Our Design Build Process An Integrated approach
The Aztec Advantage is AZTEC’s Total Design-Build Solutions method of project delivery which has been carefully developed to place our clients in control of cost, schedule, and a quality outcome.
AZTEC’s Total Design-Build Solutions is an integrated approach to facility development. We provide a single source for all facility planning, design and construction services, and assume undivided responsibility for budget, schedule, and quality. The Total Design-Build Solutions program was developed by AZTEC to place the client in control of cost, schedule, and a quality outcome. The goal of the program is the maximize value by implementing a method of project delivery that consistently exceeds our clients' expectations. AZTEC makes this goal a reality by employing a two-phase contractual approach.
In the Preliminary Design and Budgeting phase, AZTEC works in partnership with the client to develop a facility concept and performs sufficient preliminary engineering to establish a definitive cost and schedule for the project. Alternative systems and methodologies are evaluated with the goal of providing the best overall value to the client. A scope work is established and plans are completed in sufficient detail to yield a lump sum price to and definitive project schedule. At the completion of this phase, a very small percentage of the total project cost has been expended, yet the total cost and time at risk have been clearly quantified based upon a mutually agreeable scope of work.
The Final Phase
In the Final Design and Construction phase, AZTEC applies its structured methodology to prepare construction documents and execute competitive procurement and construction in an overlapping sequence.
- AZTEC’s Total Design-Build Solutions program produces several key benefits for our clients:
- Makes the facility development process easy by providing single source responsibility.
- Provides client maximum input on and control of design, cost, and schedule.
- Undivided responsibility for all project requirements from planning and design through construction, start-up, and warranty.
- Team collaboration eliminates the typical designer/contractor adversarial relationship facilitating a seamless design to construction process.
- Maximizes value.
- Early identification of cost through reliable, accurate estimates even at conceptual stages of the project allows our clients the confidence that they can make critical planning decisions.
- Examination of options, costs, and alternatives during the value engineering process maximizes the value of every dollar spent on the project.
- Constructability reviews virtually eliminate change orders.
- Compresses the project schedule. Design and construction activities are performed concurrently.
- Critical path scheduling fast tracks the project delivery process.
- The client’s facility is operational faster, which reduces interest on capital and enables the client to generate a return on investment sooner.
- Delivers quality and elimination of surprises.
- Comprehensive plan reviews and project inspections emphasize prevention of problems.
- Vendors and subcontractors are pre-qualified on critical project elements.
- With undivided accountability, responsibility for defects or non-performance cannot shift to another party.
- Warranty related items are controlled and corrected quickly and properly.
- Aztec’s 25-year weather-tightness warranty on pre-engineered standing seam roofs leads the industry.
- A one-year post-occupancy inspection identifies any design or construction related potential defects and arranges correction or repair.
COLLABORATIVE DESIGN/BUILD
Front-End Services
- Services
- Architecture
- Space Planning
- Interior Design
- Engineering
- Critical Path Scheduling
- Construction
- Quality Assurance
- Equipment Installation
- Facilities Management and
- Maintenance
- Master Planning
- Site Location and Selection
- Site Assessment
- Regulatory Analysis
- Facility Assessment
- Architectural Programming
- Design-Build Project Criteria
- Permit Acquisition
- Digital Visualization
Why Choose Design-Build Solutions for Your Project?
The design-build approach has transformed the construction industry by integrating planning, design, and execution under a single umbrella. Aztec Building Systems’ Total Design-Build Solutions takes this model to the next level, offering unparalleled efficiency and quality in every project.
Streamlining Complexity for Better Results
Traditional construction methods often involve juggling multiple contracts and coordinating between separate teams for design and construction. This can lead to miscommunication, delays, and budget overruns. With Aztec’s design-build solutions, you benefit from a unified process where all phases are handled by a single, expert team. This collaborative approach minimizes errors and ensures that every element of your project aligns seamlessly.
