Everyone wants high-quality service when it comes to building a home in Costa Rica, but can you say you know what to look out for in a high-end residential architecture firm? 

When searching for a high-end architect and builder for your Costa Rica home, it’s important to look for a firm that can offer both design excellence and construction expertise. By taking this approach, you can guarantee that your home’s vision is fully realized and optimized to perfection for exceptional results.  

A good solution for ensuring your future home is top quality? Architect-led design-build services. 

With this type of service, your architect will play a central role in guiding your project from the initial concept to the final construction phase, providing valuable insights and effective project management throughout project delivery (the process of executing a project and bringing it to completion). 

For many home builders in Costa Rica, design-build services produce better quality results than any other project delivery method — something we want to help you understand a little more in this blog.

In this article you can expect to learn: 

• The key differences between design-bid-build and design-build 
• The benefits of having both design and construction led by the same team 
• How a design-build system can improve the quality of your new construction 
• Why top residential architects are choosing design-build 
• SARCO Architects’ unique approach to design-build services 

Let’s get started.

Design-Bid-Build vs Design-Build

When it comes to architecture design and construction, ‘design-bid-build’ has traditionally been the most common way of building your project.  

In the traditional design-bid-build approach, you hire an architect to create the project’s design. The completed design is then sent out to various contractors who will bid on and compete for the project. 

In contrast, with the design-build method, the owner hires a single entity to deliver their entire project. Usually, a full-service architecture firm specializing in high-end residential or commercial projects, a design-build firm can manage your project from concept to completion. 

(We have an entire article dedicated to the design-build method if you want to learn more about the process!) 

In many cases, top design-build architecture firms will include services such as: 

• Complete project management from start to finish 
• Planning support (for example, with overall approvals from preliminary requirements all the way to municipal building permits) 
• Full architectural design and design development 
• Design coordination with engineering design teams and clash identification and correction 
• Interior architecture services 
• Comprehensive construction management services all the way to final project delivery 
• Compliance (e.g., sustainability and safety reports) 

The best residential architects typically have diverse portfolios that showcase their designs for private clients and development projects. They also possess in-house design and construction expertise.  

Usually, when it comes to design-build services, various consultants collaborate, yet a single entity is accountable for the project, despite the varying services provided. 

Many architects may speak proudly of their design projects, but the best residential architects can exhibit their noteworthy projects by describing the entire delivery process in depth.

Builder-Led vs Architect-Led Design Build

Diving a little deeper, builder-led design and architect-led design are two other important distinctions within the design-build system. In builder-led design-build, the construction team takes the lead in decision-making and project management, with a focus on their performance as builders, and the design is simply a need to get to the construction.  

However, in architect-led design, the architect assumes a central role. Your architect will provide guidance for the project from concept to completion, with a strong emphasis on excellent design, functionality, aesthetics, as well as overall cost and project scope. 

In general, builder-led design prioritizes practical considerations and ease of construction, while architect-led design emphasizes creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. Architect-led design offers more flexibility and customization since architects work closely with clients to draft a personalized solution that caters to their particular preferences and requirements. 

Choosing between builder-led design and architect-led design depends on the project’s goals, as well as client preferences. However, in most cases, opting to collaborate with an experienced architect can ensure that the design vision is realized to its full potential.

SARCO’s approach to design-build equals higher quality homes

At SARCO architects, we were one of the first high-end residential firms in our locality to recognize just how much the design-build method can improve the quality of luxury builds. 

This is why we decided to go one step further and establish our own SARCO system that incorporates design-build project delivery with additional elements that help bring your project to life more effectively.

From providing exceptional leadership to both design and build teams to leveraging technology to enhance your design, we maintain full control over your build while also seizing every opportunity we can to elevate your final product. 

From interior design to landscaping, there are a few details that we don’t touch. 

Focusing on ensuring your design is viable and optimized as much as possible before construction even begins, our architects use their knowledge of building practices to achieve results you didn’t even know were possible. Maintaining industry standards and leading the way in areas such as innovation and sustainability, our architects see the ‘bigger picture’ of your luxury build. 

All of this has meant we can design and deliver homes with unmatched quality. Our design-build system means:  

1. Our architects learn from their mistakes

At SARCO, we believe that mistakes provide a great opportunity for growth and improvement.  

The problem with the design-bid-build system, and something we have seen at many other firms, is the architect isn’t involved in the construction phase.  

This leaves very few opportunities for learning from mistakes. 

Our architects are encouraged to examine their firm’s work together, pinpoint areas that require improvement, and gain insights from any missteps or challenges that arise during each project. And all of that is more likely to happen with the design-build system. 

Although this is the case, our Firm Principal, Roderick Anderson is always personally involved in all projects, to ensure that even if our architects slip on any detail, this is always reviewed and can be corrected before anything is executed.  

2. We use technology to work together

We believe in leveraging the latest technology to ensure successful design and construction projects for our clients. With detailed Building Information Modeling (BIM), we create 3D digital models of our designs, simulating and evaluating various design options before construction begins.

Because the whole team (design and construction) is on board from the beginning, we use the 3D models and visuals to communicate with the whole office. 

This approach helps us identify and resolve potential design conflicts and errors, improving the accuracy of project cost and timeline estimates.  

BIM also enhances communication and clarity with our clients, ensuring everyone understands project goals and design intent from the outset.  

3. Our designs revolve around our construction experience

We’re firm believers that an architect’s experience with building is critical to creating exceptional designs. This is why our architects use their knowledge of construction to inform design decisions, resulting in practical, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs.  

