DBIA research across thousands of projects shows design-build consistently outperforms traditional design-bid-build on cost, schedule, and quality. Roberts DBS brings that advantage to every commercial and industrial HVAC project we deliver.
The design-bid-build model was designed for a different era. It fragments responsibility, rewards the lowest bidder, and creates adversarial relationships that hurt project outcomes.
Whether you have an architect on board or want a single team to handle everything, Roberts DBS delivers integrated design-build with single-source accountability — available through a pre-awarded cooperative contract.
You bring the architect. We own the critical MEP systems.
Your project has an architect. Roberts DBS steps in as the turnkey design-build partner, taking full ownership of the highest-risk mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems — the ones where things go wrong on traditional projects.
We handle everything. You get a risk-free, on-budget project.
Roberts DBS manages every phase — architecture, engineering, trade coordination, and commissioning. Fully integrated design-build under a cooperative contract with audit-proof compliance and open-book transparency.
The Design-Build Institute of America has tracked thousands of projects across decades. The evidence is overwhelming — design-build outperforms traditional delivery on every metric that matters.
Sources: DBIA Data Sourcebook, FHWA Design-Build Effectiveness Study, FMI/DBIA 2023 Mid-Cycle Survey
From initial conversation to building handover, Roberts DBS manages a streamlined process that keeps your project on budget, on schedule, and free of surprises.
We sit down with your team to understand facility needs, budget parameters, timeline constraints, and operational requirements. We evaluate whether Path 1 (Architect-Led) or Path 2 (Fast-Track Turnkey) is the right fit for your project and provide a preliminary scope assessment at no cost. Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
Our engineers develop conceptual designs, load calculations, and preliminary equipment selections. You receive a detailed proposal with scope of work, budget estimate, and project schedule — all before any commitment. For turnkey projects, our architecture partners produce space plans and design development documents. Timeline: 2–4 weeks.
With an approved proposal, we finalize engineering with full BIM coordination, procure equipment and materials through our established supply chain, and lock in your guaranteed maximum price. Our BuyFair cooperative contract eliminates the RFP process — your board can approve and we can mobilize in days, not months. Timeline: 3–6 weeks.
Roberts union craftsmen self-perform the critical mechanical installations. A dedicated project manager coordinates all trades, manages the schedule, and provides regular progress updates. BIM/CAD clash detection catches conflicts before they become field problems. Open-book accounting gives you full visibility into every dollar spent. Timeline: project-dependent.
Every system is tested and verified to perform as designed. We commission through both heating and cooling seasons when applicable, train your facility staff on operations and maintenance, and deliver complete as-built documentation. Your project is backed by Roberts' warranty and our ongoing service capabilities. Timeline: 2–4 weeks.