Maximizing Value Through Integration
By merging the design and construction phases, Aztec eliminates inefficiencies and fosters innovation. Early-stage collaboration enables the team to explore cost-saving alternatives, evaluate innovative systems, and optimize designs for constructability. This results in reduced change orders and maximum value for every dollar spent.
Faster Timelines, Higher Quality
The concurrent scheduling of design and construction phases accelerates project completion. Aztec’s critical path scheduling ensures that each step is precisely timed, so your facility becomes operational faster. This means you can start generating revenue or utilizing your space sooner than with traditional methods.
Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs
Every project is unique, which is why Aztec’s design-build solutions are fully customizable. From regulatory analysis to digital visualization, Aztec offers a wide range of front-end services to suit the specific demands of your facility. This tailored approach ensures that no detail is overlooked, delivering a finished product that exceeds expectations.
Proven Success in Design-Build Excellence
With over 2,300 projects completed across 17 states, Aztec Building Systems has established itself as a leader in design-build construction. Their reputation for reliability and quality is rooted in their commitment to client satisfaction, making them the top choice for design-build solutions in Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions about Our Processes
Can you take care of my whole project, or do I need to hire other contractors too?
When you choose Aztec Building Systems as your general contractor in OKC, you get a one-stop shop. We take care of permits, plans, crews, materials, scheduling, safety checks, and inspections. No chasing down separate teams or managing a dozen moving parts. We keep your build tight, clean, and on track.
What’s the real benefit of using a design build contract?
A design build contract means we handle the whole thing—design and construction—as one package. No bouncing between an architect and a builder, trying to coordinate two different teams. You deal with one company, one budget, one plan. It cuts down delays, costs, and stress. Most clients find it smoother, faster, and easier to manage.
What’s value engineering construction, and why should I care?
Value engineering construction is our way of saying: “Let’s build smart.” We look at every piece of your project—walls, HVAC, lighting, roofing—and ask, “Is there a better way to do this for less money?” We’ll suggest upgrades or alternatives that reduce cost without hurting quality or function. It’s like squeezing the most out of every dollar you spend.
I’m busy. How involved do I need to be in the project?
You get to choose how hands-on you want to be. Some clients want to approve every tile. Others prefer a few big-picture meetings while we handle the nitty gritty. Either way, our design build team gives you updates and options, and always checks in before moving forward.
I’ve got a tight budget—can you help me stick to it?
Yes. Budget control is built into our process. From the first meeting, we’ll talk numbers and make sure your ideas match what’s realistic. Through value engineering, we’ll spot smart ways to save—without sacrificing looks or lifespan. We don’t just build; we help you invest wisely.
Do you only work in Oklahoma City?
We’re based in Norman and work across OKC and the entire state of Oklahoma, but we’ve also completed projects in 17 states. That said, if you’re looking for a general contractor in OKC with deep local ties and proven experience, we’re right here.
Can you speed up the project if I need it done fast?
Definitely. Our design build contract allows for overlapping work, which means while we’re finishing design details, we can already be prepping your site. We also use critical path scheduling—a fancy way of saying we plan things in the fastest, most efficient way. Projects that take others 12 months might take us 9.
What types of buildings do you specialize in?
From warehouses to offices, retail shops to manufacturing plants—we’ve done it all. Over 2,300 commercial and industrial builds. No job is too large or too custom. We tailor every design build contract to fit what you need.
How do you make sure there are no costly surprises mid-project?
That’s where the design build contract shines. Before we break ground, we do detailed budgeting, plan reviews, and constructability checks. We iron out issues before they become problems. And during construction, we manage the job site daily to keep things on budget and on time.
Is your work covered by any warranties?
Yes—our work comes with strong warranties. For example, our pre-engineered standing seam roofs come with a 25-year weather-tightness warranty. Plus, we check back in a year after you’ve moved in to fix any missed items. That’s how we stand behind our builds.