For most of the last century a London renovation was bought in two halves. An architect drew it, then a contractor priced and built it. That split is still common, and it is still the reason most of the arguments happen.
Design and build puts both halves in one place. NU Projects works that way, and this is what actually changes.
One team, one contract
Architects, interior designers, a quantity surveyor, an MEP director and the site team all sit inside the same company. There is no gap to hand a drawing across and no second party to blame when the drawing turns out not to build.
That covers the whole job, from the first survey through planning, technical design, procurement and construction to handover and aftercare. Whether it is a basement, a full interior refurbishment or a new elevation, the same people carry it.
What it changes on cost
When the people drawing the work also have to build it, the price is tested against buildability as the design develops rather than at tender. A scheme that cannot be built for the budget is found in week three, not in month six.
It also means one cost plan rather than two estimates that do not compare. Our own construction rates are published by work type in the NU Build Cost Calculator.
What it changes on programme
Design and build is not automatically faster. What it removes is the dead time between a design decision and the pricing of it, and the rework when a consultant draws something the contractor then re-draws.
Where the architect-led route still wins
It is not the right answer for everybody. Where a scheme is architecturally ambitious and the client wants an independent designer holding the contractor to account, the traditional route does that better. We say so when it applies. The trade-off is explained in architect or design and build, which should you choose.
Where we work
NU Projects works on residential and commercial projects across prime London, including Chelsea, Notting Hill, Highgate and Wimbledon, and out into Surrey.
Talk to us
If you are deciding how to buy the work rather than what the work is, that is the right time to call. Tell us about the property, or read how we run a job in our 12-stage process.
Published 22 February 2025. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.