In a design-build project, the design-builder provides a full-time project manager and a full-time superintendent to manage the entire project. The superintendent is the site eyes and ears of the project and supervises all the local trades, while the project manager administers the project, issues subcontract agreements, and coordinates the efforts of the building designers and the site civil design. The project team will oversee the site safety, quality and schedule all while working to maintain the construction budget.
If a third party architect is hired to design the project, the owner can either provide its own construction manager or hire an architect to act as a liaison between the general contractor and owner.