In a design-build project, who bears responsibility for both the detailed design and construction?

• A. A single entity (or joint venture) is responsible for both the detailed design and construction
• B. The owner handles both design and construction
• C. Separate entities are responsible for design and construction
• D. The contractor handles only procurement

Answer: (C)

In a design-build approach, a single entity (or a joint venture) is responsible for both the detailed design and the construction. This creates one point of accountability for the entire project, enabling integrated design and build work, faster decision-making, and smoother coordination between design and construction teams. It contrasts with setups where design and construction are handled by separate entities (design-bid-build) or where the owner or contractor alone handles procurement; those arrangements break the integrated delivery model that design-build aims to provide.