What A Week! Design Assist vs. Delegated Design: Where's the Line?

Design Assist, Delegated Design, and Design-Build: Are We All Talking About the Same Thing? What happens when project teams use the same terminology but have different expectations about responsibilities, processes, and outcomes? In this episode of What a Week, Dave, Steve, and Elias explore the distinctions between design assist, delegated design, and component-level design-build, following a CSI panel discussion focused on ornamental stair construction. The conversation examines how different interpretations of these approaches can affect competitive bidding, subcontractor involvement, design responsibility, and the potential for costly redesign. Through real-world examples involving ornamental stairs, curtain walls, and structural glass, the discussion highlights the importance of defining expectations early, particularly when balancing aesthetics, performance requirements, fabrication expertise, and procurement strategies. The central takeaway: These terms alone don't establish a shared understanding. Project teams must clearly define the intended process, responsibilities, and deliverables to protect design intent and avoid unnecessary risk, confusion, and rework.