Tools of the Trade
Design-build practices invest considerable time in setting up shop and tremendous capital in tools. Three basic categories of shop work dominate almost every project: cutting, assembly, and finishing. The following items are especially useful.
Design-Build Explained
How does design-build affect the project? the process? the client? Here, the principals of five thriving design-build firms weigh in
Design, Build, and Beyond
An increasing number of contributors to our ever-expanding built world are referring to their practices as design-build. That means that the same minds and hands do both the designing and the building. Design-build offers a customized product that’s designed continuously until it’s completed. But there are different approaches to design-build, as a look at several New York City firms attests.
101 Design-Build
Demystifying design-build: Where does design stop and building begin? Plus, tools of the trade.
Leo Marmol, Marmol Radziner + Associates
Los Angeles–based Marmol Radziner is renowned not just for its skillful rehabilitation of run-down architectural icons like Neutra’s Kaufmann House in Palm Springs but also for stunning ground-up projects.
Danita Rooyakkers, BUILD
Danita Rooyakkers is one-third of Montreal-based BUILD, along with partners Michael Carroll and Attila Tolnai. The firm, which was founded in 1995, received Canada’s Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture in 2004.
Chris Krager, Krager & Associates Design/Build (KRDB)
This Austin, Texas–based studio built its profile by designing and building some notable houses on spec. Chris Krager cofounded KRDB in 2001 with the goal of creating extraordinary buildings that are financially accessible.
Dan Maginn, El Dorado, Inc.
The designers at Kansas City–based El Dorado believe they are improving on the conventional architect-contractor relationship by cultivating a more collaborative spirit among client, contractor, and architect while maintaining the roles and responsibilities of each.
101 Manufacturing
Manufacturing from conception to production and reproduction.







