George Elvin’s 2007 book, Integrated Practice in Architecture:  Mastering Design-Build, Fast-Track, and Building Information Modeling, is a great resource for anyone interested in learning how progressive architects view integrated practice in general and design-build in particular. 

Many architects view design-build with skepticism or even hostility – - it removes control from the owner and results in a less-than-adequate (or even unsafe) design.  This antiquated view still dominates the profession, yet Professor Elvin clearly disagrees. 

The book’s cover and preface reveal that he is a highly educated architect (Ph.D. in Architecture from Cal-Berkeley) and a practical design-builder (he worked for ten years operating his own integrated firm).  This rare combination gives Professor Elvin a unique perspective, and he gives high level and accessible attention to may topics, including:  defining integrated practice, setting up the integrated team, Building Information Modeling, the evolving standards of care, model design-build contract forms, and organizational change.

The most interesting aspect of the book is its nearly total reliance on design-build as the default “integrated delivery model.”  Granted:  AIA’s version of IPD didn’t exist when this book went to press.  But this hardly diminishes the fact that design-build is Professor Elvin’s method of choice.  

After DBIA’s Design-Build Manual of Practice, it’s one of the best summary resources I’ve consulted.  I recommend adding it to your library.