In a traditional design-bid-build project, who has contractual relationships with the Owner?

In a traditional design-bid-build project, the contractor has a direct contractual relationship with the owner. This arrangement is established at the outset, where the owner engages the contractor through a contract for the construction work. Simultaneously, the architect or engineer, who is typically involved in the design phase, has a contract with the owner as well. This ensures that the contractor is obliged to follow the design provided by the architect or engineer, thereby fostering collaboration between the construction and design teams.

The relationship is defined by the contracts, which outline the scope of work, responsibilities, and obligations. While subcontractors and suppliers are integral to the construction process, their direct contractual relationships are primarily with the contractor, not the owner. Therefore, in this traditional project delivery method, it is the contractor and the architect/engineer who hold contractual ties with the owner, each performing distinct roles that are essential for the successful completion of the project.