The Design-Build Advantage
Design-build is more than a project delivery method — it's a philosophy. Instead of hiring an architect, then bidding the project to a contractor, Archetype Construction brings every discipline under one roof from day one. The result is a faster, more cost-effective, and more cohesive project for you.
With over 25 years of experience in church and commercial construction, we've refined a process that eliminates the communication gaps, change orders, and finger-pointing that plague traditional design-bid-build projects. You get one team, one contract, and one point of accountability.
Single-Source Responsibility
In a traditional project, the owner manages the relationship between architect and contractor — two separate contracts, two separate agendas. When conflicts arise, you're caught in the middle. Design-build eliminates that burden.
- One contract covering design and construction
- One point of contact for all project decisions
- Architect and builder working as teammates, not adversaries
- Faster conflict resolution and fewer change orders
- Budget accountability from concept through completion
Our Trusted Design Partners
We are proud to partner with a network of talented and experienced design professionals from Texas to the Carolinas. These long-standing relationships are the cornerstone of our success, allowing us to assemble the perfect team to match the unique needs and vision of your project.
- Licensed architects specializing in worship and commercial facilities
- Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers
- Interior designers with church and commercial experience
- Landscape architects and civil engineers
- Specialty consultants for acoustics, A/V, and lighting
Every partner we bring to the table has been vetted through years of collaboration. We don't subcontract design to the lowest bidder — we build teams based on fit, expertise, and proven results.
Architecture & Engineering
Great buildings start with great design. Our architectural partners translate your vision into detailed plans that balance aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Because they work alongside our construction team from the start, designs are practical, buildable, and cost-conscious.
Schematic Design
Concept floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings that bring your vision to life before a single wall goes up.
Construction Documents
Detailed drawings and specifications that guide every trade through the building process.
Engineering
Structural, MEP, and civil engineering coordinated with architectural design for seamless integration.
Interior Design
The interior of your building is where people experience your mission. Whether it's a sanctuary that inspires worship or a commercial space that drives productivity, our interior design partners create environments that serve your purpose.
- Material and finish selections coordinated with budget
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) specifications
- Color palettes and branding integration
- Lighting design and fixture selection
- Signage and wayfinding
Value Engineering
Value engineering isn't about cutting corners — it's about finding the smartest way to achieve your goals within your budget. Because our construction team is at the table during design, we catch costly decisions early and offer alternatives that save money without sacrificing quality.
- Material alternatives that reduce cost without reducing performance
- Construction method optimization for faster schedules
- Phasing strategies that spread costs over time
- Life-cycle cost analysis for long-term savings
- Real-time budget tracking throughout the design phase
Permitting & Approvals
Navigating the permitting process can be one of the most frustrating parts of a building project. We handle the paperwork, the meetings, and the coordination so you don't have to.
- Building permit applications and submittals
- Zoning variance requests and hearings
- Fire marshal and life safety reviews
- ADA compliance verification
- Utility coordination and site plan approvals
Project Timeline
One of the biggest advantages of design-build is speed. With design and construction overlapping rather than running sequentially, projects move faster and more predictably.
Pre-Design
Needs assessment, site evaluation, and programming to define your project's scope and budget.
Design Phase
Schematic design through construction documents, with real-time cost feedback at every milestone.
Construction
Site work through final punch list, managed by the same team that designed your building.