Cepezed: Case Studies in Designer-Led Integrated Procurement

A variety of theoretical and practical arguments can be advanced for the integration of design and construction processes. This paper begins with a brief review of these arguments , noting the wide diversity in their underlying motivational frameworks. The economic and technical advantages of integrated procurement are compromised by mediocre design associated with design build contracting. In this context , CEPEZED , an architecturally-led design build firm based in Delft, Netherlands , offers an unusual example of integrated procurement in which design excellence remains a dominant concern. The paper attempts to relate CEPEZED 's example , illustrated in a series of comparative case studies , to wider debates on procurement systems. As an alternative to making established commercially orientated design-build firms more " designer-led it is argued that CEPEZED and similar designer-led businesses have more potential for transforming the construction industry , but only if innovative means of risk transfer are developed.