owner works with a single team responsible for both design and construction. ASCO leads an integrated team of architects, engineers, construction professionals, and specialty partners to deliver the project from concept through commissioning.

By bringing design and construction together from the start, Design-Build streamlines communication, accelerates decision-making, and provides a single point of accountability throughout the project.

Design-Build can provide faster project delivery, earlier cost certainty, reduced owner risk, and greater opportunities for innovation. Because designers and builders work together from the outset, potential constructability challenges can be identified early and addressed before they impact schedule or budget.

The result is a more collaborative process with fewer surprises and better overall project outcomes.

Yes. Design-Build is increasingly used for water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations, reservoirs, and other critical infrastructure projects.

The collaborative nature of the delivery model allows owners to benefit from innovative solutions, optimized lifecycle costs, and accelerated schedules while maintaining strict performance, operational, and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration is at the core of every Design-Build project. From project inception through completion, ASCO works closely with clients to understand operational requirements, budget considerations, performance objectives, and long-term asset goals.

Regular meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement help ensure transparency, alignment, and informed decision-making throughout the project.

Yes. ASCO has extensive experience delivering projects within active industrial, water, and wastewater facilities where operations must continue throughout construction.

Our teams carefully plan sequencing, shutdowns, tie-ins, and commissioning activities to minimize disruptions while maintaining safe and reliable operations for owners and end users.

Cost management begins early in the design process. ASCO continuously evaluates design alternatives, materials, equipment selections, and construction methods to maximize value while meeting project objectives.

This proactive approach helps establish realistic budgets, improve cost certainty, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected cost increases later in the project.

Innovation is one of the key advantages of the Design-Build model. Because designers and builders work together from the beginning, opportunities can be explored early to improve efficiency, performance, and long-term value.

ASCO evaluates alternative technologies, construction methods, and process solutions that can enhance reliability, reduce lifecycle costs, and accelerate project delivery.

The earlier, the better. Ideally, ASCO is engaged during the concept, feasibility, or planning stage of a project. Early involvement allows our integrated team to help define project objectives, evaluate alternatives, identify risks, establish realistic budgets and schedules, and improve constructability before design progresses too far.

Bringing construction expertise into the conversation early often leads to better decisions, greater cost certainty, and smoother project execution.

Progressive Design-Build is a collaborative delivery approach where the owner engages the Design-Build team early to work through design development, scope definition, risk assessment, and cost estimating before a final project price is established.

This model is particularly effective for complex projects with evolving requirements, such as water and wastewater facilities, industrial infrastructure, and technically challenging developments. By fostering early collaboration, Progressive Design-Build can improve cost certainty, reduce schedule risks, and create better project outcomes for all stakeholders.