A design-build renovation puts design and construction under one roof — one team, one contract, one point of accountability — which means fewer surprises and a smoother project. Here's how it works.
Design-Build: The Smarter Way to Renovate
If you’ve heard the term “design-build” and wondered what it actually means in practice — this guide is for you. Here’s how it works, why it matters, and what the process looks like at Olympic City.
The Simple Definition
Design-build means one company handles both the design (drawings, selections, planning) and the construction (building, coordinating trades, managing the project) under a single contract. You have one point of contact from your first meeting to the final walkthrough.
The Design-Build Process at Olympic City
Step 1: Discovery Meeting
We meet at your home, walk the spaces you want to renovate, listen to your goals and wish list, and get a clear picture of what you’re trying to achieve.
Step 2: Concept Design
Our design team develops floor plan options, 3D renderings, and material direction. You’ll see what your renovation will look like before we commit to anything.
Step 3: Detailed Design + Selections
We finalize the design and walk you through all selections: cabinets, tile, counters, fixtures, hardware, flooring, lighting. Everything chosen before the project starts = no mid-project delays.
Step 4: Fixed Price Contract
With the design complete and all selections made, we provide a detailed fixed-price contract. You know the total before we start.
Step 5: Construction
Our team manages everything: permits, demo, framing, plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry, finishing. You have a single project manager as your daily contact.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough
We walk through the finished project together, address any items on your deficiency list, and hand over the keys.
Why Homeowners Choose Design-Build
- One contract, one conversation: No managing the gap between your designer and your contractor
- Cost certainty: Fixed price, defined scope, no surprises
- Better design: Designs are buildable — no field discoveries that require expensive redesigns
- Faster: Pre-construction is more efficient when design and construction are one team
- Accountability: If something isn’t right, there’s one place to call
What Makes Olympic City Different
- Full in-house design team (not outsourced)
- Fixed-price contracts (no cost-plus surprises)
- Calgary and area focus — we know the market, the codes, the contractors
- Dedicated project manager for every project
- Post-project warranty and follow-up
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Contact Olympic City Renovations to schedule a Discovery Call.
Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
One company handles both the design and the construction, so you have a single accountable team.
Fewer gaps between designer and builder, tighter budgets, and one point of contact.
Instead of coordinating a designer and a contractor yourself, one team manages the whole project.
Yes — Michelle leads design and Jonathan runs the build, start to finish.
Related reading: design-build vs design-bid-build, design-build vs traditional, and choosing a contractor