Ready to Build Smarter? Discover how Prism Construction’s design-build approach can streamline your next commercial project. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning with confidence.
In British Columbia’s fast-paced commercial real estate market, delivering projects on time, on budget, and to spec is more critical than ever. With land and construction costs rising and competition for tenants intensifying, developers are seeking construction models that offer speed, control, and accountability.
That’s why design-build is gaining momentum and why more developers are turning to Prism Construction to deliver these projects from start to finish.
Design-build is a project delivery method where a single entity—typically a contractor like Prism—is responsible for both the design and construction phases. Unlike the traditional design-bid-build model, where developers must manage separate contracts with architects and contractors, design-build simplifies communication and reduces risk.
With design-build, you sign one contract with a single point of responsibility. The design and construction teams collaborate from day one, and the project can move faster with overlapping phases and fewer delays. This integrated approach is especially effective for commercial and industrial projects that require tight timelines, cost efficiency, and adaptability as tenant needs or market demands evolve.
In traditional models, design and construction are sequential: you wait for full designs and permits before breaking ground. With design-build, key construction tasks can begin while design is still being finalized.
At Prism, our team works closely with consultants, engineers, and city staff during the early planning phase. This overlap can shave months off a commercial schedule, helping developers open sooner and generate revenue faster.
Design-build offers early visibility into total project cost. By involving the construction team during the design phase, developers get accurate pricing, real-time budget checks, and value engineering advice before finalizing plans.
This reduces costly redesigns and surprises after tender. Prism’s experienced team helps developers make informed trade-offs, choosing systems and materials that match project goals without compromising quality.
With a single team managing both design and construction, coordination is tighter and more responsive. Instead of navigating back-and-forth between architects, engineers, and contractors, developers have one accountable partner.
At Prism, our integrated project managers oversee every phase and serve as the direct point of contact. This keeps decision-making fast and aligned with the overall project vision.
Because builders are involved from the beginning, design-build tends to produce plans that are more efficient to build. Construction professionals can flag issues before they’re baked into drawings, improving feasibility and reducing change orders.
Prism’s decades of experience with retail, industrial, and commercial facilities in BC means we know what works, and we ensure designs match real-world site conditions and code requirements from the start.
When construction delays or design errors happen in traditional builds, finger-pointing between consultants and contractors can create friction and slow progress. Design-build eliminates that issue: the entire team is on the same side, with shared responsibility for outcomes.
With Prism, clients benefit from a clear path to delivery and a commitment to solving problems, not assigning blame.
With over 600 completed projects across British Columbia, Prism Construction has a proven track record of delivering high-performing commercial and industrial buildings using the design-build model. If you’re planning a retail centre, warehouse, or commercial facility, our integrated approach can help you save time, control costs, and reduce risk. Book a consultation to explore how Prism’s design-build services can move your project forward with confidence.
Ready to Build Smarter? Discover how Prism Construction’s design-build approach can streamline your next commercial project. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning with confidence.
At Prism, our design-build delivery is structured around early engagement and transparent planning. Here’s how a typical project unfolds:
This process is not theoretical—it’s how Prism consistently delivers complex builds across BC, including shopping centres, logistics facilities, and multi-unit commercial developments.
British Columbia’s permitting process and municipal requirements vary by region, and coordination with local authorities can be complex. With design-build, developers can avoid the disconnect that often happens between off-site design teams and local construction teams.
Prism’s team has decades of experience navigating zoning, development permits, and building code compliance in Metro Vancouver and beyond. This local insight is critical when every day of delay can mean lost revenue.
Design-build is especially well-suited for:
These projects benefit from early contractor involvement, scalable construction strategies (including tilt-up), and the ability to phase construction in tandem with leasing or financing schedules.
Design-build isn’t a trend—it’s a smarter, more efficient way to build in BC’s competitive commercial market. By integrating design and construction under one roof, developers gain speed, clarity, and confidence.
At Prism Construction, we’ve refined this approach over hundreds of successful projects. Our commitment to collaboration, transparency, and performance makes us a trusted partner for commercial developers who want results, not surprises.
Interested in exploring a design-build strategy for your next project? Let’s talk. Contact Prism Construction today to schedule a consultation.
Prism CEO Omar Rawji writes in Retrofit Magazine that the construction industry is in trouble and why inclusive hiring is the future of construction.
Prism Construction provides expert construction management services across British Columbia. With over 600 successful projects, we offer leadership, cost control, and full transparency from pre-construction to completion—helping clients navigate complex builds with confidence.
Prism Construction is a trusted leader in industrial construction in BC, delivering high-performance facilities across sectors like manufacturing, food processing, and logistics. With over 600 projects completed, Prism brings proven systems, safety, and compliance to every build.