Traditional construction projects are often slowed down by fragmented teams, inconsistent communication, and budget surprises. When developers must coordinate between architects, engineers, and general contractors—each with their priorities—projects are prone to delays, scope changes, and cost overrun surprises after the 100% plans are delivered.

NC Sturgeon’s design-build approach eliminates that friction. By consolidating all phases of a construction project under a single contract and team, with total collaboration with the owners, NC Sturgeon delivers faster, more efficient, and more reliable outcomes for commercial clients across Midland and West Texas.

The NC Sturgeon Design-Build Process

NC Sturgeon’s approach to design-build construction integrates planning, design, and construction through a streamlined, single-source model. Every step is designed to minimize hand-offs and accelerate progress without compromising quality. And with in-house designers NC has the agility to change direction during the design process should the need require without sacrificing time cost or quality.

Here’s how the design-build process works:

1. Property/Site Selection
– Full and total collaboration with the owner.
– Evaluate the location for buildability, zoning, utility access, and permitting potential.

2. Project Programming/Conception
– Define project goals, space needs, and functionality to align design with the owner’s vision.

3. Preliminary Design & Budgeting
– Create early layouts and scope to establish a working budget that guides final design decisions.

4. Value Engineering
– Identify cost-saving alternatives in materials and construction methods without sacrificing performance or quality.

5. Construction/Engineering Drawings
– Develop fully coordinated drawings that meet code, reflect real site conditions, and are ready for permitting and construction. Items like foundations, structural, and plumbing may be submitted for permitting early and long lead items are ordered in advance to expedite the building process.

6. Permitting & Procurement
– Manage local code compliance and initiate early purchasing of key materials to avoid delays.

7. Construction Execution
– Oversee construction activities, subcontractors, deliveries, and quality control to keep the project on track.

8. Project Closeout & Warranty
– Complete final inspections, address punch-list items, and deliver warranty documentation for peace of mind.

Each step is handled under one roof, ensuring faster decisions, fewer hand-offs, and consistent results.

The Role of Value Engineering in NC Sturgeon’s Design-Build Model

Value engineering is the process of improving a project’s performance while reducing unnecessary costs, without sacrificing quality. At NC Sturgeon, it’s built into every phase of the design-build process, not just when budgets get tight.

Here’s how NC Sturgeon does it differently:

– Material choices are based on cost trends and durability, helping clients avoid price spikes and future maintenance costs.

– Structural designs are optimized to reduce steel or concrete volume while maintaining strength and compliance.

– In-house design and construction teams collaborate early, ensuring constructability and efficiency from day one.

– Clients are part of the conversation, with value decisions tailored to performance, energy use, and long-term ROI.

NC Sturgeon’s proactive approach means fewer change orders, better budget control, and faster builds which most traditional firms can’t match.

Why More Developers Are Choosing Design-Build Construction

Across Texas and the U.S., the design-build construction method is gaining traction for commercial and industrial builds. Here’s why:

– Faster Timelines: Integrated teams compress the schedule by 30-50%.

– Early Budget Clarity: Costs are developed alongside the design.

– Less Stress for Owners: One point of contact = fewer surprises.

– Efficient Procurement: Materials are sourced in sync with the build schedule.

In high-growth areas like Midland, Odessa, and surrounding West Texas regions, speed-to-market and predictability are critical. Design-build delivers both.

Common Misconceptions About Design-Build Construction

Some decision-makers are hesitant about design-build because of persistent myths. Let’s clear them up:

– Myth: Design-build sacrifices quality for speed.
– Reality: NC Sturgeon prioritizes quality with early coordination and continuous design reviews.

– Myth: It only works for simple or small buildings
– Reality: NC Sturgeon delivers design-build projects for banks, office complexes, retail centers, industrial facilities, and even medical and nuclear facilities.

– Myth: It limits the owner’s input.
– Reality: Clients are more involved at every major milestone, from concept approval to final finishes.

NC Sturgeon’s collaborative model ensures transparency, adaptability, and full client engagement.

What Makes a Good Design-Build Contractor?

Not all design-build firms are created equal. Here’s what sets the best apart:

– Proven experience in retail, commercial, and industrial construction.

– Strong pre-construction planning and budget accuracy.

– Knowledge of local codes, permitting, and site logistics.

– Open-book pricing and transparency throughout the process.

NC Sturgeon checks all these boxes with a decades-long track record of delivering complex builds across West Texas with precision and professionalism.

Design-Build in Action: The Western National Bank Case Study

When Western National Bank approached NC Sturgeon with an ambitious goal of constructing a two-story, high-end banking facility in Odessa within 12 months, the design-build model proved essential.

– Challenge: Material and timeline constraints.

– Decision Point: Steel framing (10-week delay) vs. CMU block.

– Solution: Value-engineered to CMU block, saving 5 weeks.

– Outcome: Structural shell completed in under 6 weeks.

– Result: Building occupancy achieved 25 days ahead of deadline, allowing the bank to capture significant tax benefits.

This project is a prime example of how NC Sturgeon uses design-build to solve problems in real time, minimize risk, and deliver exceptional outcomes.

Advantages of Working With NC Sturgeon for Design-Build Construction Projects

When you choose NC Sturgeon as your single-source design-build contractor, you get:

– Unified teams that reduce confusion and finger-pointing.

– Integrated scheduling for smooth project flow.

– Accountability from start to finish.

– Turn-key construction solutions tailored for the climate, codes, and pace of West Texas development.

Whether you’re developing a bank, office complex, or logistics center, you’ll benefit from a smarter, faster construction process with NC Sturgeon at the helm.

Start Your Design-Build Construction Project With NC Sturgeon

Ready to streamline your next commercial build?