Thanks to our integrated approach, our architects know when the building team will need more direction to build your dream design. This allows our team to get ahead of any problems and prevent mistakes from happening. 

At the same time, our construction team knows that if they feel they need any clarification or further detail during the building process, they have direct access to the design team and can have their support pretty much any time. 

Committed to meeting our client’s needs while adhering to high standards of quality and efficiency, our building experience allows us to get more from your project — while still aligning with your brief!  

4. Design and build teams all under one roof

Unlike traditional methods where architects and construction teams work separately, our in-house collaboration eliminates the risk of personality clashes and scheduling issues from multiple parties. 

If you keep all design and construction aspects within the same company, you’ll have optimal control and collaboration on your project.  

For example, single-entity leadership during the design and construction phases can result in:  

• Improved decision-making 
• Better project coordination 
• Increased levels of accountability throughout the project’s lifecycle 
• A reduction in legal implications/compliance issues 

Additionally, as we also usually perform interior architecture design, we also have full knowledge and control over specific finishes details, product selections, and specifications, etc.  

This is hugely important as today, the world’s manufacturing market is still going through a bit of hard times post-COVID, and it can be important to pivot at the proper time and change some selections to ensure product delivery at the time the project needs.  

5. Fast communication between all parties

Clear and open communication is a vital part of our process at SARCO Architects. With both the design and construction aspects of the project managed in-house, we can quickly address any client queries or concerns.  

In a traditional design-bid-build system, communication between architects and builders is slow and messy.  If you have ever heard or experienced the term RFI you probably know what we are talking about.  

RFIs (Request For Information) is the process where a builder identifies a problem or needs clarification from the design team.  This RFI is prepared, documented, and sent to the design team, which sometimes cannot respond immediately, and it sits there for days or even weeks without a response.  

This creates a huge delay for the project and the builder ultimately puts his teams to work on something else, while they wait for a response. 

Our team maintains ongoing communication with each other and with the client to ensure the project is progressing as planned.  

This approach streamlines communication, reduces the risk of misunderstandings, and results in a more efficient project delivery. Our ultimate goal is to exceed our clients’ expectations in every aspect of the project — including communication.

Achieving Complex Design and Construction: SARCO’s Cielo Mar project

One of our firm’s notable projects that showcases our unique design approach is the Cielo Mar residence, nestled in the Peninsula Papagayo community. This project showcases how ambitious designs can be achieved with careful planning and respect for the construction process.  

SARCO collaborated with Barnes Coy Architects, a New York-based architecture and design firm, to effectively manage design development, the construction drawings, and ultimately the build in Costa Rica. Before initiating construction, SARCO adapted the original schematic design into a set of plans our building team could use. This included using our local knowledge to make the design more feasible. 

With our design-build system, we ensured that no time or resources were wasted in trying to achieve outcomes without laying the right groundwork first.  

For instance, our team anticipated that the complex roof shape, resembling a corkscrew, would require detailed design drawings. By including our architects from the beginning and having them present during the project, we were able to offer precise drawings as necessary and stay on schedule. 

Another challenging aspect of the Cielo Mar project was a cantilevered bridge suspended over a swimming pool. Our team, possessing extensive construction knowledge, provided precise fabrication drawings and managed logistics to ensure the safe arrival of the bridge to the site. 

We believe that if we had relied on multiple contractors instead of our team, such a high-quality build would not have been possible.

What Are the Other Benefits of Having Design and Construction Led by the Same Team?

As project owners are usually not design and construction experts, a team experienced in both disciplines is highly valuable for ensuring the project runs smoothly. 

A reliable design-build firm can relieve you from the burden of having to juggle multiple contractors at once. Instead, they can help you achieve your desired results and even help you elevate your design from your first meeting. 

Some other benefits of a design-build include:  

1. Higher chance of staying on schedule

Design-led builds offer a major benefit: architects can make on-the-spot adjustments to construction designs based on feasibility and practicality.  

No more ‘back and forth,’ just realistic design solutions that work for both design and build teams. Leading to fewer snags and delays. 

2. More cost-effective

The integrated nature of design-led builds also enhances coordination and communication, reducing the risk of costly errors, reworks, and time delays.  

With better control over planning and design outcomes, design-build projects reduce the risk of expensive changes being implemented without your input. With just one point of contact, your project’s intended scope and budget can be more easily maintained.  

3. Less burden on project owners…and less paperwork!

Project owners don’t need to balance relationships between a design firm and construction contractors when they only have one contract with a single firm to take care of everything. 

With single source responsibility and only one point of contact for your project, design-build project owners also benefit from clearer communication than with traditional design-bid-build.

Expect Exceptional Quality through SARCO’s Design-Build System

At SARCO, we are experts in designing and building custom luxury properties in Costa Rica. From conceptualization to handover, we take care of every aspect of your project.  

SARCO’s design-build approach ensures expert and innovative workmanship, setting your dream home project apart. 

The SARCO team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and construction, incorporating the latest industry trends, technologies, and materials to create homes that are aesthetic, functional, and sustainable. 

This level of quality luxury is only possible through our design-build model. 

Luxury properties aren’t limited to just windows or swimming pools but rather exceed expectations with innovative interior design services and solutions. As a full-service design firm, we understand how to design properties that give you the life you want. 

If you’d like to work with award-winning residential architects and designers, we’re currently taking on limited new clients and would love to hear from you. Get started with your project today by booking a call with us.