design / build

WHY DESIGN/BUILD?

One of the unique aspects of Marmol Radziner is that we are both architects and contractors. That means we provide a single source of responsibility from project conception through building occupancy. Early in our architectural careers, we saw mistakes happen when we handed a project over to a contractor who would not build the project as it was drawn. In the typical architect/contractor relationship, both sides have only partial control of the overall process. Information can be lost during the transfer of responsibility. Also, a client can end up in the middle of conflict in which the architect blames the contractor and the contractor blames the architect. Design/build allows us to pursue standards of excellence that are difficult to realize in the typical architect/contractor relationship. When we work with an outside contractor, we are fully aware of the potential “gray areas” and we use that experience to ensure that the contractor builds the project per our design documents.

PURPOSE

We have developed our firm for the purpose of creating exceptional design and exceptional construction. Although we are architects first, we work in the “master builder tradition”. Our goal is to make every project real through a collaborative process. Many of our staff members choose to supervise a project through both design and construction. By working this way, we are all better architects, whether seasoned professionals or young architects. In addition to educating our staff, we also educate our clients through a transparent design and construction process. This transparency allows our clients to make informed choices in every project phase.

PROJECTS

Among our award-winning design/build projects are the Vienna Way Residence, Glencoe Residence, Ward Residence, Altamira Residence, Desert House, Hilltop Studio, Kaufmann House Restoration, Elliot House Restoration, and Experimental Ranch Restoration.