Design-Build and Construction Management in Florida
Integrated project delivery for greater control over budget, schedule, and quality on complex Florida projects.
Your Trusted Partner for Seamless Construction Projects
GK Development Group provides design-build, construction management, and owner’s representation services for property owners throughout Florida. Our integrated approach coordinates design, permitting, and construction under one contract, giving you a single point of responsibility from concept through completion.
Dennis Gunter brings 40 years of construction management experience to every project. Whether you are building a custom home on the Gulf Coast, a new church in Central Florida, or renovating a hotel in Palm Beach County, GK Development Group provides the planning, coordination, and oversight that complex projects require.
What is Design-Build Construction?
Design-build is a project delivery method where the owner contracts with a single entity for both design and construction services. Unlike the traditional design-bid-build approach where architects and contractors work under separate contracts, design-build provides:
Single Point of Responsibility
GK Development Group coordinates architects, engineers, and trade contractors under one agreement. When questions arise, you have one call to make.
Integrated Budget Development
Construction costs are estimated during design, not after. This allows design decisions to be made with real cost information, reducing surprises during bidding.
Faster Project Delivery
Design and construction activities overlap rather than occurring sequentially. Permitting can begin on early phases while later phases are still being designed.
Reduced Change Orders
Because the builder participates in design, constructability issues are identified before construction begins rather than discovered in the field.
Construction Management Services
GK Development Group provides construction management services for owners who want professional oversight of their construction project. Construction management may be structured as:
Construction Manager as Agent (CMa)
GK Development Group acts as your representative, managing the project on your behalf while you hold direct contracts with trade contractors. This approach provides transparency and owner control over all project costs.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMr)
GK Development Group provides construction management services and assumes contractual responsibility for project delivery at a guaranteed maximum price. This approach transfers schedule and cost risk from the owner to the construction manager.
General Contracting
GK Development Group contracts to build your project for a fixed price or cost-plus fee, managing all subcontractors and taking responsibility for the complete construction scope.
Owner's Representation Services
For owners who have existing relationships with architects and contractors or who are managing construction through other delivery methods, GK Development Group provides owner’s representation services including:
- Pre-construction planning and budget review
- Contractor selection and bid evaluation
- Contract negotiation assistance
- Construction observation and quality oversight
- Schedule monitoring and reporting
- Pay application review
- Change order evaluation
- Closeout and warranty coordination
Owner’s representation provides professional construction oversight without requiring GK Development Group to serve as the general contractor.
Pre-Construction Planning
Successful construction projects are won or lost during pre-construction. GK Development Group provides comprehensive pre-construction services including:
Budget Development
Detailed cost estimating during design phases allows owners to make informed decisions about project scope, materials, and schedule before construction begins.
Constructability Review
Review of design documents identifies potential construction challenges, code compliance issues, and value engineering opportunities while changes are still cost-effective.
Schedule Development
Critical path scheduling accounts for permitting timelines, material procurement, and construction sequencing to establish realistic project duration.
Permit Strategy
Florida construction involves multiple permitting jurisdictions. GK Development Group develops permit strategies based on decades of experience with Florida building departments.
Florida Service Areas
GK Development Group provides design-build and construction management services throughout Florida:
- Gulf Coast : Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Dunedin, Sarasota, Bradenton, Naples, Fort Myers
- Southeast Florida: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Stuart, Fort Lauderdale.
- Central Florida: Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park, Lakeland, Ocala.
- North Florida: Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tallahassee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Design-Build and Construction Management
What is the difference between design-build and traditional construction?
In traditional design-bid-build, you hire an architect to complete designs, then bid those designs to contractors. In design-build, you hire one firm to handle both design coordination and construction. Design-build typically reduces project duration and provides cost certainty earlier in the process.
Is design-build more expensive than traditional construction?
Design-build is often more cost-effective because construction expertise informs design decisions, reducing costly changes during construction. The total project cost depends on scope, materials, and site conditions rather than delivery method.
When should I hire a construction manager?
Construction management is valuable for complex projects where professional oversight provides value through budget control, schedule management, and quality assurance. Institutional projects, multi-phase construction, and projects in operational environments particularly benefit from construction management services.
Does GK Development Group work with my architect?
Yes. GK Development Group works with owner-selected architects and designers. We also maintain relationships with architecture firms throughout Florida and can recommend design professionals appropriate for your project type.
What does owner's representation include?
Owner’s representation provides professional construction oversight on behalf of the property owner. Services may include budget review, contractor selection, construction observation, pay application review, and change order evaluation. The scope is tailored to owner needs.
How does GK Development Group handle permitting in Florida?
GK Development Group has decades of experience working with building departments throughout Florida. We develop permit strategies appropriate for each jurisdiction, prepare permit applications, coordinate plan reviews, and schedule inspections.