So what are the benefits, beside cost, for using a design/builder instead of an architect?  The study and practice of architecture, in a general sense, is a two part process consisting of art/design and documentation/administration.  Few architects have genuine experience on the construction side of the business.  Likewise, most builders are more mechanically minded than artistic.  Though the documentation/administration portion of design is wholly integral it is also the easiest learned or outsourced of the three parts involved in managing, conceptualizing and building a new home.  Building, while seemingly a mechanical process, is often as much of an art as a science.  One of the largest challenges a builder often faces is integrating an architect's design with effective building practices, materials and site specific conditions.  There are many great architects out there, and our team includes one of the best in the area.  There are also many architects whose lack of on-site experience leads to issues and cost overruns throughout the construction process.  Often, plans received are an artistic rendering of what might possibly be should any of the logistics happen by luck to work out.  As a builder it can be quite frustrating trying to provide a client with a great end product while having to work through and around a faulty design.  It is our goal to remove this issue from the equation by integrating our knowledge of construction from the very start of the design process.