As Alberta's industrial and agricultural sectors continue to grow (particularly in farmland and food processing), we see that project owners consistently seek construction solutions that bring efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility.

For industrial and agricultural projects, we see that design-build is easy for our project owners and for our team.

We’re able to manage every facet of our projects and facilitate clear communication and project management, rather than having to piecemeal out different aspects like pre-construction and design phases. This makes it an ideal choice for getting projects done on time and within budget!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the core reasons we prefer design-build for our projects.

Single Point of Contact

It’s no secret that managing construction projects can be complex, especially when you factor in Alberta’s vast and sometimes remote areas.

Using the design-build approach means we can offer a single point of contact, which eliminates the need for project owners to juggle multiple contractors. This is a game changer for more remote projects, where constant and reliable communication with different team heads can be a logistical challenge.

Faster Project Completion

While we do our best to work comfortably in all weather, cold weather can halt progress for months.

This is where the design-build model comes in handy, as it allows for overlap between the design and construction phases. While designs are being finished and fine-tuned, site prep and early construction work can begin, which significantly reduces the overall project timeline.

For agricultural and industrial project owners, we understand that time is money.

Alberta’s farmers and agribusinesses will often operate within tight seasonal windows, and construction delays could mean missing important planting or harvesting cycles.

With design-build, faster completion times ultimately mean less disruptions with day-to-day operations overall.

Cost-Efficiency and Predictable Budgeting

Many industries in our province operate on tight margins. For our project owners, having a predictable budget when investing in their businesses is extremely important – and we’re here to help!

With the design-build model, we can provide detailed cost estimates early in the process, which helps our clients avoid unexpected expenses later. We also work with the client’s desired budget as closely as possible, through our collaborative and iterative process, ensuring that we look at all possible opportunities for cost savings.

We’re hard-pressed to find clients who don’t think every dollar counts – that’s wise thinking and careful planning! The efficiency that comes with the united design-build team at SWMW ensures that projects stay on track financially.

Meets Specialized Industrial and Agricultural Requirements

Industrial and agricultural facilities often come with highly specific requirements and regulations, whether it’s for heavy equipment storage, grain silo safety, or complex processing facility operation.

We know that Alberta’s diverse industries – from oil and gas to farming – require customized solutions that can accommodate all operational needs, like specialized machinery operation and precise environmental controls.

The collaborative nature of design-build construction allows for these needs to be accounted for right from the start. By working together, design and construction teams can ensure that the facility meets the project owner's exact specifications.

Collaboration and Flexibility

Collaboration is at the heart of the design-build approach.

Alberta’s industrial sector, including manufacturing and energy, often requires large-scale, complex projects that involve multiple teams working together.

Using design-build ensures we can integrate architects, engineers, and construction crews into one cohesive unit. This approach means fewer errors, faster problem-solving, and smoother execution.

Agricultural project owners also benefit from the flexibility that design-build offers. As farming and agricultural technologies evolve, many project owners need the ability to make adjustments during construction. The design-build approach allows for these changes without causing major disruptions.

Why Design-Build is Our Go-To Construction Method

Alberta’s industrial and agricultural sectors face unique challenges, from remote locations to harsh weather and evolving regulations.

The design-build construction method is a streamlined, cost-effective, and flexible construction solution that meets the present-day needs of project owners. By integrating design and construction teams into one unit, we can more easily ensure faster completion times, better budget control, and the ability to adapt to any changes.

At Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction, we understand the specific needs of Alberta’s industrial and agricultural businesses – and have for decades.

Connect with SWMW!

Our design-build approach has delivered successful projects across the province, from remote agricultural facilities to large industrial complexes.

Ready to see how we can help your project succeed? Get in touch with the SWMW team for an unmatched customer experience and efficient and timely project execution. We’ll help bring your project to life!

Use our handy online quote request tool or fill out our convenient contact form and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible!